Patent ID: 11920088

Abstract:
A method of continuously recovering hydrocarbons from carbon ores can include providing first and second vessels containing rubblized carbon ore. A cooling fuel gas can be introduced into the first vessel. The cooling fuel gas can include oxygen and a recycle gas from the second vessel, which includes hydrocarbons and oxidation products. The oxygen can be consumed through oxidation in an oxidation zone in the first vessel. The temperature of the oxidation zone can be controlled by limiting the oxygen concentration in the cooling fuel gas. This can produce a hot oxidation product gas that heats rubblized carbon ore in a pyrolysis zone downstream of the oxidation zone. Gaseous and vapor hydrocarbons can be produced in the pyrolysis zone. The vapor hydrocarbons can be condensed in a condensing zone downstream of the pyrolysis zone and then collected. The remaining gaseous hydrocarbons and oxidation products can be recycled as the recycle gas. The oxidation zone and the pyrolysis zone can continuously move through the rubblized carbon ore in a downstream direction. Optionally, by using nitrogen free oxygen for the oxidation, a nitrogen free stream of carbon dioxide is produced suitable for carbon dioxide capture and management. This can also eliminate the production of NOx in the oxidation process.