Static deaeration conditioner for processing of bitumen froth
US6800116B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G1/045
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Discloses apparatus and method to deaerate and condition bitumen froth obtained from a primary tar sands bitumen extraction process comprising a vessel containing a plurality of inclined plates, called a static deaeration conditioner. The inclined plates of the static deaeration conditioner are substantially equidistantly spaced from each other and are inclined at an angle to the horizontal. The plates form a corresponding plurality of channels there between for the froth to be deaerated to flow along. The declination angle is selected to obtain a gravity induced froth flow rate in the channel that exhibits a lamella effect near laminar flow characteristics, which promotes the creation of a water-enriched froth region near the lower plate of the channel. A braking pump can be provided on an outlet port of the vessel to control the rate of flow through the vessel of the froth to be deaerated and conditioned.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.