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: A method of cleaning fouled vessels in the paraffinic froth treatment process (PFT). The foulant comprises asphaltenes. Foulant is at least partially removed from a surface of a vessel or conduit used in a PFT process by spraying a liquid against the foulant on the surface to physically remove at least a portion of the foulant from the surface. The liquid may be a PFT-compatible liquid, water, or a combination thereof. The method may be effected in the substantial absence of a foulant-dissolving agent.

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: A use of a fluorocarbon polymer as a surface of a vessel or conduit in a paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) process, for reducing fouling. The foulant comprises asphaltenes. The surface has an average water contact angle of greater than 90 degrees, a standard deviation of water contact angles divided by the average water contact angle of less than 0.1, and impurities of less than 1000 ppmw. The fluorocarbon polymer may be a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based polymer. The surface may be substantially free of colorants, fillers, and plasticizers.

Abstract: A process for recovering paraffinic solvent from tailings produced in the treatment of bitumen froth comprising introducing the tailings into a tailings solvent recovery unit (TSRU), the TSRU having internals, and distributing the tailings over the internals. An inert gas or steam is then introduced below the internals and above the liquid pool for enhancing the vaporization of the contained solvent. Solvent is vaporized from asphaltene agglomerates. In one embodiment, the process is affected in the absence of mechanical means used to substantially break up asphaltene agglomerates or to prevent the agglomeration of asphaltene. In another aspect, the process comprises introducing the tailings into a first TSRU as described above and then into a second TSRU operated at a lower pressure. In another aspect, internals are optionally present and steam or inert gas is injected in the liquid pool.

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 transporting deaerated bitumen froth in a pipeline is described which comprises injecting water into the pipeline prior to deaerated bitumen froth injection to wet the interior walls of the pipeline. The deaerated bitumen froth is then injected into the pipeline at a critical velocity above 0.3 m/sec thereby initiating self-lubricating core-annular flow of the bitumen froth.