Method for separating a feed material containing immiscible phases of different densities

A method for producing an enriched hydrocarbon material from a feed containing immiscible phases of different densities, the feed being a hydrocarbon contaminated with water and minerals and diluted with a solvent, the method comprising:

• discharging the feed into a vessel comprising a top, side walls, and a base defining an interior having a height and a diameter defining a height/diameter ratio, such that settlement of the feed in the interior of the vessel establishes a heavier phase zone depleted in hydrocarbons in a lower section of the interior, a lighter phase zone enriched in hydrocarbons in an upper section of the interior, and an interface in between the heavier phase zone and the lighter phase zone;
• wherein the discharging of the feed into the interior of the vessel is performed via a feed pipe that is linear, vertical, spaced-apart equidistantly from the side walls to extend down a center axis of the vessel, and configured for discharging the feed vertically downward into the lighter phase zone at a discharge point located above the interface, the height/diameter ratio of the vessel, dimensions and position of the feed pipe, properties of the feed, and a feed velocity at the discharge point being provided such that the feed velocity of the feed dissipates in the lighter phase zone as the discharged feed entrains lighter phase material above the interface and spreads across the interior of the vessel, and lighter phases separate up toward an overflow outlet of the vessel while heavier phases separate down toward an underflow outlet of the vessel;
• collecting the enriched hydrocarbon material from the overflow outlet;
• and
• collecting a solvent diluted underflow stream from the underflow outlet.

A method for producing solvent diluted bitumen, the method comprising:

• adding paraffinic solvent to bitumen froth to form a solvent diluted bitumen froth;
• discharging the solvent diluted bitumen froth into a vessel as a feed into a vessel, and separating the solvent diluted bitumen froth to produce a solvent diluted bitumen as an overflow stream and solvent diluted tailings as an underflow stream;
• controlling gravity separation in the vessel such that settlement of the solvent diluted bitumen froth in the interior of the vessel establishes a heavier phase zone in a lower section of the vessel, a lighter phase zone in an upper section of the vessel, and an interface in between the heavier phase zone and the lighter phase zone, and the feed is discharged into the vessel within the lighter phase zone above the interface so that a feed velocity of the feed is dissipated in the lighter phase zone and spreads across the vessel above the interface while lighter phases separate up toward an overflow outlet of the vessel and heavier phases separate down toward an underflow outlet of the vessel;
• collecting the solvent diluted bitumen from the overflow outlet of the vessel;
• and
• collecting a solvent diluted underflow stream from the underflow outlet of the vessel.