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 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: Embodiments of a method and a system for recovering energy, materials or both from asphaltene-containing tailings are disclosed. The asphaltene-containing tailings can be generated, for example, from a process for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sand. Embodiments of the method can include a flotation separation and a hydrophobic agglomeration separation. Flotation can be used to separate the asphaltene-containing tailings into an asphaltene-rich froth and an asphaltene-depleted aqueous phase. The asphaltene-rich froth, or an asphaltene-rich slurry formed from the asphaltene-rich froth, then can be separated into a heavy mineral concentrate and a light tailings. Hydrophobic agglomeration can be used to recover an asphaltene concentrate from the light tailings. Another flotation separation can be included to remove sulfur-containing minerals from the heavy mineral concentrate. Oxygen-containing minerals also can be recovered from the heavy mineral concentrate.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of processing a bituminous feed. The bituminous feed is contacted with an extraction liquor to form a slurry. A bridging liquid is added to the slurry, and, solids are agitated within the slurry to form an agglomerated slurry comprising agglomerates and a low solids bitumen extract. In order to control agglomeration, the slurry is analyzed and the processing method is adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing synthetic crude oil from a heavy crude reservoir, comprising: (a) extracting the heavy crude oil using a steam technology; (b) separating the crude extracted and the water; (c) separating the crude into at least one light cut and one heavy cut; (d) converting said heavy cut to a lighter product and a residue; (e) optionally, partially or totally hydroprocessing the converted product and/or the light cut(s) obtained upon separation (c); (f) burning and/or gasifying the conversion residue in the presence of metal oxides in at least one chemical looping cycle producing CO2-concentrated fumes in order to allow CO2 capture, the optionally hydroprocessed converted product and light separation cut(s) making up the synthetic crude oil, said combustion allowing to generate steam and/or electricity, and said gasification allowing to generate hydrogen, the steam and/or the electricity thus generated being used for extraction (a), and/or the electricity and/or the hy

Abstract: Methods for extracting bitumen from bituminous material through the use of a polar solvent. The method may include a primary leaching or extraction process that separates most of the bitumen from a material comprising bitumen and produces first solvent-wet tailings. A polar solvent is added to the first solvent-wet tailings in order to remove the first solvent (plus any entrained bitumen) from the tailings. A mixture of polar solvent and first solvent produced by the addition of the polar solvent to the first solvent-wet tailings may be phase separated by maintaining the polar solvent-first solvent mixture for a period of time. Alternatively, the polar solvent and first solvent may leave the tailings in a phase separated state. Phase separation may occur due to the presence of water in the polar solvent-first solvent mixture. Water may also be added to the mixture of solvents to serve as an antisolvent and initiate phase separation. The separated solvents may then be recovered and reused in the method.

Abstract: A demulsifier and dispersant for treating petroleum crude oils and biofuels prior to desalter and heater treater processing can also be used to treat slop oils and clean drill cuttings.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of processing a bituminous feed. The bituminous feed is contacted with an extraction liquor to form a slurry. The slurry is then flowed through a pipeline. A bridging liquid is added to the slurry to assist agglomeration. Agitation is also used to assist agglomeration. The result is an agglomerated slurry comprising agglomerates and a low solids bitumen extract. The agglomerates are then separated from the low solids bitumen extract. Performing the agglomeration in a pipeline as opposed to in a conventional agitating vessel may provide certain advantages, such as improved sealing in order to contain the potentially flammable mixture of oil sands slurry from the atmosphere, production of smaller and more uniform agglomerates due to improved mixing of the bridging liquid into the oil sands slurry, and the flexibility to have a long residence time for the extraction and agglomeration processes.

Abstract: Methods for preparing solvent-dry, stackable tailings. The methods may include a primary leaching or extraction process that separates most of the bitumen from a material comprising bitumen and produces first solvent-wet tailings. The first solvent-wet tailings are washed with a second solvent that removes the first solvent from the tailings. Second solvent remaining in the tailings is removed to thereby produce solvent-dry, stackable tailings.

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: A process for operating a bitumen froth treatment operation in turndown mode includes adding solvent to bitumen froth to produce diluted bitumen froth and separating it into diluted bitumen and solvent diluted tailings and in response to a reduction in bitumen froth flow recirculating part of the diluted bitumen into the bitumen froth and returning part of the solvent diluted tailings into the step of separating. A method for turndown of separation vessel for PFT includes sustaining the feed flow to vessel; maintaining solvent-to-bitumen ratio in the diluted bitumen froth; and retaining water, minerals and asphaltenes in a lower section of the vessel while sustaining an outlet flow. The use of diluted bitumen derived from PFT as a viscosity modifying agent of the bitumen froth and an associated process are also provided.

Abstract: A method for removal of hydrocarbons from solid particulate matter provides a chemical treatment which moves particulate matter combined with a water and chemical mixture which is moved progressively through separation tanks to remove the particulate matter from the hydrocarbons after coating and allow the hydrocarbons to float free from the particulate substrate. The removal apparatus consists of a series of tanks through which the coated and fouled solid material is moved to progressively remove hydrocarbons from the surface of the solid material leaving the solids in one stream and the hydrocarbons in a second stream for disposal or further use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of processing a bituminous feed. The bituminous feed is contacted with a bridging liquid-in-extraction liquor emulsion to form a slurry. Solids in the slurry are agglomerated, using agitation, to form an agglomerated slurry comprising agglomerated solids and a low solids bitumen extract. The agglomerates are then separated from the low solids bitumen extract. Emulsifying the bridging liquid prior to contacting it with the oil sands may reduce the amount of energy required for the agglomeration process. Other potential benefits may include the production of smaller and more uniform agglomerates. The former may lead to higher bitumen recoveries and the latter may improve the solid-liquid separation rate.

Abstract: A use of a foulant collector in a vessel or conduit in a paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) process. The foulant comprises asphaltenes. The foulant collectors are purposed to reduce build-up in the vessel or conduit and/or to reduce downstream foulant carry-over in the process. The surface of the foulant collectors may have an average water contact angle of less than 90 degrees. Additionally, together with such foulant collectors, a fluorocarbon polymer may be used as a surface of a vessel or conduit in the PFT process, for reducing fouling.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus, at least comprising: a housing containing a first section, a second section and a third section; the first section having a first inlet for oil sand, a second inlet for solvent and an outlet for solvent-diluted oil sand slurry; the second section having an inlet for the solvent-diluted oil sand slurry, a screen allowing undersized material to pass and an outlet for oversized material; and the third section having an inlet for oversized material and an outlet for solvent-depleted oversized material; wherein the first section, the second section and the third section can rotate during use around a common rotation axis (A-A?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the energy-efficient and environmentally friendly obtention of light oil and/or fuels on the basis of crude bitumen from oil shales and/or oil sands (1) by thermal use of carbonaceous residues which are obtained during this process, whereby the carbonaceous residues are converted at temperatures below 1800° C. into sulfur-poor, gaseous cleavage products (31) by sub-stoichiometric oxidation with oxygen-containing gas in an updraft gasifier (19) which is operated with a bulk material moving bed while alkaline substances are added. The cleavage products are then converted into sensible heat by hyperstoichiometric oxidation and are used for the production of heated aqueous process media (2) for physically comminuting the oil sands and/or oil shales (1) and/or for separating of the crude bitumen (7) from the rock material and/or as process heat for the thermal fractioning (12) of the crude bitumen (7).

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: The present invention relates to methods of extracting hydrocarbons from an oil matrix, either above the surface or in site in an oil deposit and to methods for treating soils contaminated with hydrocarbons and other contaminants. The methods of the present invention are based on the use of a citrus-based solvent and ultrasound energy to extract hydrocarbons from an oil matrix and to treat soils contaminated with organic and/or inorganic contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting bitumen from an oil sand stream, the method including the steps of: (a) providing an oil sand stream; (b) contacting the oil sand stream with a liquid comprising a solvent thereby obtaining a solvent-diluted oil sand slurry; (c) separating the solvent-diluted oil sand slurry, thereby obtaining a first solids-depleted stream and a first solids-enriched stream; (d) filtering the first solids-enriched stream obtained in step (c), thereby obtaining bitumen-depleted sand and at least a first filtrate; (e) increasing the S/B weight ratio of at least a part of the first filtrate by combining it with a stream having a higher S/B weight ratio thereby obtaining a combined stream; and (f) separating the combined stream, thereby obtaining a second solids-depleted stream and a second solids-enriched stream.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a hydrocarbon-extracting solvent containing DMSO, Cellosolve, or a mixture thereof; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the hydrocarbon-extracting solvent to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the hydrocarbon-extracting solvent; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing ore, the method comprising obtaining a reflectance spectra of an ore froth using a camera, applying a calculation using at least a wavelet decomposition to the reflectance spectra and generating a value representative of the reflectance spectra of the ore froth, classifying the quality of the ore froth using the value, and using the classification of the quality of the ore froth in froth processing.

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.

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 ionic liquid. The particulate matter contains at least one hydrocarbon and at least one solid particulate. When the particulate matter is contacted with the ionic liquid, the hydrocarbon dissociates from the solid particulate to form a multiphase system.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved bitumen recovery processes and systems. One process provides for operation of a bitumen froth treatment plant at optimum shear rates in the feed pipe carrying the bitumen froth to the froth settling unit. Another process provides for optimizing the design of a bitumen froth treatment plant by optimizing the diameter of the feed pipe to impart an optimum shear rate to the bitumen froth mixture and further optimizing the volume of the feed pipe to impart an optimum residence time for the bitumen froth stream in the feed pipe. An optimal plant design is also disclosed, the plant including optimal diameter and volume of the feed pipe.

Abstract: A method to extract and process bitumen from oil sands involves processing in a pulse enhanced fluidized bed steam reactor, cracking the heavy hydrocarbon fractions, producing hydrogen in situ within the reactor and hydrogenating the cracked fractions using the natural bifunctional catalyst present in the oil sands. This method produces inert oil sands for soil rehabilitation and an upgraded oil stream.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing oxygen from an oil sand stream, the method including the steps of: (a) providing an oil sand stream; (b) introducing the oil sand stream into a liquid bath; (c) transporting the oil sand through the liquid bath to a confined space above the surface of the liquid bath; (d) removing the oil sand from the confined space; and (e) extracting bitumen from the oil sand removed in step (d).

Abstract: A process for separating from an oil sand slurry solids and bitumen is provided, comprising introducing the oil sand slurry into a separation zone comprising an upper zone and a lower zone; intercepting a settling path of the solids in the separation zone by bringing the solids into contact with at least one intercepting surface to direct the solids to the lower zone; and producing a reduced solids upper zone to allow the bitumen to rise through the upper zone with reduced hindrance from the solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a plant material, and methods for using the same in extracting or removing a hydrocarbon-containing substance from a substrate or remediating a substrate.

Abstract: A single solvent method and machine for separating bitumen from oil sand ore are disclosed. The method includes the use of a single light paraffinic solvent, such as propane or butane as the agent to separate the bitumen from mined oil sand ore. Since light paraffinic solvents are vapors at atmospheric pressure and temperatures, the ore is placed in a pressurized container so that the solvent remains in a liquid state. When the container is pressurized, by the addition of the solvent itself, the liquid solvent is mixed with the ore to effect separation. The proposed machine settles more than 80% of the solids out under gravity in a modest period of time. The solvent-bitumen mixture is drained after the cleaning cycle, the container is depressured to a vapor recovery system and the remaining solids dumped out. The fine solids, drained with the liquids, are separated from the liquid mixture with relative ease by the use of current technology in other downstream equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a class of novel surfactants that have utility in the recovery and/or extraction of oil.

Abstract: A process for recovering solvent from spent oil sands solids is provided, comprising drying the solids using superheated steam to vaporize solvent and water; compressing and condensing the vapors in a first heat exchanger (hot side) to produce condensates, comprising primarily condensed hot water, and uncondensed vapors; separating condensed hot water and solvent from the uncondensed vapors in a first separator; flowing the hot water through the first heat exchanger (cold side) to produce near-saturated steam; and superheating the near-saturated steam in a second heat exchanger to produce the superheated steam for drying the solids. Uncondensed vapors from the first separator can be further condensed in a third heat exchanger to produce warm water, recovered solvent and uncondensed off gas, which can be separated in a second separator. Some of the warm water is combined with the hot water to produce the near-saturated steam for superheating.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for cleaning bitumen froth by mixing a sufficient amount of naphtha with the bitumen froth to provide a naphtha-to-bitumen ratio within the range of about 4.0 (w/w) to about 10.0 (w/w) and separating substantially dry diluted bitumen from the water and solids. Also provided is a process for cleaning diluted bitumen by mixing a sufficient amount of naphtha with the diluted bitumen to provide a naphtha-to-bitumen ratio equal to or greater than about 1.8 (w/w) and separating marketable fungible raw bitumen from the water and solids.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.

Abstract: A system for forming an oil sand slurry from mined oil sand is provided, comprising a slurry preparation tower having an intake opening through which oil sand enters the slurry preparation tower, a first sizer device to comminute the oil sand passing through it, a second sizer device to further comminute the oil sand, and a pump box for receiving oil sand that has passed through the second sizer and feeding it to a pump; at least one conveyor, having a discharge end, for transporting mined oil sand to the slurry preparation tower; a metal detector for detecting a piece of metal in the mined oil sand and transmitting a signal; and a metal rejection device operative to, in response to the signal from the metal detector, reject a portion of oil sand containing the piece of metal before the portion of oil sand enters the slurry preparation tower.

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: A method and system for the use of low quality fuel and solids-rich water, like fine tailings or lime sludge, for extracting bitumen from shallow and deep underground oil sand formations. The method includes the steps of combustion fuel and oxidizing gas, mixing hot combustion gas with solids-rich water, evaporating the liquid water to steam and solids, removing the solids from the gas phase to generate a solid lean gas, recovering the heat and condensing the steam to generate hot water, mixing the hot water with oilsands ore for extracting bitumen. The solid lean gas is mixed with saturated water to scrub the remaining solids and acid gases and produce saturated steam. The solids-rich saturated water is recycled and evaporated by being mixed with the combustion gases, and the saturated steam is condensed to generate heat and condensate for steam generation for use in enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.

Abstract: A system for removing hydrocarbons and other contaminants from sand and/or drill cuttings includes screening large debris from a first loading inlet hopper (101) to a screen covered receiving hopper (102) that may contain a chopper and chemical additive nozzles (105). A first inclined auger (104) receives the material from hopper (102) at its lower inlet port and conveys the material upwards dropping it into a hopper (106) and thence to a unit (107) either of which may include a crasher (106). Unit (107) includes an eductor (109) which feeds the screened and treated sand slurry to desanding units (112) such as hydro cyclones. The underflow from the desanders is sent to an auger tank's (114) first compartment (113) while the overflow is sent to its second compartment (115) where a flow distributing conduit (117) that disperses it over the surface of both compartments (113), (115). The auger tank (114) employs horizontal augers (116) that are arterial both the first and second compartments (113) and (114).

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and handling slurries are provided. The surge drum system for storing a slurry can include a storage vessel having a first end, a second end, and at least one wall surrounding an internal volume between the first and second ends. The system can also include a slurry inlet and a slurry outlet, both in fluid communication with the internal volume. A recirculation inlet can be in fluid communication with the internal volume at the first end of the storage vessel. The system can also include a pump having a suction line in fluid communication with the outlet. A discharge line of the pump can be in fluid communication with an outlet valve and a recirculation valve that can be in fluid communication with the recirculation inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting bitumen from an oil sand stream that includes the steps of: providing an oil sand stream; contacting the oil sand stream with a liquid comprising a solvent thereby obtaining a solvent-diluted oil sand slurry; separating the solvent-diluted oil sand slurry, thereby obtaining a solids-depleted stream and a solids-enriched stream; increasing the S/B weight ratio of the solids-enriched stream thereby obtaining a solids-enriched stream having an increased S/B weight ratio and a liquid stream; filtering the solids-enriched stream having an increased S/B weight ratio, thereby obtaining bitumen-depleted sand. In another embodiment, the invention is a system for practicing this method.

Abstract: A process for separating bitumen from bitumen ore material includes extracting bitumen with a hydrocarbon solvent to produce a bitumen-enriched solvent phase and tailings. The tailings are dried or stripped in a dryer to remove any remaining hydrocarbon solvent. The amount of solvent discharged in the tailings may be less than 4 bbl per 1000 bbl of recovered bitumen.

Abstract: A method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands comprises subjecting crude oil sands to vibration selected to cause bitumen to separate from crude oil sands and filtering the separated bitumen from the crude oil sands.

Abstract: A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container and coupled to the RF source. The spirally wound electrical conductor may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container that are parallel with an axis thereof.

Abstract: A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container, and a radio frequency (RF) circuit coupled to the spirally wound electrical conductor and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resource while tracking a load resonance of the RF circuit. The RF circuit may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container parallel with an axis thereof.

Abstract: A method and a product made by treating a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed, e.g., heavy crude asphaltene reduction is disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of: mixing the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed with a hydrogen donor solvent and an acidified silica to form a mixture and oxidizing the sulfur in the mixture at a temperature between 50° C. and 210° C., wherein the oxidation lowers the amount sulfur in the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed by at least 90%.

Abstract: An apparatus to decrease viscosity of crude oil or bitumen and increase the rate of fractional extraction by breaking the high molecular chains in crude oil or bitumen undergoing treatment which includes a flow of crude oil or bitumen inside the treatment unit under simultaneous affection by cavitations and vibrations on different frequencies and between at least two opposite conical jets formed inside the diffusers having the same axis of symmetry and interacting with each other under the conditions of an auto-oscillations of the periodic backward flows of fluid inside each conical jet due to a periodic negative pressure inside each conical jet and the periodic negative pressure is determined in accordance with the following formulae: P a = P 0 - ? ? ? ? ? V 2 2 , ? wherein ? ? V = f ? ( D 4 - 2 ? R ) Sh , Pa is negative pressure in backward flow between the opposite conical jets.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling bitumen quality in a process stream within a solvent-assisted bitumen extraction operation, for instance a hydrocarbon stream from a froth separation unit (FSU). Bitumen quality is a measure of the amount of selected contaminants in the process stream. Contaminants may include asphaltenes (comprising metal porphyrins), sulfur, and inorganic solids (comprising inorganic elements, e.g. Si, Al, Ti, Fe, Na, K, Mg, and Ca). First, the amounts of selected contaminants are measured. Next, these measured values are compared to maximum reference values. If one or more of these contaminants is higher than the maximum reference value, at least one variable of the solvent-assisted bitumen extraction is adjusted to improve bitumen quality.