a single solvent method and machine for separating bitumen from oil sand ore are disclosed . the method includes the use of a single light paraffinic solvent , such as propane or butane as the agent to separate the bitumen from mined oil sand ore . since light paraffinic solvents are vapors at atmospheric pressure and temperatures , the ore is placed in a pressurized container so that the solvent remains in a liquid state . when the container is pressurized , by the addition of the solvent itself , the liquid solvent is mixed with the ore to effect separation . the proposed machine settles more than 80 % of the solids out under gravity in a modest period of time . the solvent - bitumen mixture is drained after the cleaning cycle , the container is depressured to a vapor recovery system and the remaining solids dumped out . the fine solids , drained with the liquids , are separated from the liquid mixture with relative ease by the use of current technology in other downstream equipment .