THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF OIL SHALES

Recent developments in the characterization of the thermophysical properties of various types of oil shales are reviewed. Changes in the thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of these technologically important materials are discussed, with temperature and organic content as the experimental variables. Structural models are presented to aid in predicting the variation of thermophysical parameters with organic content in the shale. Comparison of calculated results with experimental data are shown with thermal diffusivity as a representative parameter. Areas where further research of a fundamental nature would be of particular relevance are also highlighted in the review. © 1979 Chapman and Hall Ltd.