Oil extraction process and apparatus therefor

Process according the preceding claim, wherein the solvent is supplied at the extraction chamber inlet at a pressure in the range of 2 to 5 bars.

Process according to the preceding claim, wherein oils and solvent are accelerated through a reduced section passage between the extraction chamber and an oil collection chamber.

Process according to the preceding claim, including adding a second solvent prior to or during said solvent extraction process.

Process according to the preceding claim, wherein said second solvent comprises ethanol.

Apparatus for solvent extraction comprising an extraction chamber for receiving oil bearing material therein, said extraction chamber comprising a solvent spray injection system connected via an inlet to a high pressure solvent feed circuit portion, said extraction chamber connected via an outlet to a low pressure circuit portion connected to a gas recovery pump system.

Apparatus according to the preceding claim, further comprising a vacuum tank interconnected to the low pressure circuit portion, said vacuum tank having a volume approximately two times or more than the volume of the extraction chamber.

Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the oil collection chamber comprises one or more baffles therein adapted to collect oil droplets.

Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one baffle has a generally convex shape, as seen from the oil collection side thereof.