Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recovering oil from solid hydrocarbonaceous terial, such as oil shale, in particulate form using a combustion chamber and a reaction chamber arranged side-by-side and connected by a first passageway extending between the upper regions of the chambers and a return passageway. The particulate material is fluidized in the chambers and induced to circulate therebetween by the configuration of the chambers and passageways and/or the nature of the fluidization. Residual carbon on the spent hydrocarbonaceous material introduced into the combustion chamber through the return passageway is burnt, heating the material which then circulates through the first passageway to mix with and heat fresh feed material introduced into the reaction chamber giving off effluent vapours which are collected and processed.

Abstract: A process for biotechnological upgrading of shale oil in selectively removing damaging nitrogen-containing compounds comprising treating the raw shale oil with special microbial cultures having specific ability to degrade the harmful nitrogen-containing compounds, such as the amines, nitriles and heterocyclics as the quinolines and pyridines, and converting them into non-damaging components.