Use of light hydrocarbons in tar sand processing

Patent · Tue Mar 30 04:00:00 EST 1971

OSTI ID:5704891

Cymbalisty, L M.O.

Bitumen is recovered from bituminous sand by forming a slurry of bituminous sand, water, and normally liquid hydrocarbon material at a temperature below the boiling point of the hydrocarbon material. The slurry is then introduced into a body of water maintained at a temperature above the boiling point of the hydrocarbon material so that it evolves as a gas and aids in floating bitumen to the top of the water for recovery. The slurry is preferably formed at a temperature at least 10$F below the boiling point of the hydrocarbon material, preferably between 80$ and 140$F while the body of water is preferably maintained at least about 10$F above the boiling point of the hydrocarbon material, preferably between 140 to 210$F. CD6U hydrocarbons, such as normal or isohexane boiling between about 120$ and about 160$F are preferred. Pressure is preferably maintained relatively constant throughout the process and atmospheric pressure is preferred for convenience. (7 claims)

• Assignee: Cities Serv Athabasca Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 3573196
• OSTI ID: 5704891
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
040401* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- In Situ Methods
True & Modified
BITUMENS
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
DISPERSIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLOTATION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MATERIALS
MIXTURES
OIL SANDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
ROCKS
SANDSTONES
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SLURRIES
SOLUBILITY
SUSPENSIONS
TAR