Results of mathematical modeling of modified in-situ oil shale retorting
Lawrence Livermore Natl. Laboratory (LLNL) has developed a one-dimensional (1D) mathematical model to simulate modified in-situ (MIS) retorting of oil shale. In this paper the authors discuss application of the model to commercial-scale retorting conditions. The model was tested by comparing calculated values to those measured in experimental retort runs performed at LLNL. There was generally good agreement between the calculated and observed results for oil yield, temperature profiles, and the yields of most gas species. Retorting rates were generally overestimated by as much as 10%. The model is a useful tool for design and control of retort operations and to identify and interpret observations that differ from model predictions. The model was used to predict the results for MIS retorting on a commercial scale, focusing on larger retorts and larger shale particle sizes than could be investigated experimentally. Retort bed properties, particularly shale composition and particle size, play an important role in determining the recoverable fraction of oil. For a given shale composition, the inlet-gas properties can be selected to help control retort operations and to maximize oil yield. Extreme variations in oil shale grade that may be encountered as a function of depth can be dealt with by appropriate changes in the composition and flow rate of the inlet gas. In addition, it is shown that substituting oxygen diluted with steam or CO/sub 2/ (for air or air diluted with steam) can make significant improvements in the heating value of the effluent gas. Finally, the feasibility of retorting through a substantial interval of very low-grade shale is demonstrated.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- OSTI ID:
- 7070958
- Journal Information:
- SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States), Journal Name: SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States) Vol. 24:1; ISSN SSPJD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Results of mathematical modeling of modified in-situ oil shale retorting
Computer model for in situ oil shale retorting: effects of input-gas properties. [RISE]
Related Subjects
040401* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- In Situ Methods
True & Modified
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMMERCIALIZATION
DECOMPOSITION
DEPTH
DESIGN
DIMENSIONS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLOW RATE
FLUID FLOW
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GAS FLOW
HEATING
IN-SITU PROCESSING
IN-SITU RETORTING
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE LABORATORY
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MODIFIED IN-SITU PROCESSES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NONMETALS
OIL SHALES
OIL YIELDS
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
OXIDES
OXYGEN
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARTICLE SIZE
PROCESSING
RETORTING
SIZE
STEAM
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
YIELDS