Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for the in situ retorting of oil shale and purification products comprising establishing an underground in situ retort containing a mass of rubblized matter comprising oil shale and establishing a flame front within the rubblized matter. Oxygen containing gas comprising at least about 90 weight percent oxygen and diluent are passed into the retort to support combustion and form combustion gases suitable for the retorting of the rubblized mass and formation of off-gas comprising hydrogen, hydrocarbons, and contaminants. Off-gas comprising hydrogen, hydrocarbons, and contaminants is recovered from the retort and hydrocarbons and contaminants are substantially separated from at least a portion of the off-gas to produce a purified gas stream comprising hydrogen. At least a portion of the purified gas stream is passed to one or more conversion zones wherein shale oil is contacted with a stream comprising purified gas stream in the presence of a conversion catalyst at conversion conditions so as to substantially reduce the amount of nitrogen and sulfur contained in the shale oil.

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First Claim