Pulsed in situ retorting in an array of oil shale retorts
US4552214A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1984 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/247
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Greater product yield and quality and continuous upgrading of shale oil with hydrogen-rich, purge mode off gases is attained by pulsing in situ retorts at different phases and intervals. In the process, flow of feed gases to the flame fronts of underground retorts are sequentially stopped and purged while continuously retorting the oil shale to enhance transfer of sensible heat from the combustion zones to the retorting zones and enlarge the separation between the combustion zones and the advancing fronts of the retorting zones. The flame fronts can be purged with steam, water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, combustion mode off gases, purge mode off gases, reactor off gases, or combinations thereof. The combustion mode off gases and/or purge mode off gases can also be used as part of the feed gas or fuel gas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.