Microwave Heating of New Brunswick Oil Shale

Abstract

AbstractMicrowave energy is used to heat New Brunswick oil shale to pyrolysis temperatures. Chromatographic analysis of the liberated gases revealed the presence of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, ethylene, and acetylene. Average oil yield was 90.6% of the Fischer assay. Net energy ratio (energy out/energy in) of 3 is predicted for a moderate grade shale of 22 U.S. gal/ton.