Abstract: A system and method for extracting liquid and solid hydrocarbons and their derivatives from natural and man-made hydrocarbon sources, including but not limited to oil sands, bitumen, asphalt, roofing shingles, and other hydrocarbon articles of manufacture. The hydrocarbon sources are prepared by dissolving, crushing and/or grinding. The prepared hydrocarbon sources are subjected to agitation where the solvent and hydrocarbon source as thoroughly mixed. The results of the agitation are then separated in one or both of a mesh screen shaker and a centrifuge. The mesh screen shaker subjects the materials to medium frequency oscillations. The centrifuge subjects the materials to high G-forces. The combined processes separate the hydrocarbons from solids and residual solids to less than 0.2% by weight.

Abstract: A non-aqueous extraction (NAE) process for producing bitumen from oil sands ore can include a multistage bitumen extraction step where paraffinic solvent and deasphalted oil are added at a downstream stage of extraction at solvent-to-bitumen ratios below asphaltene precipitation onset threshold to remove bitumen from the solid mineral material, while the ore is added to a first stage to mix with the solvent-bitumen mixture and produce solvent diluted bitumen. The process includes recovering the solvent diluted bitumen and the solvent diluted tailings from the extraction step. The solvent diluted bitumen is subjected to deasphalting to produce solvent diluted deasphalted bitumen that is used as a source of the paraffinic solvent and deasphalted oil supplied to extraction. The tailings and asphaltene fraction from deasphalting can be subjected to washing and the washed material can then be subjected to sand solvent recovery.

Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbon diluent present in froth treatment tailings, comprising introducing the tailings into a vessel; adding a first portion of steam into the vessel to form a vapour-tailings interface; and operating the vessel to increase the exposure of the tailings to the vapour-tailings interface formed in the vessel.

Abstract: A process for the above ground extraction of crude oil from a solid, oil bearing material. In the process includes the step (a) of mixing a solid, crude oil-bearing material with a solvent to reduce the size of the solid, oil-bearing material and release crude oil into the solvent, step (b) of adding water to the size reduced solid and solvent mixture of step (a) to yield a mixture of crude oil+solvent+water+sized reduced solids, step (c) of passing the mixture of crude oil+solvent+water+sized reduced solids from step (b) through a cyclone separator to remove residual solids and to yield crude oil+solvent; and step (d) of passing the crude oil+solvent mixture of step (c) through a solvent stripper to remove solvent from the crude oil and to yield substantially solids and solvent free crude oil.

Abstract: In the hydroconversion processes of heavy hydrocarbon oils, in which the hydrogen is introduced at the reactor base by bubbling, the low diffusion rate of hydrogen, from the gas phase to the reaction liquid, limits the degree of conversion. The process circumvents the obstacle of the limited amount of reactant hydrogen by using a slurry bubble column reactor which reduces the formation of light hydrocarbon products, and therefore the hydrogen required for the hydroconversion, allowing to operate at full conversion.

Abstract: A method for extracting bitumen from an oil sands ore comprising swelling clays such as smectite is provided comprising blending said ore sands ore comprising swelling clays with a substantially swelling clays-free oil sands ore to give a blended oil sands ore having less than 1% swelling clays.

Abstract: A method and composition for isolating a paraffinic hydrocarbon layer from a sludge comprising paraffinic hydrocarbons, water, and solids. The method includes contacting the sludge with isopropylamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate, a cutter stock, and water. The isopropylamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate comprises a concentration of at least 1500 ppm. The ratio of sludge:cutter:water is at least 4:2:1. The method also includes determining if the sludge has separated into a three phase separation comprising a paraffinic hydrocarbon layer, a water layer, and a layer of settled solids.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of thick fine tailings that include constituents of concern (CoCs) and suspended solids is provided. The process includes subjecting the thick fine tailings to treatments including chemical immobilization of the CoCs, polymer flocculation of the suspended solids, and dewatering. The chemical immobilization can include the addition of compounds enabling the insolubilization of the CoCs. Subjecting the thick fine tailings to chemical immobilization and polymer flocculation can facilitate production of a reclamation-ready material, which can enable disposing of the material as part of a permanent aquatic storage structure (PASS).

Abstract: A method for extracting bitumen from an oil sand slurry involves limiting the size of rock and clay lumps in the slurry to a first size, conditioning the slurry in a pipeline, screening the slurry through a rotary screening apparatus to remove the lumps that are larger than a second size, and subjecting the slurry to gravity separation to separate the bitumen as a bitumen froth. A fastener assembly for securing a screen panel to a drum shell of a rotary screening apparatus includes an outer insert for insertion into an aperture of a drum shell, an inner insert for insertion through an aperture of the screen panel and into an inward facing pocket of the outer insert, and a bolt for securing together the outer and inner inserts. An insert for removable insertion into an aperture of a drum of a rotary screening apparatus defines a screening aperture.

Abstract: Process for producing lipids and other organic compounds from biomass comprising the following steps: (a) subjecting said biomass to extraction, at room temperature, in the presence of at least one low-boiling point solvent, thereby obtaining a first organic phase comprising lipids and solvent, and a first slurry phase comprising carbohydrates and proteins; (b) subjecting the first organic phase obtained in said step (a) to evaporation of the solvent, obtaining a second organic phase comprising lipids and a third organic phase comprising solvent, which is recycled to said step (a); (c) subjecting the first slurry phase obtained in said step (a) to liquefaction operating at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 200° C., preferably ranging from 110° C. to 180° C.

Abstract: A process and associated system for the improved reclamation of disturbed lands (e.g., mined lands) is disclosed. In particular, the system including a dewatering cyclone, a screw classifier, and a dewatering apparatus (e.g. a dewatering belt) arranged in series to enable rapid and cost effective dewatering of slurries containing dilute clay and sand tailings to create an improved engineered reclamation material (ERM). The ERM formed by the controlled combining of dewatered sand tailings with dilute clay slurry and with a flocculant and overburden. The ratio of clay:sand:overburden of the ERM may be achieved by balancing the solid content (Cw) and water content (1?Cw) materials of the clay slurry, sand tailings and overburden. In some embodiments, the system may include at least one additional component, such as, for example, static screen(s), centrifuge(s), vibrating screens, drum screens, belt screens, belt filters, and/or other liquid-solid separation devices.

Abstract: A new water treatment system for SAGD operations is disclosed. Instead of treating both produced water and recycled water using warm lime softening systems, the recycled water is combined with saline water in a cold lime softening system. This results in slightly warmed reactions that require less chemicals during the lime softening process while also allowing for larger volumes of treated produced water to be generated by the warm lime softening system.

Abstract: A method of screening solvents for the solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method includes dissolving petroleum hydrocarbons in a selected solvent to form a first solution, adding an ionic liquid to the first solution and blending to form a second solution and measuring absorbance of the second solution using spectroscopic techniques. The solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons in the solvent is then determined based on the difference between the measured absorbance of the first and second solution. A system for screening solvents for the solubilization of petroleum hydrocarbons is also disclosed. The system can be used in removal of wax deposition in refinery process equipment, process flow lines, during piping operations, up-gradation of wax, prevention of clogging of pipelines, processing of sludge or for removing sludge from petroleum tank installations and enhancing the crude oil flow.

Abstract: A process id disclosed for upgrading tars, typically those resulting from hydrocarbon refining processes, to products suitable for other uses, such as blending with other hydrocarbons to provide low-sulfur fuel oils or Emission Control Area-acceptable fuels. A low-sulfur hydrocarbon product obtained from the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for separating bitumen from oil sands material is disclosed. The method may include mixing the oil sands material with a solvent in a mix tank then passing it through a centrifuge. The method may also include drying the clean oil sands material and recovering the vapors through a condenser unit. The system may further include passing the mixture of bitumen and solvent through a flash evaporator to produce pure bitumen or leaving it mixed with the higher API hydrocarbon condensate for the production of crude oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an aqueous suspension of solid mineral particles arising from the extraction of ores, comprising the following steps: a soluble polymer is prepared in water, comprising: at least one non-ionic monomer, selected from the group consisting of acrylamide; methacrylamide; N-monoderivatives of acrylamide; N-monoderivatives of methacrylamide; N,N-derivatives of acrylamide; N,N-derivatives of methacrylamide; acrylic esters; methacrylic esters; N-vinylformamide; and N-vinylpyrrolidone; at least one anionic monomer representing between 10 and 70 mol %, selected from the group consisting of monomers having a carboxylic functional group and salts thereof; monomers having a sulphonic acid functional group and salts thereof; monomers having a phosphonic acid functional group and salts thereof; at least one cationic monomer representing between 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surfactant composition comprising an ionic liquid prepared from an unsubsituted or substituted primary, secondary or tertiary amine, or from an unsubstituted or substituted pyridine, amidine or guanidine with at least one fatty acid and/or resin acid. The invention also relates to a method for treating bitumen froth from a separation process, where bitumen is separated from mineral solids. The method comprises addition of said surfactant composition to the diluent and/or to the froth before phase separation.

Abstract: The invention concerns the treatment of mine tailings in the form of aqueous effluents comprising solid particles. With the method of the invention it is possible to separate all or part of the water from an aqueous effluent comprising solid particles. This method comprises (a) adding at least one sulfonated dispersing agent to the effluent, then (b) adding at least one agent to flocculate the solid particles. The invention also relates to a composition comprising an aqueous effluent comprising dispersed, flocculated solid particles. Preferably it relates to a composition comprising an aqueous effluent comprising solid particles, at least one sulfonated dispersing agent and at least one agent to flocculate solid particles.

Abstract: A method for processing bitumen froth to produce a diluted bitumen product having a reduced water and solids content is provided, comprising: adding a sufficient amount of water to the bitumen froth and mixing the bitumen froth and water to form a froth/water mixture; diluting the froth/water mixture with naphtha to form a diluted froth; and separating the water and solids from the diluted froth to produce the diluted bitumen product.

Abstract: A process for solvent extraction of bitumen from mined oil sand ore is provided, comprising mixing the mined oil sand ore with at least one solvent to produce a solvent/oil sand slurry; adding water to the solvent/oil sand slurry to produce a slurry having a water-to-solids mass ratio of less than about 0.1; mixing the slurry in a mixing tank having a diameter to agglomerate the solids present in the slurry, the mixing tank operating at a power input of between 20 and 50 W/kg of slurry, to produce an agglomerated slurry; and subjecting the agglomerated slurry to solid-liquid separation to produce a first liquids stream containing bitumen and a first solids stream; whereby the slurry height in the mixing tank is 0.1 to 0.3 of the tank diameter.

Abstract: A process for dewatering oil sand fine tailings is provided and comprises a dispersion and floc build-up stage comprising in-line addition of a flocculent solution comprising an effective amount of flocculation reagent into a flow of the oil sand fine tailings; a gel stage wherein flocculated oil sand fine tailings is transported in-line and subjected to shear conditioning; a floc breakdown and water release stage wherein the flocculated oil sand fine tailings releases water and decreases in yield shear stress, while avoiding an oversheared zone; depositing the flocculated oil sand fine tailings onto a deposition area to form a deposit and to enable the release water to flow away from the deposit, preferably done in a pipeline reactor and managing shear according to yield stress and CST information and achieves enhanced dewatering.

Abstract: Techniques are described for producing a bitumen product and recovering solvent from a solvent-diluted heavy hydrocarbon stream, which can have configurations and operation of an indirect heat exchanger to enhance performance. The system can have three solvent recovery stages. The indirect heat exchanger can have a location and operation to mitigate risks associated with exchanger failures. The solvent-diluted hydrocarbon stream can be preheated with a downstream solvent-depleted stream, and the pressure of the latter can be higher than that of the former to avoid solvent leaking into the hydrocarbon-enriched stream. The heat exchanger can be located in between the second and third stages, so that solvent leaked into the second stage output can be removed in the third stage so that the final product hydrocarbon stream can remain at low solvent contents.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing a crude oil composition from oil sand using a solvent comprised of a hydrocarbon mixture to extract or remove only a portion of the bitumen on the oil sand. The solvent type and the manner by which the extraction process is carried out has substantial impact on the quality of the extracted oil component. The solvent is designed so that it has the desired Hansen solubility parameters that enable the partial extraction of the desired oil composition. The solvent is further designed so that it can be comprised of multiple hydrocarbons having the appropriate boiling point ranges that enable the solvent to be easily recovered and recycle, without the need to externally provide for solvent make-up.

Abstract: A method and system for separating a suspension into solid and fluid components. The suspension is centrifuged about a substantially vertical axis of rotation to concentrate solid components in a first lower flow stream and fluid components in a first upper flow stream. The first upper flow stream may be centrifuged about a substantially vertical axis of rotation to concentrate solid components in a second lower flow stream and fluid components in a second upper flow stream. The first lower flow stream, the second lower flow stream, or both, may be centrifuged about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation to separate water from stackable dry tailings. The method and system may be applied to separation of tailings or other suspensions.

Abstract: To deliver surfactants or tracers to underground oil fields, inorganic encapsulated surfactant nanoparticles or microparticles that are stable for several weeks under high temperature and high salt conditions can be used.

Abstract: A process for separating solvent from spent oil sand solids involves drying the solids using superheated steam, and thereby producing a vapor comprising the vaporized solvent and vaporized water. The vapor is conveyed through a hot side of a first heat exchanger to produce a cooled stream comprising condensed solvent and condensed water, while a water stream is conveyed under vacuum through a cold side of the first heat exchanger to produce steam. A vacuum blower that applies the vacuum may also compress the steam to adiabatically heat the steam, before the steam is further heated by a steam superheater. The condensed water is separated from the cooled stream, and used in producing the water stream that is conveyed through the cold side of the heat exchanger, as the process continues. The steam is used in producing the superheated steam for drying the solids, as the process continues.

Abstract: A method and system of separating a mixture of water, diluted bitumen and a mineral phase comprising fine solids, produced from oil-wet or carbonate-cemented oil sands ore, includes the steps of agitating the mixture to produce a micronized emulsion of the diluted bitumen in a continuous water phase such that a majority of the diluted bitumen associates with the fine solids, and passing the micronized emulsion through a separator to produce a bitumen stream enriched in bitumen and fine solids, and a water stream.

Abstract: A method of extracting bitumen from oil sands having a transition temperature at which the oil sands solidify includes forming formable oil sands into pellets and cooling at least a surface of the pellets sufficiently to prevent the pellets from aggregating; cooling the pellets to below the transition temperature; fracturing the pellets to release the bitumen from the oil sands while maintaining the temperature of the pellets below the transition temperature; and separating the bitumen from the oil sands in a separator.

Abstract: A paraffinic solvent recovery process for treating high paraffin diluted bitumen includes supplying the latter to flashing apparatus; separating into flashed paraffinic solvent and diluted bitumen underflow; and returning a portion of the underflow as returned diluted bitumen into the high paraffin diluted bitumen prior to introduction into the flashing apparatus, at temperature and amount to shift asphaltene precipitation equilibrium to reduce asphaltene precipitation. The process includes pre-heating the high paraffin diluted bitumen by transferring heat from hot dry bitumen, flashed paraffinic solvent and/or a portion of diluted bitumen underflow. Flashed paraffinic solvent may contain residual light end bitumen contaminants that increase asphaltenes solubility and the process may include removing contaminants to produce reusable paraffinic solvent at given solvent-to-bitumen ratio range to maintain given asphaltene precipitation.

Abstract: A process for extracting bitumen from oil sand ore to produce a bitumen froth having reduced solids is provided, comprising mixing the oil sand ore with water and a first process aid comprising at least one surfactant to form an oil sand slurry; conditioning the oil sand slurry to produce a conditioned oil sand slurry; and introducing the conditioned oil sand slurry into a separation zone for forming the bitumen froth having reduced solids.

Abstract: The field of the invention is oil sands processing. A solvent treatment system and process for treating a bitumen-containing stream include contacting that stream with a solvent-containing stream to produce an in-line flow of solvent diluted material; supplying the solvent diluted material into a separation vessel with axi-symmetric phase and velocity distribution and/or particular mixing and conditioning features. The solvent addition, mixing and conditioning may be performed with particular Co V, Camp number, co-annular pipeline reactor, pipe wall contact of low viscosity fluid, flow diffusing and/or flow straightening. The processes enable improved performance of downstream unit operations such as separation of high diluted bitumen from solvent diluted tailings.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing deasphalted bitumen and heavy bitumen compositions from oil sands and processes for upgrading the bitumen compositions. The processes for producing the deasphalted bitumen and heavy bitumen compositions involve a Phase I and/or Phase II extraction solvent. According to the Phase I process, a high quality oil sands-derived, deasphalted bitumen can be produced using a Phase I type solvent. According to the Phase II process, a substantial amount of the heavy bitumen on the oil sand can be extracted using a Phase II type solvent, while producing a relatively a tailings by-product that is non-harmful to the environment. The heavy bitumen from the Phase II type extraction process can be hydroprocessed for ready conversion into relatively high volumes of high quality transportation fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recycling system and a method for recycling by means of same, in which sludge, an extraction residue of oil shale, is drawn into a light oil mixing tank and mixed thoroughly by means of light oil or an extractant to separate heavy oil, then heavy oil and the extractant/light oil are additionally recovered by means of a sludge separation apparatus, and the oil shale sludge, which is an extraction residue, is transported, after preliminary storage in an intermediate storage tank, to an evaporation apparatus for recovering light oil so as to maximally recover the extractant/light oil and the like which is the final organic material possible to be recovered, thereby allowing dry oil shale residue to be generated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making asphalt mix composition from mixtures of binder, aggregate, and tailings derived from a solvent froth treatment performed to recover bitumen from mined oil sands. The tailings derived from the solvent froth treatment can be used to replace at least a portion of the small particles in the aggregate used for forming the asphalt mix composition.

Abstract: A solvent diluted bitumen is produced by a method that includes adding paraffinic solvent to bitumen froth to form a solvent diluted bitumen froth, and discharging the solvent diluted bitumen froth into a vessel, such that settlement of the solvent diluted bitumen froth in the interior of the vessel establishes a heavier phase zone, a lighter phase zone, and an interface. A discharge point is located above the interface and within the lighter phase zone. Lighter phases separate up toward an overflow outlet of the vessel while heavier phases separate down toward an underflow outlet of the vessel. The solvent diluted bitumen is collected from the overflow outlet, and a solvent diluted underflow stream is collected from the underflow outlet.

Abstract: A method of utilizing carbon monoxide to increase oil recovery includes methods of injecting an effective amount of carbon monoxide into an oil reservoir. The carbon monoxide increases oil flow from the oil reservoir through a variety of chemical mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention discloses a rubber process oil and a process for manufacturing rubber process oils which are non-carcinogenic in nature. The process comprises of selectively producing Hildebrand solubility components enriched vacuum residue by selective distillation of reduced crude oil (RCO) to obtain minimum of 10 vol % boiling components in the range 490° C. to 50° C., which leads to higher solubility of rubber process oil with an aniline point of less than 70° C. and with extremely low concentration of selective polycyclic aromatics which makes the 15 product non-carcinogenic.

Abstract: Processes for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations are disclosed. The hydrocarbon can be contacted with water or steam and one or more additives, and subsequently recovered. The hydrocarbon can be selected from the group consisting of heavy or light crude oil, bitumen, an oil sand ore, a tar sand ore and combinations thereof. The additive can be, for example, a fluorinated hydrocarbon, one or more alcohols, combinations of alcohols, and combinations of one or more alcohols and one or more fluorinated hydrocarbons. Compositions or mixtures including hydrocarbons, water or steam, and additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing crude oil and bitumen products of relatively high quality from oil sand. The processes for producing the high quality crude oil and bitumen products involve a Phase I and/or Phase II extraction solvent. According to the Phase I process, a high quality bitumen-derived crude oil can be produced using a Phase I type solvent. According to the Phase II process, a substantial amount of the bitumen on the oil sand can be extracted using a Phase II type solvent, while producing a relatively dry tailings by-product. The Phase I and Phase II extraction processes can be carried out independently or in conjunction with one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for extracting an oil composition from oil sand. The extraction process is carried out using a fluidizing medium to fluidize oil sand particles within a contact zone in which the fluidizing medium contacts the oil sand and maintains the oil sand in the fluidized state. At least a majority of the fluidizing medium is in a vapor or supercritical state within the contact zone.

Abstract: Separation methods for producing an extract and a raffinate from a solvent extraction feed material, wherein the feed material is derived from a process for recovering bitumen from oil sands. The methods may include producing an intra-stage recycle component from an overflow zone of a solvent extraction stage and recycling the intra-stage recycle component to the solvent extraction stage, and/or the methods may include providing an underflow component withdrawal rate for a solvent extraction stage other than a final solvent extraction stage which is greater than an underflow component withdrawal rate for the final solvent extraction stage.

Abstract: A method of processing oil sands material including bitumen. The method includes subjecting the oil sands material to a predistillation process. The predistillation process includes heating the oil sands material to between approximately 350° C. and approximately 400° C., to produce atmospheric gas oil from the bitumen, and intermediate dried oil sands material, and heating the intermediate dried oil sands material to between approximately 535° C. and at least approximately 600° C., to produce vacuum gas oil and coked oil sands material comprising carbon-heavy hydrocarbons and sand. The method also includes subjecting the coked oil sands material to gasification, to produce barren hot oil sands material, and syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases.

Abstract: Specific embodiments of the present invention provide a hydrocracking process for converting low value-added heavy hydrocarbon distillates into high value-added hydrocarbon distillates using a supercritical solvent as a medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing bitumen-derived crude oil and heavy bitumen compositions from oil sand. The processes involve treating oil sand feedstock with a first hydrocarbon solvent comprised of propane to produce the bitumen-derived crude oil composition having an asphaltene content of not greater than 5 wt % pentane insoluble, and an oil-depleted oil sand. The oil-depleted oil sand is treated with a second hydrocarbon solvent comprised of propane and a fraction of the bitumen-derived crude oil composition to produce the heavy bitumen composition and oil sand tailings. The oil sand tailings are dried by contacting the tailings with a drying composition comprised of a majority of propane.

Abstract: A process includes: (a) providing a powder containing hydrophilic particulates and hydrocarbon liquid; (b) providing polyolefin beads; and (c) forming a combination by combining the polyolefin beads with the powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting bitumen from an oil sand stream, the method including at least the steps of: (a) providing an oil sand stream; (b) contacting the oil sand stream with a liquid comprising a non-aqueous solvent thereby obtaining a solvent-diluted oil sand slurry; (c) screening the solvent-diluted oil sand slurry thereby obtaining a screened oil sand slurry and a rejects stream; (d) introducing the rejects stream into a liquid bath; (e) transporting the rejects stream through the liquid bath to a space above the surface of the liquid bath; and (f) extracting bitumen from the screened oil sand slurry obtained in step (c).

Abstract: A modified paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) process is described, in which a fine tailings stream obtained from a water extraction process practiced on oil sands is added during the treatment process. This modified process may be useful as a treatment for the fine tailings stream, allowing for the flocculation of the fines, thus reducing the volume of such fine tailings. The modified process may also be useful in that the fine tailings stream can be used as a supplement or a replacement for dilution water, thus eliminating or reducing the need for dilution water in the PFT process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting bitumen from an oil sand stream, the method comprising at least the steps of, a) providing an oil sand stream; b) contacting the oil sand stream with a liquid comprising a solvent to obtain a solvent-diluted oil sand slurry; c) separating the oil sand slurry to obtain a first solids-depleted stream and a first solids-enriched stream; d) filtering the first solids-enriched stream obtained in step c) to obtain bitumen-depleted sand and at least a first filtrate; e) separating at least a part of the first filtrate to obtain a second solids-depleted stream and a second solids-enriched stream; and f) contacting at least a part of the second solids-enriched stream from step e) with solvent to obtain a solvent-diluted second solids-enriched stream; and g) separating the solvent-diluted second solids-enriched stream to obtain a third solids-enriched stream and a third solids-depleted stream.

Abstract: A process of extracting bitumen from oil sand ores having a fines content up to about 60% and a bitumen content greater than 6% is provided, comprising: determining the fines content and the bitumen content of the oil sand ore; calculating a sufficient amount of caustic to be added in the process using an equation based on the ratio of the fines content to the bitumen content; mixing the oil sand ore with heated water to produce an oil sand slurry; and adding the sufficient amount of caustic before, during or after mixing the oil sand ore with heated water to condition the oil sand slurry and to improve bitumen recovery from the oil sand ore.

Abstract: Systems, methods and compositions for the separation and recovery of hydrocarbons from particulate matter are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method includes contacting particulate matter with at least one analogue ionic liquid. The particulate matter contains at least one hydrocarbon and at least one solid particulate. When the particulate matter is contacted with the analogue ionic liquid, the hydrocarbon dissociates from the solid particulate to form a multiphase system.