Kinetic modeling of liquid generation from oil shale in fixed bed retort

Abstract

Kinetics of shale oil generation in a fixed bed retort is modeled using a second order rate equation. Samples from Ellajjun oil shale deposits are tested in 350-550 °C temperatures range. In each run, 400 g are charged to reactor and heated in a range of 2.2-10 °C min-1. Shale oil liquid is condensed at 0 ± 2 °C and its rate measured as function of time and temperature. Increasing heating rate from 2.2 to 10 °C min-1 decreased activation energy from 115 to 71.2 kJ mol-1 and frequency factor from 2.85 x 107 to 9.0 x 103 correspondingly. The generated data are modeled using Coats and Redfern differential and integral models. Good agreement has been obtained.Kinetic modeling Oil shale Heating rate Pyrolysis Fixed bed Shale oil