A PHYSICAL CHEMICAL EXPLANATION FOR DETERIORATION IN THE HOT WATER PROCESSABILITY OF ATHABASCA OIL SAND DUE TO AGING |
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| Authors: | Dean Wallace Deborah Henry Koichi Takamura |
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| Affiliation: | Alberta Research Council Oil Sands and Hydrocarbon Recovery , P.O. Box 8330, Station F, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 5X2 |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACT The oxidation of sulphide minerals during storage of Athabasca oil sands causes solubilization of inorganic salts which affect recovery of bitumen during hot water extraction. DLVO and Ionizable Surface Group Model theories accurately predict that the level of soluble salts produced is sufficient to cause coagulation of the fine particles during the process which leads to a deterioration in froth quality and loss of bitumen recovery. The rate of aging is specific to each oil sand but storage of oil sands under an inert atmosphere in air-tight container at sub-zero temperatures will minimize oxidation. |
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| Keywords: | Aromatic extract Thermal soaking Petroleum pitch |
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