Alternative sources of hydrocarbon raw materials

• In this context, the development of efficient technologies for processing BR into petroleum products and combustible gases is considered promising. • First time, a radiation-thermal method has been developed for extracting the organic component from BR found in Azerbaijan. • The kinetic and techno-economic indicators of the processes under optimal conditions have been evaluated. • The application of radiation technologies for the industrial production of oil from OBR offers environmental benefits. Oil-bituminous rocks (OBR), with reserves reaching up to 860 billion tons, are considered an alternative raw material of the future. Bitumen is seen not only as a substitute for oil but also as a raw material for road construction, used for the disposal of radioactive waste and waterproofing. In this context, the development of efficient technologies for processing BR into petroleum products and combustible gases is considered promising. For the first time, a radiation-thermal method has been developed for extracting the organic component from BR found in Azerbaijan. The kinetic and techno-economic indicators of the processes under optimal conditions have been evaluated. The influence of temperature on the radiation-chemical transformations of OBR has been studied within the range of ΔT = 40–400°C and under γ-radiation at a dose rate of P = 1 Gy/s and accelerated electrons at P = 470 Gy/s. Liquid products were obtained by vacuum distillation of OBR up to a temperature of approximately 400°C. When decomposing 100 grams of OBR, the yield is 19 ml of liquid products, 80 grams of solid residue, and 1.3 liters of gas. At a dose rate of 1 Gy/s, the variation in yield does not exceed a factor of two. The obtained kinetic parameters can be used to assess the radiation resistance of OBR and to support the production of hydrocarbon feedstock from OBR. The application of radiation technologies for the industrial production of oil from OBR offers environmental benefits.