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Simulated in situ retorting of Michigan Antrim oil shale

Journal Article · · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7079929
The Laramie Energy Technology Center (formerly the Laramie Energy Research Center) has been engaged in oil shale technology research for many years. As part of a continuing in situ research effort, retorting characteristics of mine-run Antrim oil shale and crushed, sieved, Antrim oil shale (-0.127 m, +0.0032 m) have been examined in the 10-ton (9,000-kg) retort (TTR) and the controlled-state retort (CSR), respectively. Antrim shale is a local name for the black Devonian-type shales that underlie much of lower Michigan in deposits that range from about 60 to 110 m thick. The organic material is held in a true shale, illite, and yields oil in the range of 3.3 x 10/sup -5/ to 4.2 x 10/sup -5/ cu m/kg. The TTR is a lined steel vessel that is 1.4/sup -m/ id x 3.7 m high. After loading the shale into the retort, combustion is initiated with a methane burner. When a combustion zone at about 800 F is established, air or a combination of air/recycle gas is passed through the retort. Retorting advance rate, heating rate, and maximum temperature depend on oxygen concentration in the input gas and on superficial gas velocity. Product oil is collected in a tank below the retort.
OSTI ID:
7079929
Journal Information:
Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 30; ISSN TANSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English