VALUE OF AMERICAN OIL-SHALES 229

Value of American Oil-shales*

By CHARLES BASKERVILLE,t PH. D., F. C. S., NEW YORK, N. Y. (Chicago Meeting, September, 1919) SHALES containing "kerogen," or bituminous matter, which on destruc­

tive distillation yield oily and tarry matters resembling petroleum are Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/TRANS/article-pdf/65/01/229/2177210/spe-921229-g.pdf by guest on 01 October 2021 here designated as oil-shales. They differ from oil-bearing shalas from which petroleum may be obtained by so-called mechanical means. The educts obtained by the destructive distillation resemble some or all the varieties of petroleum, depending on the character of the shale and the mode of treatment. Some shale oils have a paraffin base, some an asphaltic base, or a combination; some run high in sulfur compounds, The methods of refining and cracking, therefore, are essentially the same as are used in refining petroleums. In 1860, in this country, over fifty companies were fluccessfully dis­ tilling various natural bituminous materials for the production of " coal oil," used for illuminating purposes. The discovery of petroleum and the failure of these companies to save and utilize the valuable byproduct, ammonia, brought about their inevitable doom. Prior to that time, more or less successful efforts were made to produce from the shales of Scotland oils for illuminating and heating purposes. Competition of native petroleum from the United States early eliminated some of these companies and with the entrance of oil from the Russian and other fields into the world's markets, the Scottish oil-shale industry underwent serious and trying experiences until, in 1916, only four (Scottish) were paying concerns. These survived only through energy and the appli­ cation of skill in saving valuable byproducts. A few companies have successfully operated in France and New Zealand. The Canadian Government showed active interest in the New Brunswick shales, which exist in quantity and are more valuable than the Scottish shales. The retarded development of that valuable asset of the Province of New Brunswick was most unfortunate, especially when the product was so much needed in the prosecution of the war. The economic slIccess of a shale-oil industry depends on the follow­ ing factors: * This paper was presented by request at the Denver meeting of the Institute, Delay in its publication gave the author an opportunity to revise that part which had to do with the prosecution of the war, However, the fundamental features concern­ ing the economic development of an important natural resource are given as indicated in the original communication. t Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Chemical Laboratories, College of the City of New York, 230 VALUE OF AMERICAN OIL-SHALES

1. The shale, on distillation, must yield an oil simulating petroleum in character and composition. The distillation is carried on in retorts variously designed, preferably to make the process continuous. Nor­ mally the shale, in pieces of suitable size, is fed into a retort near the top of which the shale is subjected to a fairly low lateral heat. The products of distillation thus produced are swept out by a current of gas produced below. As the shale passes through the retort it is subjected to a more intense heat, which brings about the distillation of the heavier products. The carbonized residuum then comes into contact with regulated blastsDownloaded from http://onepetro.org/TRANS/article-pdf/65/01/229/2177210/spe-921229-g.pdf by guest on 01 October 2021 of steam (and air), which generate water (or producer) gas. This gas passes through the cooler parts of the retort and assists in sweeping out the products evolved at the lower temperatures. The entire gaseous product passes through suitable condensers to remove the oils, paraffin, tar, etc., and through scrubbers to remove the ammonia; and the residual gas is then burned in annular chambers to provide the lateral heat re­ ferred to. The ash, often more than 50 per cent. of the original shale, is automatically removed from the other end of the retort by various mechanical devices, somewhat similar to the Mond-Lymn sealed gas producer. The Scottish practice involves four retorts in a unit, which units are multiplied into banks. A unit, four retorts, handles about 10 tons of shale per day of 24 hr. The condenscrs and scrubbers resemblc those of ordinary gas (coal and water) works. In other words, there is no great necromancy in distilling oil-shales and refining them, as some might have one suspect or believe. 2. The shale ~ust yield oil in such abundance as to pay the costs of mining and treatment, or the character of the oil must be such that it pos­ sesses unusual value; for example, a high percentage of paraffi.n, or a notable amount of ichthyol. 3. Since the last-me~tioned conditions are comparatively rare in the oil-shale industry, a valuable byproduct is essential to carry the burden of mining and treatment. The combined nitrogen, which is largely converted into ammonia in the distillation, has been the salvation of the few surviving Scottish companies and must be an important con­ sideration in any shale-oil industry anywhere. 4. Assuming adequate oil educts (30 to 60 gal. per ton of shale dis­ tilled) and a supporting ammonia output, the oil shale must be in ample quantity and so situated as to bc mined in the cheapcst manner. Ade­ quate water supply is essential for condensing and other purposes for the crude-oil works. 5. An adequate supply of sulfuric acid for the absorption of the am­ monia is essential. If 30 lb. of ammonium sulfate were obtained per ton of shale, it would call for some 25 lb. of sulfuric acid per ton of shale treated (round figures are used), or 12,500 tons of 92 per cent. sulfuric acid for every million tons of shale treated. A 50,000,000 bbl. CHARLES BASKERVILLE 231

annual production would thus call for 625,000 tons of sulfuric acid,'which is no mean quantity. An annual increase of over 800,000 tons of ammonium sulfate from such an operation would materially affect the market for that substance. However, the product has a variety of valuable uses, not only in agriculture and chemical manufacturing, but in refrigeration. 6. As observed, the character of the shale and the mode of distilla­ tion determine the quality of oil obtained. Although the process and its products are simple in outline much unknown along these lines awaits investigation. It is known, however, that different modes of treatment Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/TRANS/article-pdf/65/01/229/2177210/spe-921229-g.pdf by guest on 01 October 2021 yield crude oils of entirely different composition. Furthermore, the field-test methods practiced, while giving valuable empirical information as to the character of the shale under a uniform system, fail utterly to tell the proper procedure to be followed to sccure the best values. Labo­ ratory methods come nearer the truth, but the only truly accurate way is by commercial tests in full-sized units. The character of the shale, whether caking or non-caking, is important in determining the proper mode of treatment. For the present we may dismiss consideration of the "caking" shales, which really involve methods for treating cannel coals, and consider only the non-caking; that is, the" curly" (massive) and" paper" shales. Curly and slicken­ sided shales are characteristic in Scotland; these and paper shales are found in Canada. The paper shale appears to predominate in certain parts of the United States. Much discussion has arisen as to the best method of treating the shales found in very large quantities in Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyom­ ing. 1 It has been elaimed that the Scottish practice is not the best for our American shales. To be sure, a successful industry in one environ­ ment may fail when transplanted, but experience has led me in a new field to adopt the best practice of a given environment and then allow it to evolve with the changed conditions. There is reason to believe that this procedure will be pursued by the Bureau of Mines, which is expected shortly to erect a commercial experimental plant in the field. Initiative has already been shown by some companies, whose engineers, as a result of research, have erected small experimental plants. Several processes have been devised to strip the oil of its gasoline as fast as it is produced. Some attempt to fractionate even further (light oils, fuel oils, and residuum) during production; this line of attack does not commcnd itself to me. The crude oil, stripped of gasoline, will have an inferior value and will still require refining, as will also the gaso­ line thus stripped. One of the most noteworthy processes is based on a circulation of gas, which, after scrubbing, passes back through the distilling mass, thus taking advantage of the vapor pressure of the dis-

1 See the reports of the Bureau of Mines and the Geological Survey of the United States, especially Bull. 641-F by Winchester (1916). 232 VALUE OF AMERICAN OIL-SHALES

tillation. The distillation is thus accomplished at a much lower tempera­ ture, with a saving of fuel and a larger yield of valuable products. Whatever process may be proved to be most suitable, and no doubt several may be shown to possess distinct advantages, it must be re­ membered that the production of shale-oil in the West is not so much a problem of mining as of manufacturing. Indications point to the easy application of the simplest mining methods to this field. The mining question has been dealt with in reports by Winchester,2 Hoskins, 3 and others, especially George,4 whose advice in regard to oil-shales in Colo­Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/TRANS/article-pdf/65/01/229/2177210/spe-921229-g.pdf by guest on 01 October 2021 rado in particular should be sought. The production of petroleum in the United States is not keeping pace with consumption. This condition, while it was accentuated by the war, is not an actual outgrowth of it. The extension in the use of the gas engine and the development of oil-power energy producers have caused notable increases in the consumption of liquid fuel. The rich Mexican fields may supply the deficit in production within the United States and the untapped oil reservoirs of South America may yet flow to our refineries, but the difficulties of transportation and the establish­ ment of satisfactory trade relations, which are not unsurmountable, im­ press one with the importance of self-containedness, especially in con­ nection with a raw material on which so much of our national industry depends. The annual production of crude petroleum within the United States for 1918 is estimated at 300,000,000 bbl. This will require a material addition to keep the 477 refineries in operation up to their capacity of 490,000,000 bbl. annually. Hence new oil fields or new sources of crude oil, or both, must be developed. Rumors of prospecting in some new fields and of active attempts to open up new pools in old oil regions are current. War demands, which obtained and are likely to continue for some time, and the lack of a universal carburetter inhibit the use of such substitutes as benzene and ethyl (grain) and methyl (wood) alcohols for the time being. To meet the deficiency, within recent months at­ tention has been directed acutely to the enormous latent fuel-oil resources dormant in American oil-shales. Recently my attention has been drawn to a variety of flamboyant advertisements in connection with the shale-oil industry, which were so misleading that I hope the Institute will take adequate steps to safe­ guard, as well as foster, a promising industry. It is no business for an individual who expects quick returns. Too much stress cannot be laid upon the fact that it is a manufacturing industry requiring ample capital for large operations with the very best of technical skill. With these and with patience, the enormous resources now dormant in American oil­ shales may be developed into a great and profitable industry.

20p. cit. 'State Geologist of Colorado. 3 Min. &; Sci. Pro (Apr. 13 .• 1918). DISCUSSION 233 DISCUSSION ARTHUR L. PEARSE, London, Eng. l written discussion).-In the last paragraph Professor Baskerville correctly sums up an important position. The paper was probably written some months ago, as is indicated; if it were written today he would have further emphasized these conclusions. The oil-shale is a great industry, has been for many years, and bids fair to become one of the most important. This industry and its twin-the carbonization of coal-are the most important unorganized industries in the world today. Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/TRANS/article-pdf/65/01/229/2177210/spe-921229-g.pdf by guest on 01 October 2021 We are not precise enough when we talk about the Scotch shale-oil practice. If reference is made to the system of retorting that reached an assumed standard some 10 yr. ago, I would say thaI; no one would build such retorts today; but they are good enough to wear out and there are more of them in Scotland than there is shale to keep them going. If the reference is to the Scotch system of treating the oil, evolved out of much experience and generally adopted as standard 6 yr. ago, I would say that this method has been replaced by fractional dis­ tillation and cracking plants. The old Scotch retorl; is not the best to use on either American or any other shale. The adoption in the latest English plant, of which the first unit is 1000 tons daily, of an entirely different retort proves this. Principally owing to better practice, evolved out of work on the car­ bonization of volatile coals and other hydrocarbons, to say nothing of shale, we have learned a great deal. With the exception of the cases when the carbonized residue is required in such shape as metallurgical coke, for instance, and for which the coal or material is primarily treated, all the older methods of carbonization in ovens, intermittent or continuous verticals, etc., and where mass carbonization is adopted, are obsolete. By mass carbonization is understood the heating of a body of material, the particles of which are in close contact with each other, in contra­ distinction to a condition in which each particle is unconfined. Mass carbonization involves the passage of the heat units from the wall of the retort into the center or through the charge; as this action proceeds, it sets up the best heat screen with the corresponding costly results. This is why the consumption of heat is so great in coke ovens or vertical retorts. The act of carbonization under proper conditions is almost instantaneous. The aim of modern designers is to approximate this condition. It has been proved that, provided the gases are properly taken care of, the product is better and there is more of it. Besides, if gasoline, or motor spirit, is a desideratum, the faster the carbonization, the better the spirit, for the destruction of olefines is less, especially at low and similar temperatures. It must not be forgotten that the whole tendency- of destI:llctive dis­ tillation, Or as an authority has recently named it, "constructive" dis- 234 VALUE OF AMERICAN OIL-SHALES

tillation, is toward lower temperatures. In the United States 700 0 F. is used by one plant as its standard; while in England 600 0 F. is used with the best of results; but these temperatures necessitate other consid­ erations if a reasonable recovery of ammonia is required. The adoption of the principles mentioned have resulted in low first cost per ton-day for retorts because the" through put" is greater owing to better heat application. The amount of heat used is one-third less and the quality of the product is better, for the gases are withdrawn nearly as and when evolved. Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/TRANS/article-pdf/65/01/229/2177210/spe-921229-g.pdf by guest on 01 October 2021 While the retort has been the most serious question to many, the disposal of the gases has also been troublesome, especially where there is a shortage of water. The ponderous and, usually, leaky air and water condensers formerly so universal have been replaced, even in Scotland, by systems of fractional condensation, whereby the products are taken down in nearly the fraction or fractions desired. The cost of this section of a plant is practically cut in half and so is the trouble and expense of running. A big through put, or divisor, is essential to the best plants; the neces­ sary capital involved, even for a Scotch plant, was enormous, and the plant was very complicated. Today the cost of a modern plant can be reduced to 70 per cent. of what it would have been 2 yr. ago and at least the same reduction can be made at the operating end. Although a great deal has been done toward cheapening and simpli­ fying the process of carbonization, Professor Baskerville is right when he says that it is an industry requiring capital and skill. There are many angles and many economic conditions to be considered; not the least of which is" distribution." Notwithstanding all these, it may now be safely assumed that it is quite as easy to distil oil from shale as to drill for and distil oil for its products, and on the whole it will be quite as profitable commercially.

E. A. TRAGEU, Bartlesville, Okla.-I have distilled something over 800 or 900 samples of western oil shales and find that it is possible to get different products by different types of distillation. I have also found that by the same method of treatment the shales are divided into different groups. One type of shale tends to yield gas almost entirely; the majority of them yield mostly oil; while there are some that give a good yield of both gas and oil. This summer I found a type that by dry distillation will yield B. S. almost entirely.

THE CHAIRMAN (C. W. WASHBURNE, New York, N. Y.).-What conditions do you find give the best results in distillation? DISCUSSION 235

A. W. AMBROSE, Washington, D. C.-The matter of heat control is perhaps one of the biggest factors in determining the quality of the different bypro ducts.

E. A. TRAGER.-YOU can produce all gas and no oil from any shale by heating too rapidly, but as near as it is possible to tell, by a uniform method of distillation the different shales will divide themselves into different groups, this division being based on the resultant products.

A. W. AMBRosE.-Did you try any experiments by grinding shales to Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/TRANS/article-pdf/65/01/229/2177210/spe-921229-g.pdf by guest on 01 October 2021 different sizes? E. A. TRAGER.-Yes; but the size does not seem to affect the product. We tried everything from ).~ in. to Hoo in. mesh and the product is very much the same. The method of heating is the im­ portant factor. CHAIRMAN W ASHBURNE.-It is evident that this matter of distil­ lation of oil shales is something for our grandchildren, possibly our great­ grandchildren, but let us hope that scientists will begin to study the problem so that the next generation may have some good out of it. I believe that there has never been any gasoline or kerosene of good com­ mercial quality produced from our Western oil shales in any quantity. The best American shale, with the best method we have, would take too much sulfuric acid in treatment. What little first-class oil would be left after the treatment would not pay for the cost of the operations. E. A. TRAGER.-I found some oil shales that yield from 30 gal. to 60 gal. per ton, which on distillation will yield about 23 per cent. gasoline and 33 per cent. kerosene; this was treated with H 2S04 and the loss wasn't very great. The samples of shale which contain only a small amount of oil yield a low grade of oil; while at the same time, the better shales will yield more oil and contain a larger percentage of light con­ stituents. The best shales which have been found to date come from Colorado. The gasoline is apparently of very good grade but the great objection is the offensive odor-it is very undesirable-just what it is, I don't know. CHAIRMAN WASHBURNE.-Does that last remark apply to most oil shales in Colorado or to just a few samples? E. A. TRAGER.-It applies to all Colorado shales. We have studied quite a number of samples and in every case the shale that yields a low amount of oil will yield a heavy gravity oil. Some of the crude shale oil is quite light; the first of the yield looks somewhat like the old fashioned kerosene. It is only the odor you will have to contend with. 236 VALUE OF AMERICAN OIL-SHALES

R. A. SMITH, Lansing, Mich.-Mr. H. A. Buehler recently told me that a new type of retort for coke manufacture has been developed by G. W. Wallace of the St. Clair County Gas Co. of East St. Louis, Ill. This retort has been found to be especially adapted to oil shales. It is entirely different from the standard types in use at the present time. Coke is produced in 4 hr. and the treatment of oil shales is completed in about the same time. Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/TRANS/article-pdf/65/01/229/2177210/spe-921229-g.pdf by guest on 01 October 2021