Chemical dynamics of the transformation of the organic matter to bitumen in oil shale

Abstract

Experimental data showed the relationship between the amount of bitumen formed from oil shale from Soldiers Summit (Utah) and the temperature and period of pyrolysis. Samples of shale were heated in a constant temperature bath for definite periods, and the amount of bitumen formed was determined by extraction. Bitumen formation was a function of the temperature and time of heating. This point may have been missed by other observers, as the rate was slow at low temperatures, and the bitumen decomposed as soon as it formed unless precautions were taken. The amount of bitumen formed was independent of temperature; therefore, the ultimate yield of bitumen can be obtained at either low or high temperatures if the heating time is sufficiently long. (Author's note--Recent work does not entirely agree with this statement.) The values obtained for the specific reaction-rate constant k for various temperatures may be used to calculate the rate of transformation of the organic matter at conditions impossible to determine experimentally. These data also indicate that the formation of bitumen is an endothermic process.