In-Situ Process Options for the Recovery of Energy and Synthetic Fuels from Coal, Oil Shale and Tar Sands

Abstract

on a flurry of activities that range all the way from fault-finding exercises to true efforts Coal, oil shale and tar sands are reviewed of finding solutions to the problem. In view in an effort to delineate the applicability of of the projected ever-widening gap between in-situ exploitation meihods and their potential energy demand and supply, the concept of energy impact on the domestic energy situation in the sources competing on the basis of economics is years to come. In-situ exploitation is favored being re~laced more and more by the concept of because of some inherent environmental advantages complementary energy sources. Under the latter over mininglsurface conversion methods; because., concept, economics, rather than playing the tiithproper emphasis, the processes could consinglemost important role, shares the limelight ceivably be commercialized in the early 80's; with environmental considerations and the proband finally because present oil and gas probabilityof technological success within a duction technology, specifically from the area desired time-frame. of tertiary oil recovery, f.sthought to be applicable to a large degree. Values for domestic Since the "energy crisis" has been adopted, in-situ recoverable resources are developed for not only by industry and government but also several processes by (1) excluding non-applicable by the news media and the public-at-large, a resources and (2) applying a compound r@covery host 05 energy-related articles has made its efficiency to the remainder. The amount and the appearance in every conceivable journal and character of end products, achievable by each magazine. Often, in the more popular magazines, process, are derived. Product end use is sugenergy sources such as increased imports, coal gested and estimated product values are developed . gasification and liquefaction, surface con-While a considerable research and development version