Abstract: In order to collect, heat and deaerate raw bituminous froth prior to upgrading that froth to synthetic crude oil, a central collection zone is provided for collecting the raw froth which is transferred therefrom to a deaeration zone by means of a conduit having a plurality of steam injection means disposed therein and oriented to urge the froth toward the deaeration zone. The deaeration zone may include a plurality of baffles across which the heated froth is distributed in order to facilitate the release of gases as the froth spills over the baffles. An outlet in a lower portion of the deaeration zone permits transfer by pumping or other means for further treatment of the froth.