Separation of bituminous material from tar sands

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A method of separating bituminous fractions from tar sand is described. The tar sand is treated by electromagnetic radiation, of the frequency range generally referred to as microwave. Application of electromagnetic radiation, followed by conventional heating was also found to effect separation. The tar sand is preferably treated below the boiling point of water by electromagnetic radiation, more preferably below the initial boiling point of water and yet more, preferably in the presence of added water. The preferred frequency range is about 800 to about 1700 MHz. Frequencies of 920+90 and 1540+150 and 1250+130 MHz, have been successfully applied. The added water preferably is between a …