Tar sands extraction process
AssigneeGeopetrol Equipment Ltd.
InventorReginald D. Humphreys
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Abstract
A hot water extraction process for extracting bitumen from tar sands is taught wherein the tar sand is conditioned using an alkali metal bicarbonate, an alkali metal carbonate and a liquid hydrocarbon. A source of calcium and/or magnesium ions can also be added. The conditioning step replaces the step of conditioning using caustic soda previously used in tar sand extraction. The use of the alkali metal bicarbonate and carbonate and a liquid hydrocarbon substantially eliminates the production of sludge in tar sand extraction and maintains or improves bitumen recovery. The process allows for hot conditioning solution to be recycled to the process by use of a recycle storage tank.
Claims30
A process for extraction of bitumen from tar sands comprising:
- providing a slurry including the tar sand, hot water, an alkali metal bicarbonate, an alkali metal carbonate and a liquid hydrocarbon;
- mixing and aerating the slurry to form a froth containing bitumen within the slurry;
- and,
- separating the froth from the slurry.
A process for extraction of bitumen from tar sands comprising:
- providing a hot water extraction apparatus including a transport pipe and a separation cell;
- mixing tar sand, hot water, an alkali metal bicarbonate, an alkali metal carbonate and a liquid hydrocarbon to form a slurry;
- moving the slurry along the transport pipe such that a froth containing bitumen is formed within the slurry;
- and
- separating the froth from the slurry in the separation cell.
A process for extraction of bitumen from tar sands comprising:
- providing a hot water extraction apparatus including a slurry tumbler and a separation cell;
- in the tumbler, mixing and aerating a slurry including tar sand, hot water, an alkali metal bicarbonate, an alkali metal carbonate and a liquid hydrocarbon to form a slurry, such that a froth containing bitumen is formed within the slurry;
- and
- passing the slurry to the separation cell and separating the froth from the slurry in the separation cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.