Analyses of products from the flash hydropyrolysis of a Kentucky oil shale

The performance of an eastern oil shale in a flash hydropyrolysis (FHP) reactor was studied. In a series of six tests, approximately 5 tons of oil shale from Fleming County, Kentucky, were processed in a one ton per hour process development unit providing gas, oil, and spent shale for subsequent analysis. All tests were conducted at 1000 pounds of hydrogen partial pressure over a temperature range of 1100 to 1400/sup 0/F and nominal residence times of 75 and 200 milliseconds. Liquid yields on a weight percent basis were as high as 180% of Fischer assay, while total carbon conversions as high as 70% were achieved. Comparisons between the FHP and Fischer assay oils obtained from the same feed shale showed the FHP oils to be more volatile, of lower average molecular weight, significantly more aromatic, higher in nitrogen, and approximately the same in sulfur content.