Mechanism of low-temperature water evolution from Green River Formation oil shale

The water evolved from Green River Formation oil shale (Mahogany Zone) at temperatures between 150 and 400°C as heated at the rate of 4°C/min results from analcime dehydration, and its rate of evolution is affected by the kinetics of dehydration, the transport of water inside and outside oil shale particles, and the equilibrium vapor pressure and the partial pressure of water. A rate equation including the above rate processes is developed, and kinetic parameters for the decomposition reaction are derived. Further experimental work is necessary to test the model rigorously.