Abstract: A process for extraction of bitumen and other oil products from sand, other sedimentary deposits and from mine tailings, may comprise flowing solvent through these bitumen-containing materials held in a filter press, where elevated pressures and temperatures may be used. After exposure to solvent the sedimentary deposits may be exposed to hot water, steam and/or vacuum to remove residual solvents. Further embodiments of the bitumen extraction process may include substituting the solvent with hot water or steam. Filter press systems for extracting bitumen are also described.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a multiplicity of chambers to form a filter cake, each of the chambers being between adjacent filter plates, each of the chambers being lined by filter cloths, wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chambers; and releasing dried filter cake from the chambers; wherein the pumping comprises pumping the mixture through a multiplicity of side feed ports and into each of the chambers through a multiplicity of delivery slots, and wherein the openings of the delivery slots into each of the chambers is above the height of the side feed ports. A filter press system is described which includes filter plates and chambers with the aforementioned configuration of side feed ports and delivery slots.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: diluting the mixture; adding a flocculating agent to the diluted mixture and stirring to form a chemically processed mixture; pumping the chemically processed mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber. Furthermore, before the diluting, additional solids may be added to the mixture. The method may be used to dewater drilling mud, and mixtures of drilling mud with drill cuttings.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a multiplicity of chambers to form a filter cake, each of the chambers being between adjacent filter plates, each of the chambers being lined by filter cloths, wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chambers; and releasing dried filter cake from the chambers; wherein the pumping comprises pumping the mixture through a multiplicity of side feed ports and into each of the chambers through a multiplicity of delivery slots, and wherein the openings of the delivery slots into each of the chambers is above the height of the side feed ports. A filter press system is described which includes filter plates and chambers with the aforementioned configuration of side feed ports and delivery slots.

Abstract: A method of water desalination in a filter press may comprise: providing a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press, the chamber being lined by filter cloths; substantially filling the chamber with a plurality of beads; pumping water into the chamber filled with the beads; heating the water in the chamber; and collecting water vapor generated by the heating; wherein salts precipitate in the chamber during the heating. Furthermore, during the heating, the chamber may be vacuum pumped to facilitate removal of water vapor. The beads may be reused in the chambers of the filter press.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber, and wherein the heating is by radio frequency irradiation of the filter cake in the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber.

Abstract: A process for extraction of bitumen and other oil products from sand, other sedimentary deposits and from mine tailings, may comprise flowing solvent through these bitumen-containing materials held in a filter press, where elevated pressures and temperatures may be used. After exposure to solvent the sedimentary deposits may be exposed to hot water, steam and/or vacuum to remove residual solvents. Further embodiments of the bitumen extraction process may include substituting the solvent with hot water or steam. Filter press systems for extracting bitumen are also described.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: diluting the mixture; adding a flocculating agent to the diluted mixture and stirring to form a chemically processed mixture; pumping the chemically processed mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber. During the heating, the chamber may be vacuum pumped to facilitate removal of water vapor. Furthermore, before the diluting, additional solids may be added to the mixture. The method may be used to dewater drilling mud, and mixtures of drilling mud with drill cuttings.

Abstract: A method of water desalination in a filter press may comprise: providing a plurality of beads in a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press, the chamber being lined by filter cloths; pumping water into the chamber; heating the water in the chamber; and collecting water vapor generated by the heating. Furthermore, during the heating, the chamber may be vacuum pumped to facilitate removal of water vapor.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber, and wherein the heating is by radio frequency irradiation of the filter cake in the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber.