HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Richardson, S. G. Articles by Gray, G. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Richardson, S. G. Articles by Gray, G. Agricola Articles by Richardson, S. G. Articles by Gray, G.

Weathering Effects on Some Chemical and Physical Properties of Retorted Oil Shale¹

ABSTRACT

Union B retorted Utah oil shale, Paraho retorted Utah oil shale, and Paraho retorted Colorado oil shale differed in texture, pH, and salinity. Physical breakdown of Paraho retorted Colorado oil shale particles was observed at the surface of columns exposed to field conditions in eastern Utah for 9 months, but no physical weathering was observed in the other two retorted oil shale types under the same conditions. Exposure to weather resulted in pH reduction of all three retorted shales but was most pronounced in the more highly alkaline Paraho retorted Utah oil shale. The finer particle (<2 mm) fractions tended to have lower pH values and higher electrical conductivities than the more coarse fractions, even when the latter were crushed to <2 mm. Freezing and thawing in the laboratory were very effective in causing particle breakdown of Paraho retorted Colorado oil shale. During weathering the large particles first separated along cleavage planes, followed by disintegration of the lamina.

Key Words: reclamation • salinity • alkalinity

¹ A project of the Inst. for Land Rehabilitation supported in part under a contract with the White River Shale Proj., Vernal, Utah.

² At time of research authors were, Research Associate and Director, Inst. for Land Rehab., UMC 52, Utah State Univ., Logan Utah; and Assistant Professor and student at Calif. Polytech. Coll., San Luis Obispo, respectively. The senior author is now at Mined Land Reclamation Div., 423 Centenial Bldg., 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203. M. R. George is now at the University of California, 125 Hunt Hall, Davis, CA 95616.

Received for publication April 19, 1980.