Pyrolysis of oil shale: effects of thermal history on oil yield. [Test temperatures 150 to 450/sup 0/C]

Conference · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Q. Colo. Sch. Mines; (United States)

OSTI ID:7123591

Stout, N D; Koskinas, G J; Raley, J H; Santor, S D; Opila, R L; Rothman, A J

The effect of thermal history on the oil yield of a powdered, 22-gallon-per-ton Colorado shale was studied by heating to test temperature at Fischer assay rate (12/sup 0/C/min), holding at test temperature for varying times up to 33 days, and finally heating to 500/sup 0/C at 12/sup 0/C/min. Test temperatures covered the range of 150 to 450/sup 0/C. Both autogenous (self-generated) and inert sweep gas atmospheres were used. Under autogenous atmospheres, at test temperatures of 250/sup 0/C or below, yields obtained were 100 percent of Fischer assay. Heating at 300 to 425/sup 0/C resulted in yield losses, maximizing at 19 percent after a 33-day exposure at 350/sup 0/C. Yield losses are accompanied by increased char in the retorted shale and by production of oil that is lower in density and nitrogen content, and higher in hydrogen. In the inert gas sweep experiments, increasing flow rates gave increased oil yields, approaching 100 percent of assay. This is attributed to reduced thermal degradation of oil in the retort. The total yield appears to be determined by the temperature-time exposure of the liberated oil and is not affected by the thermal history of the kerogen. The results indicate that the high gas sweep rates planned for in situ retorting will be advantageous to oil yield.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore Lab., Livermore, CA
• OSTI ID: 7123591
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Q. Colo. Sch. Mines; (United States) Journal Volume: 71:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
040500* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- Properties & Composition
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
OIL SHALES
OIL YIELDS
PYROLYSIS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
YIELDS