Effect of N₂ and CO₂ on shale oil from pyrolysis of Estonian oil shale

ABSTRACT

A kukersite oil shale sample from Estonia was pyrolyzed using a Fischer assay method under N₂, N₂/steam, CO₂ and CO₂/steam environments. The thermal behavior of the oil shale sample was also studied using TGA and DSC with similar conditions. Also, several properties of produced oils were measured and FTIR analysis was carried out to compare the molecular structure of the derived oils. The presence of steam increased the liquid and gaseous yields, and also caused a greater weight loss in the oil shale. The pyrolysis tests in both the CO₂ and N₂ atmospheres produced oils with relatively similar properties however, the molecular structure was different.

KEYWORDS:

• Oil shale
• Fischer assay
• pyrolysis
• steam
• CO₂
• N₂

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by Estonian Research Council from National Programme for Addressing Socio-Economic Challenges through R&D (RITA), which is supported by the Estonian Government and European Regional Development Fund.”