Importance

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Abstract

A process is disclosed for the removal of hydrocarbons such as bitumen or heavy fuel oil from hydrocarbon contaminated sludge, or particulate solid material or the like non-homogenous material after appropriate conditioning, such as by ball milling, with the conditioned material being aerated and then fed substantially tangentially into a substantially vertical cyclonic separator vessel to cause the hydrocarbons to which air bubbles have become attached to tend to float as a froth to the top of the vessel, with the remaining solids sinking to the bottom of the vessel. The hydrocarbon containing froth is then removed from the top of the vessel, and the remaining solids removed from the bottom of the vessel. This pneumatic flotation process obviates the need to add chemicals such as wetting agents or promoters.

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First Claim