Method of processing a bitumen stream using a membrane

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of processing bitumen streams using membrane filtration. In one aspect, membrane filtration replaces paraffinic froth treatment, with one or more filtration steps replacing gravity settling. In another aspect, the bitumen stream is subjected to paraffmic solvent treatment at much higher flow rates, with an “almost cleaned” product being subsequently filtered by the membrane system. In this case, some contaminants are removed by conventional gravity settling equipment, while additional contaminants are removed by membrane filtration. In another aspect, membrane filtration is applied to a bitumen product effluent stream following naphthenic froth treatment. In another aspect, membrane filtration is applied to a bitumen product effluent stream from a solvent-based extraction process. In yet another aspect, membrane filtration is applied to a bitumen product effluent stream from a solvent extraction with solids agglomeration process. In still another aspect, membrane filtration is applied to bitumen produced by SAGD.

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