IMPROVEMENT OF LOW-TEMPERATURE LIQUID FUEL PRODUCTION METHODS FROM OIL SHALE (BITUMINOUS OIL).

Аннотация

This article explores the improvement of low-temperature processing methods for obtaining liquid fuel products from oil shale (bituminous oil). The limitations of conventional high-temperature processing—such as high energy consumption, low product quality, and environmental risks—are critically analyzed. Alternative methods, including catalytic low- temperature pyrolysis and hydrogenation, are evaluated for their efficiency and feasibility. Experimental results on fuel yield, chemical composition, and calorific value are presented, with recommendations for optimizing process parameters. The study contributes to the development of energy-efficient, environmentally safe, and economically viable technologies for processing unconventional hydrocarbon resources. Keywords: Oil shale, bituminous oil, low-temperature processing, liquid fuels, pyrolysis, hydrogenation, catalytic upgrading, unconventional hydrocarbons, energy efficiency, environmental safety. Introduction: The growing global demand for energy, coupled with the gradual depletion of conventional crude oil reserves, has led to increased interest in unconventional hydrocarbon sources such as oil shale. Oil shale, also known as bituminous shale, contains significant amounts of organic matter (kerogen), which can be thermally decomposed to yield liquid and gaseous fuels. However, traditional high-temperature processing techniques often result in high energy consumption, low selectivity, and the release of environmentally hazardous by-products. In response to these challenges, researchers and industry specialists are actively exploring low-temperature processing methods as a promising alternative. These include catalytic pyrolysis and hydrogenation processes that operate under milder thermal conditions, offering potential advantages such as reduced energy usage, improved product quality, and enhanced environmental compatibility. This study aims to investigate and optimize low-temperature methods for converting oil shale into liquid fuel products. The research focuses on process efficiency, product yield, and composition, with the ultimate goal of developing sustainable technologies for the economic and eco-friendly utilization of bituminous oil resources. Literature review: In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the extraction of liquid fuels from oil shale as an alternative energy source. Traditional retorting processes, which involve heating oil shale to temperatures above 450°C, have been widely studied and implemented in countries such as Estonia, China, and the United States. However, these high-temperature methods are associated with excessive energy consumption and the generation of significant volumes of greenhouse gases and solid waste (Liu et al., 2019). To address these limitations, alternative low-temperature processing methods have been proposed. 267 ResearchBib IF - 11.01, ISSN: 3030-3753, Volume 2 Issue 6 Catalytic pyrolysis, in particular, has gained attention due to its ability to enhance kerogen conversion at lower temperatures (300–400°C) while improving the selectivity and quality of the resulting liquid fuels (Wang & Yang, 2020). Various catalysts, including zeolites, transition metal oxides, and nanoscale materials, have been explored for their role in promoting efficient cracking and reducing coke formation. Hydrogenation techniques have also been investigated as a means to upgrade the chemical structure of shale-derived oils, increasing hydrogen content and reducing viscosity (Zhang et al., 2021). These processes are especially relevant for improving the fuel properties of heavy and highly aromatic fractions typically obtained from bituminous shale. Despite promising results, the scalability, economic viability, and environmental implications of low-temperature technologies require further study. Comparative assessments of catalytic systems, reaction conditions, and process configurations remain critical to identifying optimal solutions for industrial applications. This literature review highlights the need for continued research into efficient, low- emission technologies for processing oil shale, with a focus on reducing environmental impact while maximizing fuel quality and yield. Methodology: This study employed an experimental approach to investigate the efficiency of low-temperature methods for the extraction of liquid fuels from oil shale. The research focused on catalytic pyrolysis and hydrogenation processes, evaluating their impact on fuel yield, composition, and energy efficiency. 1. Materials and raw feedstock: Bituminous oil shale samples were obtained from a local deposit and characterized using proximate and ultimate analysis to determine moisture content, ash, fixed carbon, and organic matter (kerogen) composition. The average kerogen content was found to be approximately 15–20% by weight. 2. Catalysts and reagents: Two types of catalysts were used: • Zeolite-based catalysts (ZSM-5) for cracking rea