Fuente: WIPO "honey" The removal of asphalt from heavy oil is accomplished by delivering the heavy oil, mixed with pentane, to the interior of a drum (10) provided with screw flights (38). The asphalt precipitates and rotation of the drum effects separation by progressive decantation. Delivery of washing solvent (at 52) and steam (at 54) to different regions of the drum (10) leads to discharge of asphalt which is well separated from traces of the crude oil. The process is advantageously utilised in connection with enhanced oil recovery. Coal and limestone area added (at 58, 60) to the discharged asphalt and briquetted (at 68) to a solid fuel used to provide process heat for enhanced oil recovery operations with an advantageous financial economy.