Multi-stage counter-current froth settler and method of use
US9150795B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G21/00
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of recovering bitumen from a froth utilizes solvent and a single settling vessel having a plurality of internals. The froth is diluted with enough solvent to reduce viscosity and is added to the vessel above the internals. Additional solvent is added below the internals, intermediate the internals or both and is flowed counter-current to the diluted froth flowing downwardly over the internals, forming a gradient of solvent concentration relative to hydrocarbon concentration throughout the internals, acting as multiple stages of separation. The bitumen and other light components, rise with the solvent to the top of the vessel. The heavier components, such as water, solids and asphaltene aggregates fall to the bottom by gravity. Where paraffinic solvents are used, the solvent-to-bitumen ratio (S:B) for the initial dilution of froth is below that at which asphaltenes are rejected. Substantially all asphaltene rejection occurs in the vessel as S:B increases therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.