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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Some observations of retorting phenomena in shale blocks. [Large blocks in oxidizing and nonoxidizing atmospheres]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7247321
A small retort (nominal capacity, one-half-ton oil shale) with glass viewing ports was designed and operated to provide additional information on the retorting characteristics of large blocks of oil shale in oxidizing and nonoxidizing atmospheres. Shale blocks selected for retorting ranged in weight from 240 to 680 pounds and represented shale grades of 14 to 36 gallons of oil per ton. In all tests, temperature profiles show a lag in heating rate of the inside of these blocks compared to the heating rate for the shale rubble surrounding them. Analytical data on the vent gases and gas samples taken from inside the blocks are included along with physical observations to expand the technology on retorting large blocks of oil shale.
Research Organization:
Energy Research and Development Administration, Laramie, Wyo. (USA). Laramie Energy Research Center
OSTI ID:
7247321
Report Number(s):
LERC/RI-76/8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English