High-pressure hydrogenation of crude shale oil. [At 800 to 900/sup 0/F; use of several catalysts including W or Co molybdates]

Crude shale oil, obtained by the retorting of Colorado oil shale in a gas-flow retort, was hydrogenated over several solid catalysts in a continuous high-pressure unit on a once-through basis. At 9000 lb./sq.in.. gage hydrogen pressure and at temperatures of 800 'to 900'F ., a product oil essentially free of sulfur and nitrogen and suitable for further processing by standard petroleum methods can be produced. Using tungsten or cobalt molybdate catalysts. 40 to 50 vol. % of the product oil obtained by hydrogenation can be utilized as high-quality diesel fuel (octane ratings of 50 to 60). Depending on the type of catalyst used and the temperature of operation, hydrogen consumption varied from 2000 to 2800 cu.ft../ bbl. of shale-oil feed.