An optimum thermal decomposition (retorting) of the Jordanian Lajjun oil shale was examined using a laboratory-scale batch-loaded fluidized-bed reactor. The effects of the retorting temperature (450–600 ºC), shale hold time (5–40 min) and size of shale particle (0.6–4.5 mm) on oil yield were investigated. Findings showed that for maximum oil yield achievement, a shale particle size close to 1.4 mm was optimal. For this, two optimum retorting zones were proposed; in the first zone, retorting should be performed at higher temperatures (540–600 °C) and short shale hold times (5–20 min) and in the second zone, at lower temperatures (450–510 °C) and long hold times (> 20–40 min).
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