Title: Method of and apparatus for extracting oil from oil shale

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for extracting oil from oil shale. An excavating unit is driven by supplying steam to a plurality of steam engines mounted in an annulus between stationary outer and inner casings. A hollow center column and apertured screw vane are mounted for rotation in the inner casing and helical screw sections are provided outwardly of the inner casing at both ends of the apparatus for directing material to and from the inner casing. Steam is supplied to the unit for driving the center column and helical screws, with the steam supplied to the center column emanating through openings in the screw vane mounted in the inner casing for separating the oil from the oil shale by pyrolysis. The oil is withdrawn in the form of a vapor product by means of a vacuum applied to the inner casing for separation and condensation at the surface. Following excavation, the unit can be withdrawn to the surface under its own power.

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Inventors: Garte, Gilbert M. (Scituate, MA, US)

Application Number: 459641
Filing Date: 1974-04-10
Publication_date: 1976-03-02
Assignee:
Primary Class(es): 299/8 166/259, 166/260, 175/95, 299/14, 299/57
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

902517	Oct, 1908	Wittich	299/56.
2756037	Jul, 1956	Kirkpatrick	299/56.
2800316	Jul, 1957	Henderson	299/2.

Other Refs: 14,494

Jun, 1912	UK

Primary Examiner: Purser, Ernest R.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Beall & Jeffery