Methods for separating hydrocarbons from particulates

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for separating hydrocarbons from solid particles in a hydrocarbon-particulate-aqueous mixture. The apparatus includes: a container for the mixture; a shockwave generator comprising two electrical terminals; and a pulsed power supply. The pulsed power supply is configured to apply a series of one or more voltage pulses to the terminals, such that, when each voltage pulse is applied to the terminals, a shockwave is applied to the mixture to promote separation of the components of the mixture. This may mitigate the need to heat the mixture and/or add chemicals to facilitate separation of hydrocarbons from solid particles such as sand or soil, mineral or carbonate particles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.