Abstract: A vessel for separating sand and other solid particulate matter from heavy oil and other hydrocarbons includes a horizontally disposed vessel having a plurality of internal weirs. There are gaps below the weirs along the bottom of the vessel where the vessel defines a plurality of longitudinal channels having a plurality jets. The wash jets provide fluid force to move the sand along the channels and provide agitation. The oily solids may be introduced into the vessel at a first end and collected from a solids outlet at a second end. Oil and wash fluid may be skimmed from upper portion of the vessel with an oil skimmer at the first end.

Abstract: A surfactant for separating bitumen from sand includes an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide contacted with low rank coal and additional fresh hydrogen peroxide. The low rank coal is preferably lignite. The surfactant may be used to clean bitumen, heavy oil and/or tar from sand, shale or clay at low concentrations and with mild agitation.