Methods of removing fines and coarse particles from oil sand tailings
US9856158B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G2300/805
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of removing fines and coarse particles from tailings comprises forming a slurry comprising water and oil sands and separating bitumen from tailings comprising fines and coarse particles. Functionalized nanoparticles each comprising a core of carbon nitride and functionalized with one or more exposed cationic groups are mixed with the tailings. The functionalized nanoparticles and the fines interact to form agglomerates comprising the functionalized nanoparticles and the fines attached to the one or more exposed cationic groups. The agglomerates are removed from the tailings to form an aqueous solution having suspended therein fewer fines and coarse particles than are suspended within the tailings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.