Removel Of Hydrocarbons From Particulate Solids

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-07-17
EARTH ENERGY RESOURCES
View PDF35 Cites 26 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In one aspect, the invention may comprise a process for removing heavy oil or bitumen from oil sands and reducing the density of the heavy oil or bitumen, comprising the steps of contacting the oil sands with an aqueous emulsion of a monocyc

Problems solved by technology

This conventional hot water technique is energy intensive in part because of the elevated temperature of the initial hot water.
Additionally, the process produces an environmental issue in the form of the tailings byproduct which comprises a mixture of water, sand, silt and fine clay particles.
However, the leftover muddy liquid,

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Removel Of Hydrocarbons From Particulate Solids
  • Removel Of Hydrocarbons From Particulate Solids
  • Removel Of Hydrocarbons From Particulate Solids

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Example

[0034]The present invention provides for a process and composition for separating heavy oil and bitumen from solid particulate matter. Additionally, a plant for implementing the process as well as the recovered oil product are described. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings.

[0035]The present invention is described herein with reference to cleaning heavy oil or bitumen from oil sands or tar sands. The invention may equally be applicable to removing hydrocarbons from any solid particulate matter and may be useful, for example, in cleaning oil-contaminated soil.

[0036]As used herein, an “emulsion” refers to a mixture of two liquids, where droplets of a first liquid are dispersed in a second liquid where it does not dissolve. The particles or droplets may be on a micron scale, or smaller. The dispersed liquid is said to form the disperse phase, while the other liquid is said to form the continuous phase.

[0037]Oil ra...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to view more

PUM

No PUM Login to view more

Abstract

A process and composition for removing heavy oil and bitumen from oil sands is disclosed. The composition comprises an emulsion of d-limonene and water, with an anionic surfactant as an emulsifying agent. The emulsion is contacted with an oil sand slurry until the aqueous and hydrocarbon phases separate. The process may take place at temperatures less than about 80° C.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 511,315 filed Oct. 16, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a composition and a process for removing hydrocarbons from solid particulate matter. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition and process for separating heavy oil or bitumen from sand. The present invention also relates to a plant where the process may be implemented and the light oil product which is recovered.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Considerable oil reserves around the world are locked in the form of oil sands, also called tar or bitumen sands. Particularly large deposits are known to exist in the Athabasca and Cold Lake regions of Alberta and smaller deposits are found in many areas in the United States including Utah. Oil sands are typically surface mined and the contai...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to view more

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to view more
IPC IPC(8): C10G1/04
CPCC10G2300/308C10G1/047
Inventor OPHUS, KEVIN
Owner EARTH ENERGY RESOURCES
Who we serve
  • R&D Engineer
  • R&D Manager
  • IP Professional
Why Eureka
  • Industry Leading Data Capabilities
  • Powerful AI technology
  • Patent DNA Extraction
Social media
Try Eureka
PatSnap group products