Reverse-combustion, horizontal retorting of oil shale

Abstract

Retorting of Green River oil shale by reverse combustion was studied in an adiabatic horizontal retort of approximate 226 kg (500 lb) capacity. The effects of air injection rate, system pressure, steam injection, and outlet temperature of the retort on oil yield and properties and product gas quantity and quality were studied. Product gas from the tests was of low heating value with a relatively high hydrogen and carbon monoxide content in the absence of steam injection. Oil yield was generally less than 50 volume percent of Fischer assay potential due to thermal cracking and possible product combustion. Regression equations are presented to allow estimation of oil yield and properties and product gas properties and compositions based on the retort operating variables. It was found that total usable energy recovery from the raw oil shale could be influenced by changes in test parameters. 2 figures, 8 tables.