ELECTROMAGNETIC TREATMENT OF CONTAMINATED MATERIALS

摘要

A method for separating a hydrocarbon content from a hydrocarbon contamin ated matrix is disclosed. The method comprises controlling a water content o f a feed material comprising the hydrocarbon contaminated matrix; continuous ly conveying the feed material into a treatment cavity (3), exposing the fee d material in a treatment area (8) of the treatment cavity to microwave radi ation arranged to cause rapid heating of at least a portion of the water con tent to form steam, wherein the rapid steam formation results in thermal des orption of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon content from the matrix; an d continuously removing the treated matrix from the treatment cavity.