Dravo Corporation

Daniel W Kestner

Frank Forbes

Joseph G Selmeczi

Donald H Marlin

In the indirect method of retorting oil shale highly heated gases produced out of contact with flames in a heat exchanger are introduced into the retort and release oil vapor and high-value, high BTU gas and oil vapor from the shale which mix with the hot gas so introduced into the retort. Instead of burning the heat value gas of pipeline quality in the heat exchanger which is the present procedure, this invention fires the heat exchanger with abundant, cheap, low-value gas which for example is produced underground in-situ at or near the retort, thereby preserving the high value gas, after condensation of the oil vapor, partially for recirculation through the heat exchanger and retort and for in-plant operations, such a hydrogenation of the extract shale oil to produce refinable crude or for pipeline use.

Method of and apparatus for processing of oil shale

In a process for the removal of fines from a bed of oil bearing shale in a travelling grate retort, a fluid such as air, inert gas or process gas is drafted through the bed in order to entrain in the fluid substantially all of the fines in the bed. The fines are then evacuated from the bed thus increasing the permeability of the bed and substantially decreasing the fines in the retorted shale oil.

Fine particulate removal from oil shale on a travelling grate retort

The solids content of aqueous coal sludge slurries such as coal washings are stabilized in a hardened state by concentrating the solids content thereof, adding to the concentrated coal sludge 2-50% by weight of the solids of granulated blast furnace slag, with intimate mixing, and maintaining the mixture in a quiescent state and in the presence of excess water to produce a sedentary mass having load supportive properties suitable as landfill.

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Coraopolis, PA, United States of America

Daniel W Kestner