Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for reducing the particulate content in a gaseous stream containing entrained particulate matter and condensable hydrocarbons wherein said stream is obtained from the retorting of hydrocarbon-containing solids, particularly from retorted shale. A gaseous effluent containing condensable hydrocarbons and entrained solid particulate matter is produced during the retorting of hydrocarbon-containing solids and is discharged from a retorting vessel through a conduit containing a rotating elongate spiral-shaped element on which a portion of the particulate matter and condensable hydrocarbons form a semi-solid mass. The rotating spiral collects and conveys the semi-solid mass back into the retorting vessel for further processing thereby reducing the solid particulate content of the condensable hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the retorting of shale and other similar hydrocarbon-containing solids in which the solids to be retorted are mixed with a hot solid heat transfer material to rapidly heat the hydrocarbon-containing solids to a high temperature and conveyed through the retorting vessel by means of a flexible, generically helical shaped, elongated, hollow longitudinal core element. The shale and heat transfer material are conveyed concurrently through a first section of a cylindrical vessel while a stripping gas is introduced into a latter section of the vessel and flows countercurrent to the movement of the two solids. The stripping gas along with entrained fines, gaseous hydrocarbons, and liquid hydrocarbons in the form of a mist are removed from a middle section of the vessel while the retorted shale is removed from the end of the vessel.