Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving a heavy hydrocarbon, such as mined bitumen, to a lighter more fluid product and, more specifically, to a hydrocarbon product that is refinery-ready and that meets pipeline transport criteria without requiring the addition of diluent. The invention is suitable for enhancing recovery from mined Canadian bitumen, but has general application for processing any heavy hydrocarbon, converting the heavy hydrocarbon to a product that is more suitable for pipeline transport.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving a heavy hydrocarbon, such as mined bitumen, to a lighter more fluid product and, more specifically, to a hydrocarbon product that is refinery-ready and that meets pipeline transport criteria without requiring the addition of diluent. The invention is suitable for enhancing recovery from mined Canadian bitumen, but has general application for processing any heavy hydrocarbon, converting the heavy hydrocarbon to a product that is more suitable for pipeline transport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing solid particles from a three-phase stream that utilizes a separation vessel comprising a vapor-liquid separation zone and an overlying vapor-solid separation zone. The vapor-solid separation zone can comprise a solids flow inhibiting structure operable to remove at least a portion of the solid particles in the vapor stream. In one embodiment, the solids flow inhibiting structure comprises at least one packed section and/or at least one spray nozzle operable to wet at least a portion of the packing. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional flow area of the vapor-solid separation zone can be smaller than the cross-sectional flow area of the vapor-liquid separation zone.