Yields and properties of thermal bitumen obtained from combustible shale

Currently available data on the thermal bituminization of kukersite are summarized in order to perform the isolation of a maximum amount of liquid organic substances from kukersite through the stage of thermal bitumen formation. To separate organic and mineral shale components, the quantitative yields and properties of thermal bitumen depending on the temperature and isothermal exposure time of a combustible shale sample in a Fischer retort were refined. The experimental temperature range was 370–410°C, and the isothermal exposure time was 20–60 min. Instrumental analysis techniques were used.