Abstract: Raw tar sand is treated in a fluidized bed reactor means wherein the raw tar sands are fed into an area below the top of the bed. The bitumen is converted in the process in a reducing atmosphere including steam to produce hot coked sand and hot off-gases. Off-gases from the reactor means pass through a heat exchanger means to preheat fresh (raw) tar sand. The cooled off-gases are separated to recover raw oil, while at least a portion of the separated gases are recycled to the reactor means, to retrieve and retain heat in the system by passing upwardly through hot spent sand. Steam and oxygen are injected into the lower area of the fluid bed in an area above the spent sand zone to burn off coked sand so as to produce heat for the cracking zone.

Abstract: A tar sands slurry containing sand particles of varying sizes dispersed therein is passed into a classifier wherein it is subdivided into at least two streams, each stream containing either coarse or fine solids. The stream containing coarse solids is directed to a separate solids removal zone where the solids are removed. The effluent from the solids removal zone and the fine solid containing stream are then fed to a coking zone.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the continuous and simultaneous retorting and hydrocracking of the carbonaceous materials found in such carbon containing solids as oil shale, coal, tar sands, lignite, and/or other carbon containing solids, and/or heavy liquids to produce low boiling liquid hydro-carbons and/or a gaseous product suitable for the subsequent production of methane or synthetic natural gas. It is a process by which high to very high molecular weight carbonaceous materials can be effectively and economically converted at high yields to either a low boiling crude of from 30.degree. to 60.degree. API gravity or a gas suitable for the subsequent production of methane, or both.