Abstract: In a process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a sent free water stream, the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65.degree. C. whereby at such controlled temperature enhanced cavitation in said jet pump separates said oily film from said sand particles to form slop oil, said tank providing for recirculation of sand particles through said jet pump before discharge.

Abstract: Average grade oil sand is mixed with water to produce a low temperature (20-35.degree. C.), dense (1.4-1.65 g/cc) slurry. The slurry is pumped through a pipeline for sufficient time to condition it. Air is injected into the slurry after the last pump. The slurry density is adjusted to about 1.5 g/cc by adding flood water near the end of the pipeline. The slurry is introduced into a primary separation vessel slurry as it is introduced into the (PSV), excess air is vented from the PSV and a hot water underwash is used to heat the froth produced. Slurry loading to the PSV is greater than about 4.78 tonnes of oil sand/hour/square meter to reduce velocity gradient in the fluid in the vessel. Bitumen froth is recovered. When fed low grade oil sand, the process is modified by adding flotation aid chemicals to the slurry in the pipeline and subjecting the PSV tailings and middlings to secondary recovery with agitation and aeration in a secondary separation vessel.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of bitumen from bitumen froth generated from tar sands is presented. In this process bitumen froth, extracted from tar sands using a water process not requiring the use of caustic soda, is treated in a counter-current decantation circuit with a paraffinic solvent to remove precipitated asphaltenes, water, and solids from the bitumen froth. The instant invention produces a dilute bitumen product having final water and solids content of about 0.01 to about 1.00% by weight rendering the dilute bitumen product amenable to direct hydrocracking. This process provides an alternative route to the conventional process utilizing centrifuges to separate bitumen from precipitated asphaltenes, water, and solids thereby avoiding the high capital and operating costs associated with the conventional bitumen froth treatment by centrifugation.

Abstract: A hot water extraction process for extracting bitumen from tar sands is taught wherein the tar sand is conditioned using an alkali metal bicarbonate, an alkali metal carbonate and a liquid hydrocarbon. A source of calcium and/or magnesium ions can also be added. The conditioning step replaces the step of conditioning using caustic soda previously used in tar sand extraction. The use of the alkali metal bicarbonate and carbonate and a liquid hydrocarbon substantially eliminates the production of sludge in tar sand extraction and maintains or improves bitumen recovery. The process allows for hot conditioning solution to be recycled to the process by use of a recycle storage tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous in-situ process for reducing the viscosity, corrosivity and density of heavy oils comprising the steps of (a) contacting a heavy oil with an aqueous alkaline earth, Group IIA metal hydroxide at a temperature of about 380.degree. to about 450.degree. C. for a time sufficient to form the corresponding alkaline earth metal sulfide, recovering the reduced sulfur feed and regenerating the alkaline metal hydroxide for recycle to treat additional feed. Beneficially, the process removes heteroatoms (sulfur and nitrogen).

Abstract: A process for the thermal conversion of the organic component associated with tar sands to lower boiling, higher value products. The conversion is achieved by subjecting the organic component containing from about 1 to 20 wt. % native solids to elevated temperatures and pressures. Compared to conventional thermal conversion processes, such as visbreaking, much higher conversion of the organic component can be achieved owing to the presence of native solids on which coke is deposited instead of fouling the process equipment. This higher conversion is also associated with enhanced removal of sulfur and metals.

Abstract: A system and method for immediately separating oil sands into three layers uses a logwasher with paddles that mixes the oil sands with hot water and steam. The three layers of bitumen, clay/sand/water slurry and rock separate effectively and immediately and are not re-mixed in further processing as was conventional, further producing a clay fraction from the fines for mineral processing.

Abstract: A hot water extraction process for extracting bitumen from tar sands is taught using a conditioning agent containing an alkali metal bicarbonate and an alkali metal carbonate. A source of calcium and/or magnesium ions can also be added. The conditioning agent replaces the caustic soda agent previously used in tar sand extraction. The use of the alkali metal bicarbonate and carbonate substantially eliminates the production of sludge in tar sand extraction and maintains or improves bitumen recovery. The process allows for hot conditioning agent solution to be recycled to the process by use of a recycle storage tank.

Abstract: A system and method for immediately separating oil sands into three layers uses a logwasher with paddles that mixes the oil sands with hot water and steam. The three layers of bitumen, clay/sand/water slurry and rock separate effectively and immediately and are not re-mixed in further processing as was conventional, further producing a clay fraction from the fines for mineral processing.

Abstract: Tar is separated and recovered from tarsands using an extraction process useful even in cold water which utilizes a liquid admixture of a high boiling alkane; e.g. naphtha, an anionic surfactant and water.

Abstract: A method for processing lumps of oil sand containing bitumen to produce a bitumen froth and non segregating tailings of a solid material and a sludge. The method includes depositing the lumps of oil sand into a bath of warm water. The lumps are then conditioned by gently contacting them with the warm water to liberate and separate bitumen from the oil sand while minimizing the dispersal into the bath of fine material contained in the oil sand. Following conditioning, the solid material remaining after the liberation and separation of the bitumen from the oil sand is removed from the bath and collected for further processing. The warm water containing bitumen and dispersed fine material is also removed from the bath and collected for further processing. Following removal from the bath, the warm water containing bitumen and dispersed fine material is separated into the bitumen froth and a suspension of dispersed fine material.

Abstract: A method for extracting oil from oil-contaminated soil containing 2 to 5 wt. % oil, comprising contacting the oil-contaminated soil with a solvent in the presence of sonic energy in the frequency range of 0.5 to 2.0 kHz. Specifically, a solvent is first mixed with the oil-contaminated soil and the mixture is then formed into a slurry of oil-contaminated soil particles suspended in the solvent. Thereafter the oil-contaminated soil slurry is passed through a shaker screen to remove soil particles greater than 1/4 inch. The oil-contaminated soil slurry containing the smaller soil particles is then fed into the top of a vertically disposed, substantially rectangular shaped, hollow acoustic chamber of uniform cross-section. Fresh solvent is injected into the bottom of the acoustic chamber that flows upwardly through the acoustic chamber. The fresh solvent is injected at a rate low enough whereby the oil-contaminated soil particles fall by gravity through the upwardly flowing solvent.

Abstract: A method for processing lumps of oil sand containing bitumen to produce a bitumen froth and non segregating tailings of a solid material and a sludge. The method includes depositing the lumps of oil sand into a bath of warm water. The lumps are then conditioned by gently contacting them with the warm water to liberate and separate bitumen from the oil sand while minimizing the dispersal into the bath of fine material contained in the oil sand. Following conditioning, the solid material remaining after the liberation and separation of the bitumen from the oil sand is removed from the bath and collected for further processing. The warm water containing bitumen and dispersed fine material is also removed from the bath and collected for further processing. Following removal from the bath, the warm water containing bitumen and dispersed fine material is separated into the bitumen froth and a suspension of dispersed fine material.

Abstract: A hot water extraction process for extracting bitumen from tar sands is taught using a conditioning agent containing sodium and/or potassium bicarbonate or, alternatively, sodium bicarbonate and/or potassium bicarbonate and sources of calcium ions and/or magnesium ions. The conditioning agent replaces the caustic soda agent previously used in tar sand extraction. The use of the alkali metal bicarbonate solvent substantially eliminates the production of sludge in tar sand extraction and maintains or improves bitumen recovery. The process allows for hot conditioning agent solution to be recycled to the process by use of a recycle storage tank.

Abstract: Oil sand is treated to prevent the production of sulfur dioxide ("SO.sub.2 ") from a known rotating kiln-type processor. Lime or calcium oxide ("CaO") is added with the oil sand feed to the kiln. In the kiln, the CaO is mixed with the sulfur-containing bitumen of the oil sand and preheated. The preheated mixture is then pyrolysed, forming coke which is modified by the added CaO to reduce its tendency to produce SO.sub.2 when combusted. The modified coke is then combusted with air, producing substantially no SO.sub.2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting bitumen whereby tar sand containing bitumen components is contacted with a heated thinning oil mixture to reduce the tar sand viscosity and dissolve bitumen to form a lower viscosity feed slurry. The feed slurry is contacted with a light oil in a separator wherein the mixture is separated into product oil and oil sand. The oil sand is washed with solvent in a countercurrent fashion to extract occluded oil to form the light oil. Washed sand containing solvent is heated above the boiling point of the solvent in a multi-hearth solvent recovery furnace to vaporize the solvent. The solvent vapors are stripped from the sand by flowing inert gas through the sand in the multi-hearth solvent recovery furnace. Inert gas containing solvent vapors is directed from the multi-hearth solvent recovery furnace to a heat exchanger/scrubber where the inert gas and solvent vapors are contacted with product oil from the separator.

Abstract: A dispersant, such as sodium silicate, is added to the process water of the hot water extraction process which recovers bitumen from oil sands. The dispersant disperses the ultrafine (less than 300 nm) particles, to reduce the formation of flocs and sludge in the tailings pond. The volume of the pond is such that the retention time of process water is sufficiently short (less than 6 weeks when using sodium silicate) to avoid reforming flocs from the dispersed ultrafines. The ultrafines content in the process water builds up as the water is repeatedly recycled from the pond to the extraction process. The ultrafines content stabilizes at a steady state concentration as some ultrafines are continuously removed from the process water when the tailings are delivered onto the "beach" of the pond and become trapped in the sand.

Abstract: An oil sands separator includes a drum (10) having a solids discharge end (24) and a liquid discharge end (22) and a spiral ribbon (14) having a plurality of flights wound inside the interior of the drum. A first plate (28) partially closes the solids discharge end and has a first opening (32) disposed within it. A second plate (26) partially closes the liquid discharge end and has a second opening (30) disposed within it. A conveyor (46) is provided at the liquid discharge end for conveying feed into the drum through the second opening and into the spiral ribbon. A pipe (50) at the solids discharge end conveys hot water into the drum through the first opening. Pockets (40) at the solids discharge end remove solids from the drum as a drive rotates the drum and its spiral ribbon.

Abstract: Middlings from the primary separation vessel ("PSV") are recycled through a line to the PSV. The middlings are aerated with fine air bubbles using in line eductor/aerator assemblies. The aerated middlings are mixed as they are pumped through a line back to the PSV. Bitumen recovery from the PSV is increased as a result.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a process for removing contaminants, such as hydrocarbons, from soil. The process involves contacting the contaminated soil with a suitable solvent for the contaminant, in the presence of a bridging liquid which is immiscible with the solvent, while agitating. The amount of the bridging liquid and the degree of agitation are balanced to control the particle size of the substantially contaminant- and solvent-free soil agglomerates so formed.

Abstract: A process for recovering a hydrocarbon from a hydrocarbon bearing sand comprising the steps of mixing a chemical additive with a chemical composition and with a hydrocarbon bearing sand containing hydrocarbon and residual solids including clay, at a temperature to form a slurry. The chemical composition comprises an aqueous phase and a minor amount of a chemical agent selected from the group consisting of at least one ethoxylated alkylphenol compound, at least one ethoxylated dialkylphenol compound, MIBC, SC-177, Petronate HL, Clacium Lignosulfonate and mixtures thereof. The slurry is aerated to produce essentially sludge-free tailings and a mixture of hydrocarbon, aqueous phase and residual solids including clay. The process further comprises the step of separating the mixture of the hydrocarbon, the aqueous phase and the residual solids including clay from the essentially sludge-free tailings.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the aqueous conversion and upgrading of organic resource materials carried out by contacting organic resource materials selected from the group consisting of coal, shale, coal liquids, shale oil, and bitumen with liquid water in the absence of externally supplied hydrogen or reducing agents, controlling the temperature in the range from above about 200.degree. C. to below the critical temperature of water to maintain water in a liquid phase, wherein the pressure is the corresponding vapor pressure (autogenous pressure) of the system, for a time sufficient to effect the conversion and upgrading process. Additionally, the contacting may be conducted in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of a brine catalyst, clay catalyst and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for upgrading bitumen asphaltenes obtained from tar sands to hydrocarbons which comprises contacting the bitumen with a deasphalting solvent to yield a deasphalted oil and a residual solid asphaltene, separating the residual solid asphaltene from the deasphalted oil and treating the solid asphaltene fraction with superheated water containing a soluble carbonate salt at temperatures of from 300.degree. to 425.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for recovering oil from tar sands by subjecting the tar sands to aqueous extraction to produce a bitumen-rich layer containing bitumen, water and solids and a bitumen-lean layer containing relatively less bitumen and relatively more water and solids. The solids present in the bitumen-lean layer contain a substantial portion of finely divided clay having adhered organic matter. The clay solids are retained with the bitumen from the bitumen-lean layer and the bitumen-clay mixture is pyrolyzed. Pyrolysis of the bitumen-lean layer containing clay having adhered organic matter reduces the volume of aqueous tailings which would otherwise be produced and also results in increased hydrocarbon yields.

Abstract: A process suitable for operation at a mine site for recovering a hydrocarbon from a hydrocarbon bearing sand comprising the steps of mixing a chemical additive with a chemical composition and with a hydrocarbon bearing sand containing hydrocarbon and residual solids including clay, at a temperature to form a slurry. The chemical composition comprises an aqueous phase and a minor amount of a chemical agent selected from the group consisting of at least one ethoxylated alkylphenol compound, at least one ethoxylated dialkylphenol compound, MIBC, SC-177, Petronate HL, Calcium Lignosulfonate, NaOH and mixtures thereof. The slurry is conditioned and aerated to produce essentially sludge-free tailings and a mixture of hydrocarbon, aqueous phase and residual solids including clay. The process further comprises the step of separating in a short-residence time apparatus the mixture of the hydrocarbon, the aqueous phase and the residual solids including clay from the essentially sludge-free tailings.

Abstract: A process for upgrading bitumen asphaltenes obtained from tar sands to hydrocarbons which comprises contacting the bitumen with a deasphalting solvent to yield a deasphalted oil and a residual solid asphaltene, separating the residual solid asphaltene from the deasphalted oil and treating the solid asphaltene fraction with superheated water at temperatures of from 300.degree. to 425.degree. C.

Abstract: The washer comprises an open-topped vessel having a tube mounted vertically and centrally therein. Post-primary bitumen froth is fed to the upper end of the tube. Pairs of down throw and up throw propellers mounted to rotate in the tube act to shear the froth as it passes down through the tube. At its lower end, the tube is closed off by a transverse wall. Slots are formed in the tube side wall to provide an exit. The sheared mixture thus changes direction as it leaves the tube. In the vessel chamber, solids and water sink downwardly and are removed as tailings through a bottom outlet. The sheared aerated bitumen rises and forms a new forth that is recovered in a launder. Middlings are withdrawn from the chamber and recycled to join the feed. The product froth is reduced in water and solids relative to the feed froth.

Abstract: As-mined, naturally water-wet oil sand is mixed at the mine site with hot water and NaOH to produce a slurry containing entrained air. The slurry is pumped through a pipeline and is fed directly to a conventional gravity separation vessel. The pipeline is of sufficient length so that, in the course of being pumped therethrough, sufficient coalescence and aeration of bitumen occurs so that, when subsequently retained in the gravity separation vessel under quiescent conditions, a viable amount of the bitumen floats, forms froth, and is recovered.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are described for separation of water and solids from oil sands froth in which heated froth is fed into a gravity settling vessel at a level below a bitumen-water interface established between a bitumen froth layer floating on a quiescent body of water whereby water and solids contained in the froth separate from the froth stream, the oil rises to accumulate in the bitumen froth layer, and the solids fall by gravity to the bottom of the gravity settling vessel. The apparatus comprises an injector manifold suspended horizontally within the vessel below the bitumen-water interface, said injector manifold having a plurality of equispaced, inwardly facing openings for the inward discharge of oil sands froth into the body of water. The injector ring manifold may also have a plurality of outwardly facing openings for both inward and outward discharge of froth.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for separating particles in a slurry based on different physical, magnetic and/or chemical properties of the particles, the slurry including a mixture of solid particles and/or liqid particles which are immiscible in the slurry.

Abstract: A process for separating bitumen from tar sands, which comprises: a) agitating a mixture of tar sand with substantially coarse clean sand at ambient or below ambient temperature in the presence of water, so as to mechanically shear bitumen and enhance the detachment of bitumen particles from mineral matter in said tar sand, b) eluting the detached bitumen and fine mineral matter from the coarse sand by an upward flow of water while stirring gently, c) returning the coarse sand to step a) for reuse, and d) subjecting the eluted bitumen and fine mineral matter to froth flotation to separate the bitumen from said fine mineral matter, wherein the flotation is effected without using any reagents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a dielectric thin film or pattern thereof is provided in which a positive or negative resist of a desired pattern if formed on various substrates including a semiconductor substrate by contact of the resist with a liquefied gas or super critical fluid of CO.sub.2, NH.sub.3 or the like. Alternatively, a thin film of an organic or inorganic compound dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent which has been formed on substrate becomes substantially free of any organic matter or functional groups by contact with the liquefied gas or super critical fluid. Semiconductor devices of high performance and high reliability are ensured.

Abstract: Methods for the recovery of bitumen from tar sands comprising the steps of mixing tar sand, solvent and a displacing amount of aqueous medium to form a mixture, followed by separating a bitumen-rich solvent phase from the mixture and recovering bitumen from the bitumen-rich solvent phase are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for isolating kerogen from a mineral sample in a pressurized reaction cell, which permits reaction at pressures greater than two atmospheres and provides for the removal of all liquids from the cell without significant loss of sample solids, employing multiple steps of addition and removal of concentrated hydrochloric acid, concentrated hydrofluoric acid, concentrated ammonium hydroxide, and deionized water.

Abstract: An aperature is formed in the bottom wall of the launder. A downwardly extending container communicates with the aperture. A weir is positioned immediately downstream of the aperture. The container and weir combine to form a separator. In the launder, free water and solids contaminants settle and form a bottom layer of dirty water. The layer is diverted into the container through the aperture and the weir temporarily retains a small head of it. Temporary retention in the separator therefore generates a vertical fluid column comprising an upper layer of relatively clean froth and a lower layer of dirty water, said layers having an ascertainable interface. The elevation of the interface is monitored and contaminated fluid is withdrawn from the container as underflow at a rate controlled to keep the interface elevation substantially constant. The froth overflowing the weir is reduced in water and solids relative to the original froth issuing from the flotation vessel.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon liquids are recovered from carbonaceous materials such as tar sands utilizing a separation reagent formed in situ by reacting polar resin components of tar sands with an inorganic base such as sodium silicate in sonicated aqueous solution in absence of an organic solvent to form a surfactant. Under the influence of sonication a microemulsion of polar-external micelles forms. The polar groups can associate with anions, especially polyanions such as silicate and act in a membrane mimetic manner to form vesicles. Cavities can form in the surfactant resin molecule that complex with guest cations such as titanium or other metals from the tar sand.When tar sands are added to the sonicated separation reagent, the surfactant penetrates the bitumen. Metal ions complex with the polar groups and aid in removing the bitument from the sand particles. The polarorganic asphaltene materials are carried into the aqueous phase by the anion and stabilized within the micelle structure.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the following:(1) that when tar sand is conditioned and diluted in the hot water extraction process, there are two classes of anionic surfactants (originating from carboxylate and sulfonate groups) present in the process water;(2) that each of these surfactants has the potential to dominantly influence the maximizing of primary froth production by the process;(3) that it is possible for a particular extraction circuit to determine the critical free surfactant concentration in the process water at which primary froth extraction is maximized for each of the two classes of surfactant;(4) and that it is possible to determine which of the two classes of surfactant will first (that is, at lowest NaOH addition) dominate the process when a particular tar sand feed is being processed.The present invention therefore involves:determining the critical free surfactant concentrations ("C.sub.cs.sup.O " and "C.sub.ss.sup.

Abstract: A process for beneficiating oil shale is disclosed including the steps of grinding the shale to fine particles in an aqueous medium, portions of which are kerogen-rich and kerogen-poor, scrubbing the particles, conditioning using a collector and a frother, and separating using froth flotation and oil agglomeration/dewatering.

Abstract: This invention involves the separation of clay-contaminated bitumen from sand with a solvent. The bitumen is dissolved with an organic solvent such as condensate from a natural gas well. The clay is separated from the dissolved bitumen and the solvent is recoverd and recycled. The sand is washed with water containing a carefully selected, nonanionic surface active agent to remove residual bitumen and solvent. Prior removal of the clay precludes it from unduly contaminating the water.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of oil and bitumen fractions from tar sands comprising the steps of heating the tar sands to 70.degree.-150.degree. F., mixing with an aqueous solutions of water soluble separation chemicals, particularly sulfonated fatty acids or salts, holding the tar sand and the separation chemicals for a sufficient period of time to allow the bitumen to float to the top and the sand to sink to the bottom, and separation of the oil or bitumen fractions from water and the separation chemicals.

Abstract: Oil bearing soil is contacted in a contacting zone with a liquid medium comprising water and a lipophilic solvent which is miscible or soluble with water. The medium can include a yield improving agent comprising a water soluble acidic ionic salt or a water soluble ionic acid. The contacting produces an emulsion which comprises the oil from the oil bearing soil and the liquid medium. The inorganic portion of the soil is dispersed in the emulsion and it is separated from the emulsion by gravity or other suitable means. The emulsion is broken by an emulsion breaking agent into two phases. The two phases are allowed to separate into two layers. The first layer comprises the oil and minor amounts of the liquid medium. The second layer comprises the liquid medium and minor amounts of the oil. The first layer is then recovered. The medium from the second layer can be recycled into the contacting zone.

Abstract: A process is provided wherein a carbonaceous material, such as oil shale, is coated with a hydrocarbon liquid, such as shale oil, prior to introduction of the carbonaceous material to a water containing, sealed system, through which the carbonaceous material is transferred to a high pressure vessel, i.e. a retort. The liquid hydrocarbon coating on the carbonaceous material effectively minimizes water absorption by the carbonaceous material in its passage through the water containing system.

Abstract: A process for removing fines from a tar sands extract is provided. The tar sands extract is contacted with a specific solvent to form agglomerates and a substantial portion of the agglomerates are separated from the balance of the extract prior to any substantial attrition of the agglomerates.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of comminuted oil shale containing pyritic sulfur is contacted with an oxidizing gas under wet oxidation conditions to produce a product mixture containing treated oil shale solids, and a liquid portion. Hydrocarb=onaceous liquid is recovered from the product mixture.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon liquids are recovered from carbonaceous materials such as tar sands utilizing a separation reagent formed in situ by reacting polar resin components of tar sands with an inorganic base such as sodium silicate in sonicated aqueous solution in absence of an organic solvent to form a surfactant.When tar sands are added to the sonicated separation reagent, the surfactant penetrates the bitumen which aids in removing the bitumen from the sand particles. The lighter, non-polar hydrocarbon oil fraction separate from the emulsion and rise to the top and are recovered by skimming. The heavier asphaltenes and preasphaltenes complex with the polyvalent metals to form charcoal-like agglomerates which settle to the bottom of the treatment tank. The separation reagent forms during the reaction and can reach a concentration capable of dissolving bitumen. The separation reagent can be recovered and used in other processes after removal and recovery of the clay.

Abstract: Bitumen froth is treated in a circuit comprising a plurality of serially connected mixer and inclined plate settler units. A light hydrocarbon diluent moves countercurrently through the circuit. Thus, as the bitumen content of the stream being settled diminishes, the concentration of diluent in that stream increases.

Abstract: A membrane-like material forming component is obtained by dissolving material crude oil, bitumen or an amphipathic lipid in a solvent to form a solution thereof, the solvent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydrocarbons and p-xylene and being capable of forming in the presence of water and the oil, bitumen or amphipathic lipid and interfacial membrane-like material. Water is then admixed so as to cause the membrane-like material to form and the solution, water and membrane-like material are allowed to separate by relative densities, thereby forming a bottom layer of the solution, a top layer of water and an intermediate layer between the bottom and top layers, the intermediate layer comprising the membrane-like material. The membrane-like material is extended into the top layer of water from which it is isolated.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for extracting bitumen from oil sands. The process includes the step of conditioning the oil sands by adding hot water and steam to the oil sands. The conditioned oil sands are then introduced into a separation zone. Separation of the oil sands into a bitumen froth phase, a middlings phase and a tailings phase occurs in the separation zone. Water with air dissolved therein is continuously injected under pressure upwardly through the separation zone. The water is at a low temperature relative to the oil sands. At least two of the phases are then separately withdrawn from the separation zone.

Abstract: A method for stripping adsorbed organic solvent from a solid comprising feeding a slurry of the solid containing the adsorbed solvent into a packed column and countercurrently contacting the slurry with stripping gas, removing an overhead stream comprising desorbed solvent and a bottom stream comprising a solvent stripped solids slurry. A preferred embodiment uses a vertical packed column, an aqueous slurry of the solid, and steam as the stripping gas. The method is particularly suitable for stripping extraction solvents from spent tar sands or spent diatomite resulting from bitumen extraction methods.The vertical packed-bed stripping column has two separate zones: (a) a hot stripping zone where the feed enters at the top and the hot stripping gas enters at the bottom of the hot stripping zone; (b) and a cold stripping zone where the depleted feed from the hot stripping zone enters at the top and a cold stripping gas is introduced at the bottom of th cold stripping zone.

Abstract: An improvement is provided to the known hot water process for extracting bitumen from mined oil sand. More particularly, a methodology is provided for the production of microbubbles of air, and it has been found that the so-produced microbubbles can be used in the primary flotation/settling step of the hot water process to yield increased bitumen recovery. More particularly, a steam stream and an air stream in admixture are injected via a submerged nozzle into a flowing aqueous stream. A plurality of finely dispersed microbubbles are formed. These microbubbles have a diameter less than about 100 microns. The stream of microbubbles is injected into the diluted aqueous tar sand slurry formed in the hot water process. The injection is practiced following the conditioning step and prior to the introduction of the slurry into the flotation/settling step.