Abstract: In accordance with this invention, oil shale is introduced into a lock which discharges into a closed, vertical, stationary kiln fitted with mechanisms which cause the particulate oil shale to move continuously downwardly in a controlled, uniform plug type flow. The shale is heated by a counter flow of hot, nonoxidizing gases to the temperature required to pyrolyze the kerogen. The gaseous fraction of the kerogen joins the counter flowing gases for removal from the top of the kiln. The hot particulate shale containing the carbonaceous fraction of the kerogen moves downwardly through a second lock into a conveyance connected to the top of a second similar kiln wherein the carbonaceous residue is reacted with gaseous water and oxygen in a cocurrent manner to supply heat to the decarbonized shale and to produce carbon oxides and hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an alkali metal pyrophosphate useful, for example, as a plant food. Broadly, the method comprises reacting an alkali metal nitrate and aqueous phosphoric acid in the presence of catalytic amount of a metal oxide at a temperature of at least about 700.degree.C to produce a substantially pure alkali metal pyrophosphate and gaseous reaction products.