Abstract: An oil sands separator includes a drum (10) having a solids discharge end (24) and a liquid discharge end (22) and a spiral ribbon (14) having a plurality of flights wound inside the interior of the drum. A first plate (28) partially closes the solids discharge end and has a first opening (32) disposed within it. A second plate (26) partially closes the liquid discharge end and has a second opening (30) disposed within it. A conveyor (46) is provided at the liquid discharge end for conveying feed into the drum through the second opening and into the spiral ribbon. A pipe (50) at the solids discharge end conveys hot water into the drum through the first opening. Pockets (40) at the solids discharge end remove solids from the drum as a drive rotates the drum and its spiral ribbon.