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: 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 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.