Methods for minimizing plastic flow of oil shale during in situ retorting

Patent · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:863119

Lewis, Arthur E ^[1]; Mallon, Richard G ^[2]

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1. Los Altos, CA
2. Livermore, CA

In an in situ oil shale retorting process, plastic flow of hot rubblized oil shale is minimized by injecting carbon dioxide and water into spent shale above the retorting zone. These gases react chemically with the mineral constituents of the spent shale to form a cement-like material which binds the individual shale particles together and bonds the consolidated mass to the wall of the retort. This relieves the weight burden borne by the hot shale below the retorting zone and thereby minimizes plastic flow in the hot shale. At least a portion of the required carbon dioxide and water can be supplied by recycled product gases.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4096912
• OSTI ID: 863119
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

methods
minimizing
plastic
flow
oil
shale
situ
retorting
process
hot
rubblized
minimized
injecting
carbon
dioxide
water
spent
zone
gases
react
chemically
mineral
constituents
form
cement-like
material
binds
individual
particles
bonds
consolidated
mass
wall
retort
relieves
weight
burden
borne
below
minimizes
portion
required
supplied
recycled
product
retorting process
shale particles
product gases
product gas
situ oil
shale retort
carbon dioxide
oil shale
spent shale
shale retorting
rubblized oil
situ retorting
plastic flow
retorting zone
situ retort
injecting carbon
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