Oil shale
Oil Shale
Oil shale (pronunciation: /ɔɪl ʃeɪl/) is a type of sedimentary rock that is rich in Kerogen. The term "oil shale" was first used in the mid-19th century, and its etymology is derived from the fact that it contains a high proportion of organic matter, which can be converted into oil.
Definition
Oil shale is a rock that contains significant amounts of organic compounds, including hydrocarbons, which can be extracted and converted into oil or gas through a process known as Pyrolysis. This process involves heating the rock to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to break down the organic compounds and produce oil.
Extraction
The extraction of oil from oil shale involves a process known as Retorting. This process involves heating the oil shale to high temperatures in a retort or furnace to break down the kerogen and release the oil. The oil can then be collected and refined to produce various petroleum products.
Environmental Impact
The extraction of oil from oil shale has significant environmental impacts. These include the release of greenhouse gases, the production of waste material, and the potential for water contamination. In addition, the extraction process requires large amounts of water and energy, which can have further environmental impacts.
Related Terms
- Kerogen: The organic material in oil shale that can be converted into oil.
- Retorting: The process of heating oil shale to high temperatures to extract the oil.
- Pyrolysis: The chemical decomposition of organic materials by heating in the absence of oxygen.
- Hydrocarbon: Organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon, and are the primary components of oil and natural gas.
- Petroleum product: Any product that is made from crude oil, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heating oil.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oil shale
- Wikipedia's article - Oil shale
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