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U.S. Department of Energy
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Chemistry of shale oil cracking

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7086900

Results for thermal cracking of shale oil vapor over shale are presented. Cracking temperatures of 504 to 610/sup 0/C and residence times of 2 to 11 seconds were studied. A first-order Arrhenius rate expression and associated stoichiometry were given. Changes in oil properties caused by thermal cracking are also discussed. Cracking increases nitrogen content and decreased the H/C ratio and pour point of the recovered oil. Spectroscopic evidence related the decrease in H/C ratio to an increase in aromatic and alkene content of the oil. Gas-phase oil cracking was contrasted to liquid-phase oil coking as a loss mechanism in oil shale retorting. Results for oils prepared in the laboratory were also compared with oil prepared in the TOSCO-II semi-works and in modified and true in-situ combustion retorts. It was demonstrated that the naphthalene/2-methylnaphthalene ratio is a good indictor of cracking temperature in an oil shale retort.

Research Organization:
California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
7086900
Report Number(s):
UCRL-84913; CONF-800889-3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English