A detailed study of the geology of the Cowboy Canyon area near Bonanza, Utah was completed that showed the area would be well suited for an experimental program. Almost fifty feet of continuous oil shale, assaying about 30 gallons of oil per ton was found in the Mahogany Zone region. The oil shale strength, and the location and spacing of the joint system would allow mining and retort construction without unusual safety problems or excessive subsidence. The absence of aquifers in the immediate vicinity of the proposed experimental horizon eliminated a critical environmental concern. Detailed engineering studies were made that showed that the horizontal modified in situ retorting technology could be economically viable with only minor improvements resulting in some reduction in costs. Research conducted for the Laramie Center and by others in the preparations of vertical modified in situ retorts and horizontal retorts show that many improvements have been made in blasting techniques needed for retort preparation. The experimental program proposed in this report for the Cowboy Canyon site could be conducted with some revisions to the original planning documents to include the results of research conducted after the documents were originally completed.
Horizontal modified in situ oil shale retorting concept. [Cowboy Canyon, Utah]
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National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) - view all
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Last updatedalmost 2 years ago
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citationHarak, A.E. Bartke, T.C. ; Carpenter, H.C. ---- Roy Long, Horizontal modified in situ oil shale retorting concept. [Cowboy Canyon, Utah], 2016-09-29, https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/horizontal-modified-in-situ-oil-shale-retorting-concept-cowboy-canyon-utah0
netl_productyes
poc_emailRoy.long@netl.doe.gov
point_of_contactRoy Long
program_or_projectKMD
publication_date1984-4-1