Inventors:
Edward T. Wall - Englewood CO
International Classification:
C10G 100, C10B 104, B01D 300, C10B 1900
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for recovering and simultaneously partially refining hydrocarbon products such as liquid oil, oil vapor and combustible and noncombustible gases from oil shale, by subjecting the oil shale ore, in fragments between 5 and 10 cm, or larger, to microwave energy at frequencies between 300 MHz and 3000 MHz. The apparatus includes kiln structures closed to air and microwave leakage, and associated microwave generators for both continuous discrete and batch processes. The microwave energy may also be applied in situ to beds and deposits of the oil shale.