US3623972A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tar sand retorting
Assignee: Sunoco Inc
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Filing: 1968-10-11
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Granted: 1971-11-30
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Expires: 1988-10-11
Abstract
Abstract The particular embodiment described herein as illustrative of one form of the invention utilizes a system for retorting bituminous sands which includes a horizontal bed of such materials moving first through a retorting zone, and then a burning zone. Vertical openings are formed in the bed to provide for the flow of gases through the bed in the retorting operation. Heat exchangers utilize the heat of educted hydrocarbons and burning coke to supply heated gas to the retorting system.
Inventors
- 👤 John D Bennett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 00:03
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10G; C10G1/00; C10G1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the flow channels are formed by producing vertical holes through such bed of materials.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said holes are in the shape of a truncated cone.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said bed is horizontally disposed.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
114 words
A method of retorting bituminous sand material comprising the steps of: moving a horizontal bed of such material into a retort zone on a conveyor, such conveyor having vertical passages therein; passing heated fluid through vertical holes formed in the bed of material to substantially remove all the hydrocarbons from the material, leaving coke in the material; moving the coke containing material into a burning zone; passing fluid through the vertical holes in the material while the coke in such material is burned to heat the retorting fluid; and passing coked material of the burning zone through the vertical holes and through the conveyor passages to continuously expose fresh coke to the burning zone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the bituminous sand materials, prior to passing through the retorting zone, are compacted into a substantially impermeable bed which is then perforated to form vertical holes through the bed.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for retorting tar sand comprised of noncarbonaceous materials bonded together by volatile hydrocarbon and fixed carbon constituents comprising the steps of: horizontally moving a bed of such materials on a conveyor into a retort having first and second zones, the bed of materials and conveyor having openings therein; moving hot fluids through such openings to heat the bed of materials in the first zone to a temperature sufficient to educt the volatile hydrocarbon constituents therefrom; and thereafter moving hotter fluids through such openings to heat the bed of materials in a second zone to a temperature sufficient to burn the fixed carbon constituents in said materials so that the remaining noncarbonaceous materials become unconsolidated and fall through the openings in the conveyor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
108 words
In an apparatus for retorting bituminous sands: means for moving a horizontal bed of such materials through the retorting apParatus, said apparatus including a first zone for educting volatile hydrocarbons from such material and a second zone for burning the residue of said first zone; first fluid transfer means for passing a fluid into said second zone; first heat exchanger means for transferring heat from said educted hydrocarbons to said fluid passing into said second zone; second fluid transfer means for passing a fluid into said first zone; and second heat exchanger means for transferring heat from said burned residue to said fluid passing into said first zone.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-29 | 1975-05-31 | 1975-11-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-29 | 1979-05-31 | 1979-11-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-29 | 1983-05-31 | 1983-11-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |