The extraction and pyrolysis of tar sand from Wadi Isal, Jordan have been i
nvestigated. Solvent type, mixing time, temperature, particle size and alka
li concentration have been identified as important parameters for bitumen r
ecovery. The results show that hot water extraction is ineffective since a
small amount of bitumen has been obtained even at 80 degrees C. Kerosene ex
traction shows a maximum bitumen recovery of about 43% at 80 degrees C and
180-250 mu m particle size. The kinetic parameters of pyrolysis have been d
etermined based on first-order rate expression and their values were in agr
eement with other published data in the literature. Copyright (C) 1999 John
Wiley & Sons, Ltd.