Global Journal of Researches in Engineering, E: Civil & Structural, Volume 23 Issue 2

II. D efinition and C haracterization of B ituminous S hale The distribution of oil shale deposits in Morocco is shown in the figure (Fig. 1) below: Fig. 1: Distribution of oil shale deposits in Morocco [1] a) General Definition of Bituminous Shale Bituminous shales are rocks capable of producing oil in commercial quantities when subjected to pyrolysis. A sedimentary rock containing an insoluble organic substance is referred to as pyro schist, pyrobitumen shale, kerogen rock or, more commonly, bituminous shale. It releases an oil with a general appearance similar to crude oil by non-oxidizing heat treatment at a temperature of between 400 and 500°C [3]. b) Nature and Composition of Bituminous Shale − Organic and mineral matter. Despite certain similarities, the composition of the organic matter contained in oil shale varies from one deposit to another. − Kerogen is a mixture of high-molecular-weight compounds containing mainly carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. The oxygen and nitrogen content are generally higher than crude oils. The organic matter in oil shale is richer in aromatic sulfur compounds (benzothiophene derivatives) and above all in resins and asphaltenes. They are normally heavy but constitute minority constituents in conventional oils (0 to 2% by weight), and a majority in shale. c) Chemical Reactions Produced during Shale Combustion The chemical reactions that occur during shale combustion can be presented as follows [1]: For organic matter C_nH_n+ 〖 5n/4 O 〗 _2 → nCO_2+n/2 H_2 O+Q (Exothermic) For terrigenous matter: SiO_2 → Si+O_2 For carbonate matter: CaCO_3 → CaO+CO_2-Q (Endothermic) For other elements: 2FeS_2+11/2 O_2 → 4SO_2+ 〖 Fe_2 O 〗 _3+Q (Exothermic) III. G lobal E xperience and G eneral P roperties of B ituminous S hale a) Oil Shale Experience Worldwide Oil shales are fine-grained sedimentary rocks containing sufficient organic matter. They can be used to produce oil and fuel gas. Oil shale can be converted into liquid hydrocarbons by pyrolysis. It may be burned directly as a low-grade fuel for power and heat generation, or used as a base material in the chemical industries. Global Journal of Researches in Engineering © 2023 Global Journals ( ) E Volume XxXIII Issue II Version I 44 Year 2023 The use of Oil Shale for Road Coating