Inventors:
Thomas G. Reed - Houston TX
International Classification:
C10B 110, C10B 4904, C10B 5306
Abstract:
A process and apparatus for decomposing kerogen and recovering oil, high BTU gas and energy for the process wherein a crushed oil shale is fed to a rotary preheater (300. degree. to 350. degree. F. ) hence into a rotary retort (850. degree. -1050. degree. F. ) where the kerogen is decomposed and the oil evaporated, removed and condensed. From the retort the crushed shale goes to a hopper where any residual oil is stripped out by super heated steam leaving a char on the crushed shale. The stripped shale is fed into a furnace wherein the char is burned to provide heat for the process. To supplement the char and provide enough BTU's for the process, it is necessary to add a small amount of coal to the feed to the process. The hot gases from the furnace first pass into contact with the rotary retort and hence indirectly heat the oil shale in the retort. The hot furnace gases (or a portion thereof) then pass into direct contact with the crushd oil shale feed in the preheater.