Abstract: A plasma pulse device for producing fluid shock waves includes a shooting head having a positive electrode and a negative electrode and at least one emitter window, a metal conductor configured to be positioned into and ablated in the shooting head, and a feeder having a drive mechanism for supplying the metal conductor into the shooting head, the drive mechanism including two motors, the metal conductor being at least partially positioned in between the two motors. A method for generating shock waves includes feeding a metal conductor into a shooting head of a plasma pulse device using a drive mechanism including two motors, the metal conductor being at least partially positioned in between the two motors, contacting the metal conductor to a first electrode positioned in the shooting head, and delivering electricity to the metal conductor through the first electrode and causing the metal conductor to ablate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for separating hydrocarbons from solid particles in a hydrocarbon-particulate-aqueous mixture. The apparatus includes: a container for the mixture; a shockwave generator comprising two electrical terminals; and a pulsed power supply. The pulsed power supply is configured to apply a series of one or more voltage pulses to the terminals, such that, when each voltage pulse is applied to the terminals, a shockwave is applied to the mixture to promote separation of the components of the mixture. This may mitigate the need to heat the mixture and/or add chemicals to facilitate separation of hydrocarbons from solid particles such as sand or soil, mineral or carbonate particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating hydrocarbons from solid particles in a hydrocarbon-particulate-aqueous mixture. The apparatus comprises: a container for the mixture; a shockwave generator comprising two electrical terminals; and a pulsed power supply. The pulsed power supply is configured to apply a series of one or more voltage pulses to the terminals, such that, when each voltage pulse is applied to the terminals, a shockwave is applied to the mixture to promote separation of the components of the mixture. This may mitigate the need to heat the mixture and/or add chemicals to facilitate separation of hydrocarbons from solid particles such as sand or soil, mineral or carbonate particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating hydrocarbons from solid particles in a hydrocarbon-particulate-aqueous mixture. The apparatus comprises: a container for the mixture; a shockwave generator comprising two electrical terminals; and a pulsed power supply. The pulsed power supply is configured to apply a series of one or more voltage pulses to the terminals, such that, when each voltage pulse is applied to the terminals, a shockwave is applied to the mixture to promote separation of the components of the mixture. This may mitigate the need to heat the mixture and/or add chemicals to facilitate separation of hydrocarbons from solid particles such as sand or soil, mineral or carbonate particles.