Abstract: The present invention reduces viscosity of highly viscous materials before entering a pump inlet by applying radio-frequency heating to the volume of material in a cage of rods that serve as electrodes surrounding a perforated inlet conduit. Applications include heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials such as tar and pitch in reservoirs, and sludge accumulating within oil storage tanks, ships, and barges. A mixer can be added to aid the process.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system make possible facile recovery of heavy hydro-carbonaceous materials, such as the bitumen from oil sands, asphalt, tars, pitch and other highly viscous hydrocarbons (HCM) from natural deposits of such material and other storage facilities such as tanks and reservoirs where these materials accumulate. The apparatus and system deliver different inputs of radio frequency energy (RF) to a central collector and one or more outer electrodes. Heat generated by the RF input sufficiently softens the HCM so that a suction pump can withdraw if from the collector and deliver it to a desired location typically for transport and/or processing. The addition of an integral mixer or direct injection of solvents into the apparatus can further improve HCM recovery.