The development of an integrated multistage fluid-bed retorting process. Quarterly report, April--June, 1994

This report summarizes the progress made on the development of an integrated multistage fluidized bed retorting process (KENTORT II) during the period of April 1, 1994 through June 30, 1994. The KENTORT II process includes integral fluidized bed zones for pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of the oil shale. The purpose of this program is to design and test the KENTORT II process at the 50-lb/hr scale. A series of seven mass- and carbon-balanced runs was completed in the 50-lb/hr KENTORT II Process Development Unit (PDU) during this period. Complete operability of the system was demonstrated and design conditions in terms of temperature, run length, and shale feedrate were all achieved. Runs of approximately 10 hours duration generated oil yields that were nearly equivalent to the average oil yield produced in the 5-lb/hr bench-scale unit. The preliminary analysis of the data indicates that the effects of scale up are relatively insignificant. Any reduction in oil yield may be attributed to the increased rate of solid recycle to the pyrolysis zone. The PDU operated autothermally, and 93% carbon utilization was achieved, on average. The balance of the project will involve characterization of the oils and writing the final report.