Tar sands extraction process
AssigneeGeopetrol Equipment Ltd.
InventorReginald D. Humphreys
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hot water extraction process for extracting bitumen from tar sands is taught using a conditioning agent containing sodium and/or potassium bicarbonate or, alternatively, sodium bicarbonate and/or potassium bicarbonate and sources of calcium ions and/or magnesium ions. The conditioning agent replaces the caustic soda agent previously used in tar sand extraction. The use of the alkali metal bicarbonate solvent substantially eliminates the production of sludge in tar sand extraction and maintains or improves bitumen recovery. The process allows for hot conditioning agent solution to be recycled to the process by use of a recycle storage tank.
Claims22
A process for extraction of bitumen from tar sand comprising providing a slurry comprising the tar sand and a solution of hot water and a conditioning agent selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and a combination thereof, wherein the slurry contains conditioning agent in an amount of between at least about 0.012% and 0.420% by weight of the slurry;
- and the slurry includes the solution and the tar sand in a ratio of 0.5:1 to 5:1 by weight;
- mixing and aerating the slurry to form a froth containing bitumen within the slurry;
- separating the froth from the slurry.
A process for using a hot water extraction apparatus having a transport pipe and a separation cell, the process comprising mixing tar sand and a solution of hot water and a conditioning agent selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and a combination thereof to form a slurry containing conditioning agent in an amount of between at least about 0.012% and 0.420% by weight of the slurry;
- and the slurry includes the solution and the tar sand in a ratio of 0.5:1 to 5:1 by weight;
- moving the slurry along the transport pipe such that a froth containing bitumen is formed within the slurry;
- passing the slurry to the separation cell;
- and separating the froth from the slurry in the separation cell.
A process for using a hot water extraction apparatus having a slurry tumbler and a separation cell, the process comprising in the tumbler mixing and aerating a slurry comprising tar sand and a solution of hot water and a conditioning agent selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and a combination thereof, such that a froth containing bitumen is formed within the slurry, wherein the slurry contains conditioning agent in an amount of between at least about 0.012% and 0.420% by weight of the slurry;
- and the slurry includes the solution and the tar sand in a ratio of 0.5:1 to 5:1 by weight;
- passing the slurry to the separation cell;
- and separating the froth from the slurry in the separation cell.
A process for removing bitumen from the surface of tar sand debris comprising:
- washing the debris with a high pressure spray of a solution comprised of hot water and at least about 0.035% to 0.5% by weight of a conditioning agent selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and a combination thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.