379. ------. [CLARK, A.] (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Gas From Oil Shale. United States Patent 2,452,634, Nov. 2, 1948; appl. filed Aug. 25, 1947, Serial No. 770,534; 10 claims (Cl. 260-449.6). Chem. Abs., vol. 43, 1949, p. 117

Patent Abstracts

379. ------. [CLARK, A.] (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Gas From Oil Shale. United States Patent 2,452,634, Nov. 2, 1948; appl. filed Aug. 25, 1947, Serial No. 770,534; 10 claims (Cl. 260-449.6). Chem. Abs., vol. 43, 1949, p. 1170.

Oil shale and O₂ or a gas containing free O₂ such as air, are charged to the top of a reaction zone operated at a temperature 1,500º-2,000º F. The pressure may be atmospheric or as high as 500 p. s. i. Stripped shale is removed at the bottom of the reactor and a gas mixture of CH₄, CO₂, and/or steam in ratio 3:1:2 is introduced. From an intermediate point in the reactor, synthesis gas is withdrawn. In the upper, the exothermic reaction between the organic matter liberated from shale and O₂ heats the shale and produces CO₂ and H₂. In the lower section heat for the endothermic reaction of CH₄ with steam and or CO₂ to form H₂ and CO is furnished by the heat carried by the shale from the upper zone. The particle size of the oil shale may vary considerably, but S- to 16-mesh has been found desirable.