Abstract: A method of recovering crude oil for subsequent processing. The method contemplates the step of exposing the source of crude oil such as a subterranean petroleum reservoir or a vessel or container of tar sands, kerogen or the like to aliphatic or carboxylic acid, preferably oleic acid, to produce a solvated crude oil mixture of reduced viscosity. This mixture is saponifyed by reacting it with a nucleophilic base, preferably a hydroxide of potassium or sodium, under pressure whereby to separate the solvated mixture into petroleum crude and an acid soap which migrates to an aqueous phase. The petroleum crude is separated from the aqueous soap through conventional techniques. Afterwards, a desaponification step contemplates recovery of the aliphatic or carboxylic acid for subsequent recycling in the previously mentioned exposing step.

Abstract: An elongate hollow tapered rod formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic includes an elongate handle, an elongate intermediate section and an end section detachably connected together. An elongate flex-resistant element formed of graphite threads is positioned interiorly of and secured to the end portion of the fishing rod. The graphite flex-resistant element is more rigid but of substantially lighter weight than the fiberglass reinforced plastic to thereby impart stiffness to the end section without noticeably increasing the weight thereof.