Pyrolysis with partial combustion of oil shale fines in a spouted bed

Pyrolysis with partial combustion of oil shale fines from the Irati Formation in Brazil has been investigated in a 30 cm diameter spouted bed reactor. Experiments were carried out at atmospheric pressure and temperatures between 450 and 600°C. The oi] shale particle size was less than 6.35 mm. Spouting gas temperatures ranged from 20 to 565°C. Three inlet gas pipe diameters and two spouted bed heights were studied. Operation of the process was found to be stable over a wide range of test conditions. Results are presented for oil and gas quality, efficiency of retorting and overall performance of the plant.