Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Single solvent method and machine for separating bitumen from oil sand
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Application No.: US13855440Application Date: 2013-04-02
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Publication No.: US09303212B2Publication Date: 2016-04-05
- Inventor: Michael James Flegal
- Applicant: Michael James Flegal
- Agency: Ade & Company Inc.
- Agent Ryan W. Dupuis; Kyle R. Satterthwaite
- Main IPC: C10G1/04
- IPC: C10G1/04 ; C10G1/00

Abstract:
A single solvent method and machine for separating bitumen from oil sand ore are disclosed. The method includes the use of a single light paraffinic solvent, such as propane or butane as the agent to separate the bitumen from mined oil sand ore. Since light paraffinic solvents are vapors at atmospheric pressure and temperatures, the ore is placed in a pressurized container so that the solvent remains in a liquid state. When the container is pressurized, by the addition of the solvent itself, the liquid solvent is mixed with the ore to effect separation. The proposed machine settles more than 80% of the solids out under gravity in a modest period of time. The solvent-bitumen mixture is drained after the cleaning cycle, the container is depressured to a vapor recovery system and the remaining solids dumped out. The fine solids, drained with the liquids, are separated from the liquid mixture with relative ease by the use of current technology in other downstream equipment.
Public/Granted literature
- US20130270156A1 Single solvent method and machine for separating bitumen from oil sand Public/Granted day:2013-10-17
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