Brillig
09-04-2006, 10:19 AM
Just read an article http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/09/04/MNGIEKV0D41.DTL detailing some of the current projects for extraction of oil from oil shale in Colorado. Some of my favorite quotes:
At each production site, the powerful heaters extend down hundreds of feet, stretching vertically through a cylindrical area of shale about 100 feet in diameter. They then heat the area to about 700 degrees Fahrenheit -- for two to three years.
Shell plans to surround each heated area with a frozen barrier about 10 feet thick, chilled by pipes of pressurized aqueous ammonia.
Sounds pretty ambitious and maybe a little bit crazy. But that's oil companies for you. :D
At each production site, the powerful heaters extend down hundreds of feet, stretching vertically through a cylindrical area of shale about 100 feet in diameter. They then heat the area to about 700 degrees Fahrenheit -- for two to three years.
Shell plans to surround each heated area with a frozen barrier about 10 feet thick, chilled by pipes of pressurized aqueous ammonia.
Sounds pretty ambitious and maybe a little bit crazy. But that's oil companies for you. :D