Abstract: A method of collecting hydrocarbons from comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material within a vertical retort infrastructure having an outer boundary substantially comprised of igneous cementations materials, an inlet, a substantially horizontal suspended grate, an outlet, and an auger disposed proximate the outlet. In the method comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material in introduced proximate an upper end of the vertical retort. The comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material is passed through the substantially horizontal suspended grate and heated while passing through the grate. The heat causes organic material within the comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material to pyrolize. The comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material is then discharged through the outlet with the assistance of the auger disposed proximate the outlet.

Abstract: A high-temperature retort structure enclosing an inner retort volume. The high-temperature retort structure includes a floor forming a lower boundary of the inner volume, a ceiling forming an upper boundary of the inner volume, and a wall forming a lateral boundary of the inner volume. The floor has at least one discharge opening for discharging of material, and the ceiling has at least one intake opening for intake of material. The wall is comprised of an inner layer of high-temperature resistant, fast curing material, an intermediate layer of high-temperature concrete, and a permeability barrier disposed external to the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A system for conveying material in a high volume, substantially continuous retort process. In the system a material is introduced into the retort and forms a live pile atop a distribution system. As the material falls through the distribution system it is heated to pyrolyze any organic matter. The resulting hydrocarbons are collected and the material is collected at a bottom of the retort structure.

Abstract: A method of heating and conveying hydrocarbonaceous material in a retort structure having an internal volume, an outlet, a grate, a gas injector, and an auger. In the method the hydrocarbonaceous material is introduced into the internal volume through the inlet. The inlet substantially prevents gaseous transfer between the inner volume and the exterior of the retort structure. The hydrocarbonaceous material is passed through the grate. A gas heated to a first temperature is injected through the gas injector to heat the hydrocarbonaceous material while the hydrocarbonaceous material is atop the grate. The hydrocarbonaceous material is collected after passing through the grate. The hydrocarbonaceous material is then removed through the outlet.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for hydrocarbon extraction from feedstock material that is or includes organic material, such as oil shale, coal, lignite, tar sands, animal waste and biomass. A retort system including at least one retort vessel may include a monolithic dome structure surrounded by a process isolation barrier, the dome structure being sealingly engaged with the process isolation barrier. The dome structure and the process isolation barrier define a retort chamber, at least a portion of which may comprise a subterranean chamber. A lower end of the dome retort structure provides an exit for collected hydrocarbons and spent feedstock material. Systems may include a plurality of such dome retort structures. A control system may be used for controlling one or more operating parameters of a retorting process performed within such a dome retort structure for extraction and collection of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for hydrocarbon extraction from organic materials, such as oil shale, coal, lignite, tar sands, animal waste and biomass, which may be characterized generally as feedstock ore. A retort system including at least one fabricated retort vessel may be fabricated within a shaft surrounded by a liner of a process isolation barrier, the upper end of the shaft being closed with a cap sealingly engaged with the liner. The lower end of the shaft provides an exit for collected hydrocarbons, and spent tailings. The shaft may be excavated from the surface into and through one or more subterranean formations, and process control infrastructure is installed within the shaft to for control of hydrocarbon extraction and collection.