Tetralin extraction of Jordan oil shale with ultrasonic irradiation

The kinetics of dissolution of decarbonated Jordan oil shale in tetralin, in the presence of ultrasonic irradiation at relatively low temperatures, has been evaluated. The solvolysis was found to fit a first-order integrated equation between 28 and 95 °C, and a second-order equation for the temperatures 121 and 132 °C. Negligible reverse reactions were detected when shale residue was exposed to the solution for long periods of time. A slurry of 1:1 ratio by weight of shale to solvent was found to be best for maximum yield of extract (oil). The rate processes were concluded to be determined by diffusion-controlled kinetics, with an apparent energy of activation of 7.15 kcal/mol¹, and apparent enthalpy and entropy according to the Eyring equation of 5.2 kcal/mol and ?58 e.u. ² respectively.