System and method for extracting bitumen from tar sand

An improved system for removing bitumen from tar sands comprising:

• a pre-treatment system comprising a vibratory load hopper for classifying and sizing said tar sand particles, communicating with a dryer for heating and drying said tar sand particles to a predetermined temperature thereby controlling the moisture content of said tar sands;
• an extraction system for accepting said tar sands from said dryer comprising a plurality of extractors arranged in series for transporting said tar sands therethrough from a first extractor to a last extractor;
• a solvent system for supplying a predetermined volume of solvent flow through said extractors whereby said solvent is supplied to said last extractor and a solvent and bitumen mixture is withdrawn from said first extractor;
• and
• a refining system for filtering said solvent and bitumen mixture withdrawn from said first extractor and separating said solvent from said bitumen.