Separating compositions and methods of use

• US 7,785,462 B2
• Filed: 04/16/2010
• Issued: 08/31/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VARY Petrochem LLC
• Original Assignee: VARY Petrochem LLC
• Inventors: Altavilla, Vita J, Yeggy, Robert C
• Primary Examiner(s): Hill, Jr.; Robert J
• Assistant Examiner(s): McCaig; Brian
• Application Number:
  US12/761,845
• Publication Number:
  US 20100193404A1
• Time in Patent Office: 137 Days
• Field of Search: 208/390, 510505-506, 558/70, 558186-187
• US Class Current: 208/390
• CPC Class Codes: C10G 1/047 Hot water or cold water extraction processes

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for separating bitumen from oil sands in an efficient and environmentally acceptable manner, and for recovering residual bitumen from existing tailings ponds.

Claims

1. A method for separating bitumen from oil sands, comprising:

contacting a separating composition comprising;

1) from about 0.1% to about 4.0% by weight of an aromatic phosphate ester having the formula;

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating comprises heating the separating composition and the oil sands to from about 32°

C. to about 72°

C.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid and the base is sodium hydroxide.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting comprises contacting the separating composition and the oil sands in a ratio of from about 2:

3 to about 3;

2.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid and the base is sodium hydroxide.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed without addition of an organic solvent.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid and the base is sodium hydroxide.

8. A method for separating bitumen from tailings, comprising:

contacting a separating composition comprising;

1) from about 0.1% to about 4.0% by weight of an aromatic phosphate ester having the formula;

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the heating comprises heating the separating composition and the tailings to from about 32°

C. to about 72°

C.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid and the base is sodium hydroxide.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the contacting comprises contacting the separating composition and the tailings in a ratio of from about 2:

3 to about 3;

2.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid and the base is sodium hydroxide.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the method is performed without addition of an organic solvent.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid and the base is sodium hydroxide.