Regional Resource Assessment and Feasibility Analysis of Fossil Energy Recovery from Chattanooga (Devonian) Oil Shale in Alabama and Adjacent States: Report of Phase I Investigations

摘要

The primary objective of this project was to assess the resource potential and economic feasibility of recovering synthetic hydrocarbons, uranium and other by-products from the Devonian Chattanooga Shale in Alabama and adjacent states. Phase I of the proposed multiphase project consisted essentially of the following investigative elements: regional surface sampling; site-specific core drilling; Fischer assays, proximate analyses, oxide analyses, trace element analyses; economic feasibility of the Paraho and HYTORT processes in light of data from the above; and preliminary evaluation of commercialization potential of innovative processes such as liquefaction of oil shale with liquid catalysts. The results of work completed in Phase I allow the following conclusions to be drawn: within the context of the quantities of hydrocarbons found in this project and within the limitations of the accuracy of existing cost data for currently available retorting technology, it is apparent that commercialization of oil shale in the study area is not feasible at current world prices for conventional crude. The liquefaction (by liquid catalysts) of oil shales of the study area, with their characteristically low hydrogen-carbon ratios, is a promising novel method for recovering oil from eastern shale deposits, but further research to determine its commercial applicability is required. The ultimate viability of an oil shale industry in Alabama and adjacent states may depend upon the combined results of oil price escalations, more exploration and testing to delineate the highest quality deposits, and continued research on improving hydrocarbon and by-product recoveries.