Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an oil sands processing system comprising a release tube, a water supply nozzle and an intake nozzle forming an inlet of the tube, with the nozzles configured to pass water from the supply nozzle to the intake nozzle across a gap positioned to receive oil sand and air to form a slurry for passage along a flow path, with the intake nozzle diameter being larger than the supply nozzle diameter and the tube further comprising a constriction comprising a diameter that is less than the intake nozzle diameter and greater than the supply nozzle diameter.