US4582593A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for treating tar sands emulsion and apparatus therefor
Assignee: Texaco Canada Resources Inc
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Filing: 1984-09-21
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Granted: 1986-04-15
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Expires: 2004-09-21
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for treating an oil-in-water, such as a bitumen-in-water emulsion, by premixing the emulsion for a sufficient period of time to permit it to become fully intermixed with emulsion breaking diluents and other additive materials. The modified, bitumen-containing emulsion stream is circulated through a premixer. At least a part of the emulsion stream is recirculated therein to intermix with fresh incoming emulsion flow. Thereafter the now more thoroughly intermixed emulsion, together with the various diluents and additives, is in better condition to be introduced to a separator unit for affecting a quiescent separation of water from the bitumen.
Inventors
- 👤 Rene F. Bialek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 02:38
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10G; C10G33/00; C10G33/06; B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/0208; B01D17/04; B01D17/044; B01D17/045; B01D17/047; C10G33/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
Method for resolving a hot bitumen emulsion comprised primarily of bitumen, water and chemical diluents which method includes the steps of: providing separate but communicated emulsion mixing, and emulsion settling chamber, passing the hot bitumen emulsion through a first elongated mixing passage in said mixing chamber wherein a rapidly flowing stream of recycled emulsion is combined with a minor portion of unrecycled bitumen emulsion, to form a combined bitumen emulsion stream, thereafter passing the combined bitumen emulsion stream into an enlongated discontinuous mixing passage comprised of vertically arranged and interconnected mixing passages within said emulsion mixer, wherein the combined bitumen emulsion stream passes at a slower rate than in said first elongated mixing passage, passing the combined bitumen emulsion stream into an overflow passage communicated with said second elongated mixing passage, introducing a part of the combined emulsion stream from said overflow passage into said emulsion settling chamber, recycling the remainder of the combined emulsion stream from said overflow passage into said first elongated mixing passage, and removing separated flows of bitumen and water from the settling chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
Method for resolving a hot bitumen emulsion comprised primarily of bitumen, water and chemical diluents which method includes the steps of: providing separate but communicated emulsion mixing, and emulsion settling chamber, passing the hot bitumen emulsion through a first elongated mixing passage in said mixing chamber wherein a rapidly flowing stream of recycled emulsion is combined with a minor portion of unrecycled bitumen emulsion, to form a combined bitumen emulsion stream, thereafter passing the combined bitumen emulsion stream into an enlongated discontinuous mixing passage comprised of vertically arranged and interconnected mixing passages within said emulsion mixer, wherein the combined bitumen emulsion stream passes at a slower rate than in said first elongated mixing passage, passing the combined bitumen emulsion stream into an overflow passage communicated with said second elongated mixing passage, introducing a part of the combined emulsion stream from said overflow passage into said emulsion settling chamber, recycling the remainder of the combined emulsion stream from said overflow passage into said first elongated mixing passage, and removing separated flows of bitumen and water from the settling chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
In the method as defined in claim 1, including the step of regulating the pressure within the respective mixing chamber and the settling chambers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
In the method as defined in claim 1, including the step of maintaining a substantially constant pressure on the bitumen emulsion in the respective mixing and separating chambers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
In the method as defined in claim 1, including the step of regulating the volume of unrecirculated bitumen into said mixing chamber first elongated passage, in response to the rate of bitumen and water removed from the separating chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
In the method as defined in claim 1, including the step of maintaining the temperature of emulsion in the respective mixing and separating chambers within the range of 150° to 300° F.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-14 | 1989-10-14 | 1990-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-14 | 1993-10-14 | 1994-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-14 | 1997-10-14 | 1998-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |