Abstract: A method for producing a kerogen concentrate from oil shale comprises treating shale with an aqueous caustic treating solution to produce a shale product of substantially transformed mineral content, and then treating the shale product with an aqueous acid solution to produce a kerogen concentrate. The acid solution extracts minerals from the shale product to lower the ash content of the kerogen concentrate. A spent acid solution containing the extracted minerals can be treated to recover minerals therefrom.

Abstract: A process for extracting bitumen from tar sands comprises a two-stage extraction wherein both specific and non-specific solvents are used to obtain a bitumen product low in fines and asphaltenes.

Abstract: A method for producing a kerogen concentrate from oil shale comprises treating shale with a first aqueous caustic treating solution to produce a shale product of substantially transformed mineral content, and then treating the shale product with an aqueous acid solution to produce a first kerogen concentrate. The acid solution extracts minerals from the shale product to make a low ash content first kerogen concentrate. A spent acid solution containing the extracted minerals can be treated to recover minerals therefrom. The first kerogen concentrate is then treated with a second aqueous caustic treating solution to produce a second kerogen concentrate of lower ash content. The first and second aqueous caustic treating solutions are preferably the same.

Abstract: A method for recovery of extraction solvent from a dissolved solute wherein halogen gas evolution and halogen compound retention in the solute are minimized comprises heating a solution of a halogenated organic solvent and the extracted solute in the presence of an ammonium, Group I metal or Group II metal salt of an acid of carbon number 1 to 6, such as ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium formate, sodium carbonate, sodium formate, or calcium formate, to recover the solvent and the solute.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for generating synthetic fuels from carbonaceous minerals such as oil shale and coal by dispersing a catalytic agent by suitable explosive means into carbonaceous deposits. The explosives serve to fracture and rubblize the carbonaceous mineral as well as conveying the catalyst onto and in close proximity to the fractured particles. The catalyst coated particles are then converted, in whole or part, to gaseous and liquid products by conventional processes such as retorting, gasification, hydroretorting, hydrogenation, or the like, wherein this process or part of it is accelerated, decelerated, or otherwise favored by the presence of the catalytic agent. This process is capable of producing an increased yield and/or better quality product since it is possible to maintain greater control over the conversion step.