Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A process is disclosed for separating bitumen from a bitumen tar deposit. The process is a mechanical separation process which is simple, economical and yet does not require high energy consumption. The bitumen sand deposit includes sand particles with coating of bitumen thereon. The process comprises the steps of feeding the bitumen sand deposit and a dispersing medium into an enclosed container having a plurality of arms therein, adapted to rotate about a central axis, each arm having a blade at the end thereof, rotating the plurality of arms, striking and impelling the sand particles to impact on internal surfaces of the blades and container and with other particles, the blades having sufficient tip speed to cause separation of the bitumen coatings from the particles, discharging the sand particles, bitumen and dispersing medium from the container, and collecting the bitumen separately from the sand particles and dispersing medium.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim