Abstract: A method for adjusting the softening point of a pitch material includes heating the pitch material to form molten pitch material, and rising the softening point of the pitch material by moving a plurality of movable members so that the movable members repetitively move at least some of the molten pitch material out of a liquid level of the molten pitch material and back to the molten pitch material.

Abstract: A method for separating used oil in a simple batch process into usable fractions. A pretreatment step involves forming a mixture of the used oil and specified pretreatment chemicals. A reduced pressure is maintained throughout the process along with mixing of the formed mixture. Heat is applied at a predetermined rate corresponding to vaporization and recovery of usable fractions of aqueous, light hydrocarbons, base oil, and a pumpable residual. Each distillate fraction is removed as a vapor, condensed and collected. Undesirable cracking is avoided by maintaining a reduced pressure and avoiding rapid or localized heating within the mixture by mixing during the distillation process. The resulting aqueous and light fractions can be reused in the process or otherwise used. The pumpable residual can also be sold as a high quality asphalt extender. The recovered base oil fraction may be sold as a diesel fuel extender, lubricant, catalytic cracker feed stock, or #4 fuel oil for stationary power generators.

Abstract: An apparatus for the destructive distillation of hydrocarbonaceous solids in a retort, wherein a viscous bridging zone comprising viscous liquids in intimate contact with solids, which tends to impede the flow of vaporized hydrocarbons and the flow of solid particles, is agitated by reciprocating mechanical means actuated by a rotatable crankshaft.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing hydrocarbons from drill cuttings is disclosed. The method involves heating the contaminated drill cuttings at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, milling the cuttings to expose hydrocarbons trapped within agglomerates of the material, and separating the vapors thereby produced from the cuttings. The cleaned cuttings can be used or disposed of without damage to the environment. The vaporized hydrocarbons may be condensed and recovered.