Modeling and sensitivity study of critical parameters in oil shale retorting process

In an effort to improve this country´s energy self-sufficiency, the need for the development of synthetic fuels and alternate energy supplies seems essential. Among these possible energy options, oil shale is perhaps the most attractive liquid-fuel alternative. Within the US, the two major types of oil shale are the Green River and the Devonian-Mississippian. Organic and inorganic constituents of oil shale are discussed. Two retorting techniques are described. It is concluded that the size distribution or particle radius has a more pronounced effect on the retorting process than composition variations. It was found that the average rock temperature increased as rock radius decreased. The most dramatic effect of this change occurred in the final concentration of dolomite where an order-of-magnitude change was noted. A shift in reaction predominance was also noted in the coke reaction that produced methane. The coke decomposition reaction slowed as radius decreased, and the carbon-carbon dioxide reaction began to dominate.