Destabilization of bitumen-coated fine solids in oil through water-assisted flocculation using biomolecules extracted from guar beans

Abstract

Non-aqueous extraction (NAE) of bitumen from oil sands has been gaining great attention from both the industry and academia as an alternative to the water-based extraction. A fine solids removal step is important for a NAE process in order to obtain high-quality bitumen product, which, however, remains a great challenge to reduce the fine solids content to the desired level. Here, we introduce a strategy of destabilizing the bitumen-coated silica particles in toluene with the addition of water and biomolecules extracted from Cyamopsiste tragonolobuosr L. Taup., i.e., high molecular weight guar gum (HGG) and low molecular weight guar gum (LGG), respectively. By virtue of sedimentation tests and focused beam reflectance measurement analysis, we demonstrate that the introduced water droplets modified with these biomolecules can facilitate the settling of the solid particles in toluene although the underlying mechanisms differ between these two biomolecule cases. Specifically, in the case of LGG, the added water droplets with the interfacial amphiphilic LGG can strengthen the attachment of solid particles from bulk toluene to the LGG surface. This research work provides useful insight into the development of effective approaches for destabilization and removal of bitumen-coated fine solids from NAE bitumen.

Emulsions in Bitumen Froth Treatment and Methods for Demulsification and Fines Removal in Naphthenic Froth Treatment: Review and Perspectives

“…The excessive fine solids and water (containing salts such as NaCl) in the diluted bitumen extracted from the NFT process cannot be handled in the refinery facilities and can significantly increase the operational costs. For example, mineral solids in the diluted bitumen are detrimental to the refining processes, as many types of solids may poison catalysts, trigger fouling, promote corrosion, and reduce the quality of oil products. − Emulsified water in the diluted bitumen can lead to fouling and corrosion problems in various facilities such as heat exchangers, distillation columns, and reboilers. , The excess chloride salts in the trapped water act as catalyst poisons that lead to disproportionate catalyst consumption or poor conversion in the cracking and treating processes. Moreover, highly corrosive hydrochloric acid (HCl) may also form in the refinery facilities due to the presence of chloride ions, causing corrosion issues .…”

Understanding the Properties of Bitumen Froth from Oil Sands Surface Mining and Treatment of Water-in-Oil Emulsions

“…Demulsification plays a vital role in efficient bitumen processing and seizes tremendous attention in the petroleum industry . Previously, we have reviewed the stabilization and demulsification mechanisms of highly stable and complex emulsions, − e.g., water-in-oil emulsions (W/O), oil-in-water emulsions (O/W), water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions, and rag layer (a mixture of oil, water, and solids).…”

“…Demulsification plays a vital role in efficient bitumen processing and seizes tremendous attention in the petroleum industry. 17 Previously, we have reviewed the stabilization and demulsification mechanisms of highly stable and complex emulsions, 18−21 e.g., water-in-oil emulsions (W/O), oil-inwater emulsions (O/W), water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions, and rag layer (a mixture of oil, water, and solids). Among the current emulsion treatment methods, e.g., microwave irradiation, centrifugation, hydrocyclone, and chemical demulsification, chemical treatment is extensively applied in consideration of its cost-efficiency and effectiveness.…”