Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for separating oil from an oil tailing having water includes introducing the oil tailing within a chamber, and applying RF energy to the oil tailing at a temperature sufficient to convert the water to steam and to separate the oil from the tailing. The system allows removal of the water from the tailing followed by RF energy absorption by the tailing prior to substantial heat transfer to the surrounding mineral portion of the tailing. Among other advantages, the system produces tailings substantially devoid of oil, thereby allowing the tailing to be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. The system is particularly advantageous for offshore drilling operations where storage and subsequent hauling of the oil tailings ashore for processing and disposal is expensive.

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First Claim