Overall objectives of the present task were to generate preliminary process data and to establish a data base for combustion characterization of eastern and/or low-grade oil shales from experimental studies using small, laboratory-scale fluidized bed combustors and cold flow models. The specific aims developed for the program and subsequently attained were as follows: 2-inch Fluidized Bed Retorting Facility for optimization of temperature and residence time and to study influence of steam, nitrogen, and CO/sub 2/; 9-inch Twin-bed Retorting Facility for determination of operating conditions for self-sustaining performance on oil shale, and for obtaining preliminary data on the use of the twin-bed facility for gasification of anthracite; 6 x 9-inch Cold-flow Facility for determination of fluidization velocities through multiple plenum chambers, and for examination of the effect of fluidization velocities on the interface between bed and freeboard regions; 4-inch Cold-flow facility for development of a mathematical description of mixing characteristics; and for characterization of effects of horizontal baffles in attaining plug-flow mixing characteristics; Collection and analysis of shale oil involves optimization of collection procedure to maximize yields, and Dean and Stark analyses of process streams. Results are discussed. 29 figs., 11 tabs.