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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Dewatering; upgrading Athabasca tar sands froth by a two-step chemical treatment

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6522197
The formation of froth in a thermal recovery process for Athabasca crude oil is described. The tar sand formation is treated with water to produce a froth which consists of approximately 35% water, 10% solid particles, and the remainder oil. Previous attempts to process this mixture have been expensive or only partially effective. A 2-step chemical treatment is used. The first step separates the solid particles. The oil and water mixture is then effectively treated with a selected chemical demulsifier. (6 claims)
Assignee:
Esso Research and Engineering Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3296117
OSTI ID:
6522197
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English