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Title: Apparatus and method for igniting an in situ oil shale retort

Patent ·
OSTI ID:863778

A method and apparatus for conducting such method are disclosed for igniting a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles in an in situ oil shale retort. The method is conducted by forming a hole through unfragmented formation to the fragmented mass. An oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the hole. A fuel is introduced into a portion of the hole spaced apart from the fragmented mass. The fuel and oxygen-containing gas mix forming a combustible mixture which is ignited for establishing a combustion zone in a portion of the hole spaced apart from the fragmented mass. The hot gas generated in the combustion zone is conducted from the hole into the fragmented mass for heating a portion of the fragmented mass above an ignition temperature of oil shale.

Research Organization:
Occidental Oil Shale, Inc., Grand Junction, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FC20-78LC10036
Assignee:
Occidental Oil Shale, Inc. (Grand Junction, CO)
Patent Number(s):
4,245,701
Application Number:
06/047715
OSTI ID:
863778
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 1979 Jun 12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English