Abstract: A process for the continuous copper drossing of molten lead bullion is provided, the process comprising, establishing a column of molten lead having a hot top portion at a temperature of about 800.degree. C. to 1150.degree. C. and a bottom portion of substantially lower temperature of about 340.degree. C. to 425.degree. C. Approximately the middle portion of the molten lead is controlled at a temperature of about 750.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. to thereby provide a predetermined temperature gradient extending from the middle portion to the bottom portion controlled at about 340.degree. C. to 425.degree. C. The temperature of the top portion is controlled by induction heating and the temperature of the bottom portion by cooling coils containing a fluid coolant. The molten lead is fed continuously to the middle portion of the column while maintaining the temperature thereof at about 750.degree. C. to 900.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous de-emulsification and de-asphalting of heavy oil/water emulsions containing asphaltics enables de-asphalted oil, asphaltics and emulsion water to be separately recovered. A heavy oil/water emulsion is mixed with a solvent to cause the emulsion to be broken with consequent dissolution of oil by the solvent and coalescence of emulsion water and asphaltics as fast settling particles, the solvent comprising a light C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 paraffinic composition and the weight of solvent being from about 2 to about 5 times the weight of heavy oil. The water/asphaltic particles are separated from the bulk of the oil/solvent phase and are fed into a water bath to produce relatively large stable asphaltic agglomerates with exclusion of emulsion water. The asphaltic agglomerates are removed from the hot water bath, and de-asphalted oil is recovered from the oil/solvent phase.

Abstract: A process for the separate recovery of oil and asphaltene/polar components from oil and asphaltene/polar bearing sand-containing material includes cooling the material to a temperature at which the material behaves as a solid, crushing the material at such a temperature to produce relatively coarse particles containing a major proportion of the sand and oil and relatively fine particles containing a major proportion of the asphaltenes and polars, and mechanically separating the relatively coarse particles from the relatively fine particles at such a temperature. The relatively coarse particles are treated to recover oil, and the relatively fine particles are treated to recover asphaltenes and polars. Similar processes are desirable for the treatment of heavy crude oil which may or may not contain sand.