Study of extraction and pyrolysis of Jordan tar sand

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.