UNUSUAL CONFERENCE

Conferences on energy-related matters are a dime a dozen these days, and the only tangible result of most of them is the carbon dioxide in the conference hall.

But more than carbon dioxide was produced last month at a conference of outstanding excellence in Denver, the Tri-State (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming) Fossil Fuel Conference sponsored by the Edward Teller Center for Science, Technology and Political Thought, and devoted to both technology and social issues. The papers given on coal, gas and shale technology by the nation's leading experts presented a concentrated treasury of knowledge, and much of it was revealed for the first time.

For example (we have space for only one), Richard Ridley, manager of oil-shale research for Garrett R & D Co., a division of Occidentia Petroleum, revealed details of Occidental's in situ process for recovering oil from shale (AtE Nov. 73). The shale formation is entered through an outcrop, a large room is mined, and a number of 100-150 ft holes are drilled in the ceiling for explosives, which are then detonated. The rubble drops into the room to form a tightly packed chimney with about 15% empty volume, sufficient to allow fuel to flow freely. Air and fuel are pumped into the top of the chimney and ignited, which produces more fuel (gas, carbon deposits), and the heat retorts the shale oil in situ. It is collected at the bottom of the chimney and pumped to the surface.

Unlike nuclear fracturing, this process is not lOO% in situ, since a corridor and a room must be mined; however, the ugliest problem, disposing of the shale tailings, is eliminated. Ridley estimated commercial production feasible within 3 years, down from Occidental's previous estimate of 8 years.

In the final discussion by a panel of experts, world-renowned nuclear physicist Dr E. Teller appealed for particular attention to research of in situ processes because of their minimal environmental impact. The Occidental process, hydraulic fracturing, nuclear fracturing, and all other in situ alternatives should be thoroughly tested. This research is costly, but it will be repaid a thousand times. "And by this thousandfold return I do not mean the difference between the best and worst methods," he said, "I mean the difference between the best method and the second best."