Abstract: A retort heating apparatus for processing a feed material includes a heating chamber bound at least in part by said wall. A plurality of baffles are at least partially dispoused with the heating chamber. Each baffle includes an elongated body having a top surface, at least a portion of the top surface being arched. The plurality of baffles are vertically and horizontally spaced apart so that substantially all of the feed material that vertically passes through the heating chamber is horizontally displaced as the feed material passes by the baffles. Systems are also provided for heating the feed material within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A retort heating apparatus for processing a feed material includes a heating chamber bounded at least in part by a side wall. A plurality of baffles are at least partially disposed within the heating chamber. Each baffle includes an elongated body having a top surface, at least a portion of the top surface being arched. The plurality of baffles are vertically and horizontally spaced apart so that substantially all of the feed material that vertically passes through the heating chamber is horizontally displaced as the feed material passes by the baffles. Systems are also provided for heating the feed material within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A retort heating apparatus includes a perimeter wall bounding a central compartment. A partition wall is disposed within the central compartment so as to separate the central compartment into at least a heating chamber and a vapor chamber. The partition wall has a plurality of spaced apart apertures formed thereon so as to provide fluid communication between the heating chamber and the collection chamber. A plurality of spaced apart baffles are disposed within the heating chamber between the perimeter wall and the partition wall. A collection plate is disposed within the vapor chamber at a downward curved or sloped orientation. The collection plate has lower end disposed at or adjacent to the partition wall and an opposing upper end disposed at or toward the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A road construction material includes a hydrocarbon-laden mixture of fine aggregates and a hydrocarbon solvent, the hydrocarbon-laden fine aggregate mixture having a hydrocarbon content in a range of approximately five to twenty percent by weight and the hydrocarbon content including at least approximately 50 percent by weight light end crudes, the road composition material being made by cold-blending the hydrocarbon-laden fine aggregate mixture and the hydrocarbon solvent and marinating for a time sufficient to diffuse the hydrocarbon contents of the hydrocarbon-laden fine aggregates with the hydrocarbon solvent. There may also be added a light weight ceramic aggregate mixture for additional strength and stability. Heat stabilzing, anti-stripping agents and anti-track compounds may be added as desired.