Patents by Inventor Zvonko Burkus

Zvonko Burkus has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Methods for enhancing efficiency of bitumen extraction from oil sands using lipids and lipid by-products as process additives
    Patent number: 9341051
    Abstract: In a method for enhancing the efficiency of separation of bitumen from oil sands ore, lipids, lipid by-products, and lipid derivatives are used as process additives for ore-water slurry-based bitumen extraction processes or in situ bitumen recovery processes. These additives act as surfactants reducing surface and interfacial tensions, thus promoting breakdown the oil sands ore structure and resultant liberation of bitumen from the ore. Lipid treatment does not deleteriously affect release water chemistry in bitumen recovery processes, and it does not appreciably affect the fuel value of recovered bitumen. Lipids which may be effectively used as additives include biodiesel, tall oil fatty acids, monoglycerides, vegetable oil, and soap water, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: APEX ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: Zvonko Burkus, Baki Ozum
  • METHODS FOR ENHANCING EFFICIENCY OF BITUMEN EXTRACTION FROM OIL SANDS USING LIPIDS AND LIPID BY-PRODUCTS AS PROCESS ADDITIVES
    Publication number: 20150184501
    Abstract: In a method for enhancing the efficiency of separation of bitumen from oil sands ore, lipids, lipid by-products, and lipid derivatives are used as process additives for ore-water slurry-based bitumen extraction processes or in situ bitumen recovery processes. These additives act as surfactants reducing surface and interfacial tensions, thus promoting breakdown the oil sands ore structure and resultant liberation of bitumen from the ore. Lipid treatment does not deleteriously affect release water chemistry in bitumen recovery processes, and it does not appreciably affect the fuel value of recovered bitumen. Lipids which may be effectively used as additives include biodiesel, tall oil fatty acids, monoglycerides, vegetable oil, and soap water, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Zvonko BURKUS, Baki OZUM
  • Preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan concentrates
    Patent number: 7662418
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for secondary processing of plant material and in particular for the recovery of valuable products such as fiber including beta-glucan, starch, and ethanol solubles from plant material containing starch and fiber. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan products through methods involving sonication/sonification and enzymes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Thavaratnam Vasanthan, Feral Temelli, Zvonko Burkus
  • METHODS FOR ENHANCING EFFICIENCY OF BITUMEN EXTRACTION FROM OIL SANDS USING LIPIDS AND LIPID BY-PRODUCTS AS PROCESS ADDITIVES
    Publication number: 20090090658
    Abstract: In a method for enhancing the efficiency of separation of bitumen from oil sands ore, lipids, lipid by-products, and lipid derivatives are used as process additives for ore-water slurry-based bitumen extraction processes or in situ bitumen recovery processes. The lipids, lipid by-products, and lipid derivatives act as surfactants reducing surface and interfacial tensions, thus promoting breakdown the oil sands ore structure and resultant liberation of bitumen from the ore. Lipid treatment does not deleteriously affect release water chemistry in bitumen recovery processes, and it does not appreciably affect the fuel value of recovered bitumen. Lipids which may be effectively used as additives include biodiesel, tall oil fatty acids, monoglycerides, vegetable oil, and soap water, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: ZVONKO BURKUS, BAKI OZUM
  • Preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan concentrates
    Publication number: 20040001907
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for secondary processing of plant material and in particular for the recovery of valuable products such as fiber including beta-glucan, starch, and ethanol solubles from plant material containing starch and fiber. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan products through methods involving sonication/sonification and enzymes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Thava Vasanthan, Feral Temelli, Zvonko Burkus