Abstract: An ebullated bed reactor into which is introduced a mixture of a gaseous substance, such as hydrogen-rich gases, and a liquid substance, such as vacuum reduced crude or resid, beneath a grid plate disposed in the reactor. Bubble cap risers extend through the grid plate uniformly transmit this gaseous and liquid substance mixture to a catalyst bed disposed above the grid plate. The grid plate is connected to an inner wall of the reactor so that a leakage path might be formed between the grid plate and the support ring of the reactor wall. A skirt is disposed beneath the grid plate to maintain a portion of the gaseous substance in a specific area beneath the grid plate to allow proper distribution of the gaseous flow through the bubble cap riser assemblies. Thus, the portion of the gaseous substance which is maintained beneath the grid plate is prevented from escaping into the reactor via any space which may appear in the grid plate and outside the area which is surrounded by the skirt.

Abstract: A kerogen-agglomerated oil shale is contacted with an acid-containing solution prior to economically upgrade the oil shale prior to retorting. The kerogen is agglomerated by contacting the oil shale with a two phase mixture of an organic liquid and water to form kerogen-rich agglomerates and mineral-rich particles. Acids suitable for use in this invention include any acid capable of forming a soluble metallic salt, preferably sulfurous acid.