A processing unit and method for separating hydrocarbons from feedstock material. The processing unit includes at least one rotating conveyor in communication with a material inlet and a material outlet; a vacuum pump providing a vacuum atmosphere within the rotating conveyor; at least one material transfer device positioned at the material inlet and at least one material transfer device positioned at the material outlet, each material transfer device configured to allow transfer of feedstock material into or out of the rotating conveyor whilst maintaining the vacuum atmosphere within the rotating conveyor; and an electrostatic generator connected to the rotating conveyor providing a static charge to the vacuum atmosphere within the rotating conveyor. The method includes rotating the feedstock material in at least one rotating conveyor in communication with a material inlet and a material outlet; providing a vacuum atmosphere within the rotating conveyor; providing a static charge to the vacuum atmosphere within the rotating conveyor; transferring the feedstock material into and out of the rotating conveyor through at least one material transfer device positioned at the material inlet and at least one material transfer device positioned at the material outlet, each material transfer device allowing transfer of feedstock material into or out of the rotating conveyor whilst maintaining the vacuum atmosphere within the rotating conveyor.