US4036299A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Enriching off gas from oil shale retort
Assignee: Occidental Oil Shale Inc
•
Filing: 1975-09-22
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Granted: 1977-07-19
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Expires: 1995-09-22
Abstract
Abstract Liquid and gaseous products are recovered from oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough by a method which includes the steps of establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and introducing a gaseous feed mixture into the combustion zone in the direction the combustion zone is to be advanced through the in situ oil shale retort. The gaseous feed mixture comprises an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor and is introduced into the combustion zone at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in the combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and sufficient to advance the combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort. The introduction of the gaseous feed mixture into the combustion zone generates combustion products gases which together with the portion of the gaseous feed mixture which does not take part in the combustion process, is called flue gas. The flue gas passes through the oil shale on the advancing side of the combustion zone, thereby retorting the oil shale to produce liquid and gaseous products. The liquid product and the retort off gas, which comprises gaseous product and flue gas, are withdrawn from the in situ oil shale retort at a point on the advancing side of the retorting zone.
Inventors
- 👤 Chang Yul Cha
- 👤 Richard D. Ridley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:22
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/243; E21B43/247
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone having a temperature higher than about 800° F. in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than about 800° F. and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; condensing water vapor on unretorted oil shale on the advancing side of the retorting zone to form liquid water; and withdrawing liquid water, said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said combustion zone.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
240 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone having a temperature higher than about 800° F. in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than about 800° F. and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; condensing water vapor on unretorted oil shale on the advancing side of the retorting zone to form liquid water; and withdrawing liquid water, said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said combustion zone.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein oxygen provided by the oxygen supplying gas comprises greater than about 5 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein oxygen provided by the oxygen supplying gas comprises from about 10 to about 15 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein oxygen provided by the oxygen supplying gas comprises from about 12 to about 15 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said oxygen supplying gas is air.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said water vapor comprises from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at a rate sufficient to bring about the retorting of the oil shale on the advancing side of said combustion zone and produce retorted oil shale prior to the passage of said combustion zone therethrough.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.1 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature lower than the rapid decomposition temperature of carbonates in the oil shale.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature lower than about 1400° F.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 950° F. to about 1800° F.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
241 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said water vapor comprises from about 10 to about 50 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
241 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said water vapor comprises from about 10 to about 50 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
242 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said water vapor comprises from about 20 to about 40 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
242 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said water vapor comprises from about 20 to about 40 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
259 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.1 to about 2 Standard Cubic Feet per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the fragmented oil shale being retorted; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
259 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.1 to about 2 Standard Cubic Feet per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the fragmented oil shale being retorted; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
259 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.5 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the fragmented oil shale being retorted; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
259 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.5 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the fragmented oil shale being retorted; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
244 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1100° F. to about 1400° F.; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
244 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing into said combustion zone, in the direction in which said combustion zone is to be advanced, a gaseous feed mixture comprising an oxygen supplying gas and water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, and producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1100° F. to about 1400° F.; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ retort in the direction of the advancement of said combustion zone, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort on the advancing side of said retorting zone.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
245 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone having a temperature higher than about 800° F. in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than about 800° F., and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; condensing water vapor on unretorted oil shale on the advancing side of the retorting zone to form liquid water; and withdrawing liquid water, said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
245 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone having a temperature higher than about 800° F. in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than about 800° F., and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; condensing water vapor on unretorted oil shale on the advancing side of the retorting zone to form liquid water; and withdrawing liquid water, said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said oxygen comprises from about 10 to about 15 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said oxygen comprises from about 12 to about 15 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said oxygen supplying gas is air.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced downwardly into said combustion zone at a rate sufficient to bring about the retorting of the oil shale on the advancing side of said combustion zone and produce retorted oil shale prior to the passage of said combustion zone therethrough.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.1 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature below the rapid decomposition temperature of calcium carbonate.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature below about 1400° F.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 950° F. to about 1800° F.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
229 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 50 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous product and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
229 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 50 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous product; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous product and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
229 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 20 to about 40 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
229 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 20 to about 40 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
266 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.1 to about 2 Standard Cubic Feet per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the fragmented oil shale being retorted; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
266 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.1 to about 2 Standard Cubic Feet per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the fragmented oil shale being retorted; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
267 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.5 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
267 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.5 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
248 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1100° F. to about 1400° F.; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
248 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising sufficient oxygen supplying gas to provide a gaseous feed mixture having greater than about 5 percent by volume oxygen and from about 10 to about 90 percent by volume of water vapor, at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone within a predetermined range of temperatures above the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone, and wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1100° F. to about 1400° F.; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases, from the combustion zone downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce liquid and gaseous products; and withdrawing said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
244 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into the in situ oil shale retort at a level above said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising from about 90 to about 50 percent by volume air and from about 10 to about 50 percent by volume water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting the oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone, to produce liquid and gaseous products; condensing water vapor on unretorted oil shale on the advancing side of said retorting zone to form liquid water; and withdrawing liquid water, said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous product and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
244 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into the in situ oil shale retort at a level above said combustion zone a gaseous feed mixture comprising from about 90 to about 50 percent by volume air and from about 10 to about 50 percent by volume water vapor at a rate sufficient to maintain the temperature in said combustion zone at a temperature higher than the retorting temperature of the oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort and to advance said combustion zone through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone; passing flue gas, comprising said combustion product gases and unreacted gaseous feed mixture gases downwardly through the fragmented oil shale in the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting the oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone, to produce liquid and gaseous products; condensing water vapor on unretorted oil shale on the advancing side of said retorting zone to form liquid water; and withdrawing liquid water, said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous product and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 31 wherein oxygen provided by the air comprises from about 12 to about 15 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said water vapor comprises from about 20 to about 40 percent by volume of said gaseous feed mixture.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced downwardly into said combustion zone at a rate sufficient to bring about the retorting of the oil shale on the advancing side of said combustion zone to produce retorted oil shale prior to the passage of said combustion zone therethrough.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.1 to about 2 Standard Cubic Feet per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.1 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said gaseous feed mixture is introduced into said combustion zone at from about 0.5 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature lower than the rapid decomposition temperature of the carbonates in said oil shale.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 950° F. to about 1800° F.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1100° F. to about 1600° F.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1100° F. to about 1400° F.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1200° F. to about 1300° F.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
256 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into the in situ oil shale retort at a level above said combustion zone, at about 0.5 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted, a gaseous feed mixture comprising from about 60 to about 70 percent by volume air and from about 40 to about 30 percent by volume water vapor for producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone which together with unreacted gases in said feed mixture comprise flue gas which passes downwardly through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting the oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone, to produce liquid and gaseous products; condensing water vapor on unretorted oil shale on the advancing side of said retorting zone; withdrawing liquid water, said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone; and vaporizing at least a portion of said withdrawn water to produce said water vapor and mixing said water vapor with air to produce a gaseous feed mixture and introducing same into a retort at a level above a combustion zone.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
256 words
A method of recovering liquid and gaseous products from fragmented oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort in which a combustion zone is advanced therethrough, which comprises the steps of: establishing a combustion zone in the oil shale in the situ oil shale retort; introducing downwardly into the in situ oil shale retort at a level above said combustion zone, at about 0.5 to about 1 Standard Cubic Foot per minute per square foot of cross-sectional area of the in situ oil shale being retorted, a gaseous feed mixture comprising from about 60 to about 70 percent by volume air and from about 40 to about 30 percent by volume water vapor for producing combustion product gases in said combustion zone which together with unreacted gases in said feed mixture comprise flue gas which passes downwardly through the in situ oil shale retort, thereby retorting the oil shale in a retorting zone on the advancing side of said combustion zone, to produce liquid and gaseous products; condensing water vapor on unretorted oil shale on the advancing side of said retorting zone; withdrawing liquid water, said liquid product and retort off gas comprising said gaseous products and said flue gas from the in situ oil shale retort at a level below said retorting zone; and vaporizing at least a portion of said withdrawn water to produce said water vapor and mixing said water vapor with air to produce a gaseous feed mixture and introducing same into a retort at a level above a combustion zone.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 43 wherein said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature lower than the rapid decomposition temperature of carbonates in the oil shale.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 43 wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1100° F. to about 1400° F.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 43 wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 1200° F. to about 1300° F.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 43 wherein the temperature in said combustion zone is maintained at a temperature of from about 800° F. to about 1800° F.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-18 | 1981-01-17 | 1981-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-18 | 1985-01-17 | 1985-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-18 | 1989-01-17 | 1989-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |