Oil shale retorting technology

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Chem. Eng. Prog.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6181675

Duir, J H; Christolini, B A; Griswold, C F

Reports that a 12,800-ton/d retorting process scheduled to start up in mid-1983 promises to improve its product yield and quality. A third-generation process is also expected to increase thermal efficiency. Kerogen in the oil shale is decomposed on retorting and is liberated from the rock as oil and gas vapors. Use of the cold incoming shale feed to condense the bulk of the oil product substantially reduces the capital and operating costs for external condensing equipment common to most other surface retorting schemes. Retorting conditions can be established which will cause the retorting to take place near the top of the retort bed. At this level, the contact pressure between shale particles is at a minimum. Union Oil has been involved in the development of surface oil shale retorting for close to 40 years and has pioneered the development of solids upflow retorting. Presents tables with combustion decarbonized shale properties; combustor flue-gas properties; and efficiency of oil shale plants. Plant efficiencies including fuel consumption for mining and shale preparation are calculated by dividing the heating value of the net products by the sum of the heating values of the raw shale, power plant fuel for purchased power, and diesel fuel for the mine and disposal areas. Process development and combustor equipment design and selection is continuing.

• Research Organization: Union Oil Co., Brea, CA 92621
• OSTI ID: 6181675
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. Prog.; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. Prog.; (United States) Vol. 79:2; ISSN CEPRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
040400* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- Oil Production
Recovery
& Refining
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
DECOMPOSITION
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GASIFICATION
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
OIL SHALE PROCESSING PLANTS
OXIDATION
PILOT PLANTS
RETORTING
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES