CO2 supercritical fluid extraction of Jordanian oil shale utilizing different co-solvents

In this study, extracting shale oil from Jordanian oil shale using supercritical fluid extraction has been investigated. Experimental data indicates that by using supercritical extraction with carbon dioxide, using co-solvents can be viable. A relatively high yield can be obtained at relatively moderate pressure. At the highest temperature and pressure of 450 °C and 3200 psi, respectively, and with hexane as a co-solvent, the highest yield obtained was 100 kg/ton of oil shale, which was at the highest temperature and pressure of 450 °C and 3200 psi, respectively, and with hexane as a co-solvent. Increasing both the operating pressure and temperature increases the oil yield. In the supercritical state, carbon dioxide along with other co-solvents, such as hexane and acetone, interact with the kerogen leading to the dissolution of fragments due to an increase in solubility and mass transfer.Increasing the particle size of oil shale for extraction decreases the oil yield. Most of the extracted oil obtained is saturated hydrocarbons, olefinic and a portion of aromatic hydrocarbons. As the extraction temperature increases, the production of low-molecular weight compounds increases.

Research highlights
► SCFE of oil shale using different solvents can be viable.
► The highest yield of extraction could be obtained at relatively moderate pressure.
► Increasing the press. and the temp. increases the yield of extraction.
► Decreasing the particle size of oil shale increases the yield of extraction.
► Most of the extract is saturated HC’s, olefinic and portion of aromatic HC’s.