Screening Method for Oil Shale Samples for Fischer Assay

Abstract

The oil shale deposit survey requires testing of a number of oil shale samples. However, the Fischer assay can process only 4-5 samples a day, so the number of samples should be limited. Hence a quick method to screen the samples for the Fischer assay test is required.
The automatic micro carbon residue (MCR) test is proposed as a quick and simple screening method which requires only 100 mg of sample. The MCR test, as specified in JIS K 2270 (modified ISO 10370), can predict the weight loss of oil shale samples in the Fischer assay. Although the MCR test provides only data on the weight loss of oil shale, 12 samples can be processed in 2-3 h, the structure and control are simple, the cost is relatively low, and the equipment is easy to use. There is a definite correlation between the upper limit of oil yield from oil shale and the weight loss of oil shale, so the MCR test can facilitate the rapid screening of a large number of oil shale samples.