Process for separation of hydrocarbon from tar sands froth
US5236577A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G1/045
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for treating bitumen froth containing mixtures of a hydrocarbon component, water and solids, comprises heating said bitumen froth to a temperature in the range of about 80.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C., preferably in the range of 100.degree. C. to 180.degree. C., under pressure of about 150 to about 5000 kPa, preferably in the range of 800 to about 2000 kPa, sufficient to maintain said hydrocarbon component in a liquid phase, passing said heated froth into a plurality of separation stages in series, and gravity settling the solids and water from the hydrocarbon layer while maintaining said elevated temperature and pressure. A diluent miscible with the bitumen may be mixed with the bitumen froth in an amount of 0 to about 60 per cent by weight of the bitumen, preferably in an amount of 15 to 50 per cent by weight of the bitumen in a mixing stage for preconditioning of the froth prior to each gravity separation stage. A low molecular weight hydrocarbon diluent, such as typified by naphtha, kerosene, toluene or natural gas condensate, is preferred.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.