A comparison of the thermal decomposition of Colorado and Kentucky oil shale

Although the pyrolysis of oil shale has been studied for decades, relatively little is known about the chemical reactions which occur during pyrolysis. As a first step in a systematic approach toward understanding the relationship between kerogen structure and its conversion during pyrolysis, isothermal decomposition studies have been conducted on a Colorado and a Kentucky oil shale in the temperature range, 368{degree}C to 425{degree}C. The aim of this work is to explore the chemistry of kerogen thermal decomposition in relationship to the kerogen structure. By understanding these relationships it may then be possible to improve the efficiency of the conversion processes or to develop novel approaches for greater conversion of kerogen to oil. This understanding is particularly important for eastern oil shales that have high organic matter contents but produce little oil by conventional pyrolysis methods.