Patents Assigned to GNC Energy Corporation
  • Patent number: 4425227
    Abstract: A method for upgrading the bitumen content of tar sands, wherein a raw tar sand slurry admixture of tar sands, water, collectors, and dispersing/wetting agents is milled; conditioned and then separated by a series of froth flotations at ambient temperatures from about 2.degree. C. to about 25.degree. C. to recover a concentrated bitumen tar sand product which may be processed by conventional means to recover oil from the bitumen. Enhanced recovery of bitumen may be accomplished by moderate heating in one or more of the flotation zones to about 50.degree. C. The method permits recovery and recycle of various components used in processing of the tar sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: GNC Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Scott L. Smith