Modelling of oil shale pyrolysis in a fluid-bed retort

Pyrolysis of large oil shale particles in an isothermal fluid bed retort is theoretically studied in this paper. The governing equations describing diffusion and chemical reaction inside shale particles are solved analytically by using a finite Sturm—Liouville integral transform technique. The analysis gives not only the final distribution of products but also the dynamic response of these species from the onset of operation. Based on the information of the final product distribution (yield) and the dynamic response, the model solutions give guidance in choosing a proper temperature to operate the fluid bed retort for a given size of oil shale particle.