Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating coarse sand particles from fine sand particles in a slurry of sand and a solution such as results from the solvent extraction of tar sand, such method comprising causing flow of such slurry in a generally horizontal direction and then causing upward flow at a rate such that coarse particles settle out and fine particles move upwardly to a slurry outlet. The apparatus preferably comprises a tubular duct for downward flow, bottom openings in the duct for outward flow, a lower receptacle for coarse particles and an annular space surrounding the duct for upward flow of slurry of solution and fine sand particles.

Abstract: A heat saving method for drying wet particulate solids as the latter move upwardly in a loaded screw flight conveyer wherein, by establishing a non-condensable gas barrier at the upper end of the flight, the vapors formed by heating the upwardly moving mass are induced to flow downwardly for condensation by the cooler incoming particulate matter, thereby effecting an internal transfer of the heat of vaporization of the wetting liquid and a consequent reduction in the heat required to dry the particulate matter and recover the separated vapor in liquid form.

Abstract: A system for effecting a sharp separation from tar sands of the large weight fraction of coarse materials present therein and for recovering bitumen, or tar, from the remaining product, wherein, as a first step, finely divided particles of a tar sand are added to a liquid hydrocarbon solvent in an agitation zone to form a dilute solution of the bitumen component which is agitated to maintain both the coarse as well as the fine solid particles present in a well dispersed condition. This dispersion flows downwardly from the agitation zone and through a shallow conduit, generally rectangular in cross section and having an opening extending across its bottom portion over which the dispersion passes. During the short residence time of the dispersion over the opening, the coarse sand particles, which under the influence of gravity fall faster than the fines, selectively drop out of the dispersion and pass through the conduit opening into an underlying sand-receiving chamber.