Abstract: A system for producing oil is disclosed. The system may comprise a container for a naturally occurring or synthetically produced hydrocarbon source material. The system may also comprise a material preparation device to physically degrade the hydrocarbon source material into small pieces. The system may further comprise a heat source to heat the hydrocarbon source material indirectly by heating the container, the hydrocarbon source material being heated to a temperature sufficient to gasify hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon source material and release the hydrocarbons therefrom. The system may still further comprise a fractionation device fluidly coupled to the container to receive the hydrocarbons and separate the hydrocarbons into like components. Additionally, the system may comprise a collection container to receive the like components.

Abstract: A method of producing oil is disclosed. The method can include providing a naturally occurring or synthetically produce hydrocarbon source material. The method can also include physically degrading the hydrocarbon source material into small pieces. The method can further include heating the hydrocarbon source material indirectly to a temperature sufficient to gasify hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon source material and release the hydrocarbons from the source material. Additionally, the method can include capturing the hydrocarbons released from the source material, separating the hydrocarbons into like components, and collecting the like hydrocarbon components.