System, apparatus and process for extraction of bitumen from oil sands
US8968579B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G2300/805
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A separation process and system for extracting hydrocarbons from a mixture. In some embodiments, a process for separating a bitumen froth stream containing bitumen froth, water and fine solids into a bitumen enriched froth stream and a water and fine solids stream, comprises: (a) receiving the bitumen froth stream in a concentrator vessel, (b) distributing the bitumen froth stream in the concentrator vessel as a substantially uniform and generally horizontal flow of the bitumen froth stream at a first flow velocity, (c) slowing the bitumen froth stream to a second flow velocity, slower than the first flow velocity, in a separation region of the concentrator vessel to promote separation of the bitumen froth from the water and fine solids, and then (d) collecting a bitumen enriched froth stream and (e) collecting a separate water and fine solids stream. Related embodiments of systems and apparatus may also be provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.