Shale Oil Solvent Extraction

[bonzoboy]

Is there any experience (successful or otherwise) on using solvents to extract the oil from shale? I understand thermal heating is one process to drive the oil out, but wonder if solvents (like supercritical CO2 or others) have been explored?

Any experience out there?

 

[unclesyd]

Look at the Department of Energy website as they have several different research projects ongoing for the recovery of oil from shale.
There are also several private projects going on at the present time.
Most of the participants keep their information close to the vest. I have a friend that is working on a shale oil project that required him to promise his first son if he violated the secrecy, not confidentiality, agreement.

PS:

He would probably give his first son, a teenager with a new car.