SUNCOR ENERGY INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140256556 | DELIVERY OF PARAFFINIC OIL-CONTAINING COMPOSITIONS TO ROOT TISSUE OF PLANTS - This disclosure features a method for promoting the health of a plant (controlling diseases caused by fungal infection) which comprises applying a composition comprising a paraffinic oil to the root tissue of the plant. The composition also comprises an emulsifier and optionally a pigment, a silicone surfactant, an anti-settling agent as well as a conventional chemical fungicide. | 09-11-2014 |
20140197316 | MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL OF BITUMEN-CONTAINING PROCESS STREAMS - A method and apparatus for analyzing a bitumen-containing process stream and controlling a process. The method including directing a beam of infrared light at the bitumen-containing process stream, capturing light corresponding to the infrared light after interaction with the bitumen-containing process stream, and analyzing the captured light to obtain a spectrum. A composition estimate can be generated based on the spectrum and a calibrated model. A controller is operative to adjust a setpoint of the process in response to the composition estimate. | 07-17-2014 |
20140183103 | OIL SAND PROCESS LINE CONTROL - An apparatus and a method for operating a process line for processing mined oil sand ore into a bitumen-containing slurry. The method may include: collecting, at least at one location, a plurality of measurements from one or more sensors; computing at a central controller a calculated value based on at least one of the plurality of measurements; and, applying an adjustment to an operating variable of a component of the process line to override a target set-point of a regulatory controller for that component based on the calculated value and a target value for the calculated value. The method and apparatus may receive measurement values in at least one step, and apply a correction to future measurement values in another step. | 07-03-2014 |
20140171346 | DRILLING FLUID FOR ENHANCED RATE OF PENETRATION - A drilling fluid is provided which results in an enhanced rate of penetration, and more particularly, a drilling mud composition is provided with a reduced ester content which maintains an enhanced rate of penetration. | 06-19-2014 |
20140107070 | PARAFFINIC OIL-IN-WATER EMULSIONS FOR CONTROLLING INFECTION OF CROP PLANTS BY FUNGAL PATHOGENS - This disclosure features fungicidal combinations that include a paraffinic oil and an emulsifier. The combinations can further include one or more of the following: pigments, silicone surfactants, anti-settling agents, conventional fungicides such as demethylation inhibitors (DMI) and quinone outside inhibitors (Qol) and water. The fungicidal combinations are used for controlling infection of a crop plant by a fungal pathogen. | 04-17-2014 |
20130324620 | Spray Oil and Method of Use Thereof for Controlling Turfgrass Pests - A paraffinic spray oil and a method of using the spray oil for controlling turfgrass pests is disclosed. The spray oil comprises paraffinic oil and a quick break emulsifier, which is formulated as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion for use. The paraffinic oil and emulsifier are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 95:5 to about 99.95:0.05, and preferably from about 98.5:1.5 to about 99.9:0.1. When applied to turfgrass, the O/W emulsion quickly releases the oil phase upon application to the turfgrass to contact pests thereon. When provided at sufficient paraffinic oil dosages, generally at least about 0.5 gal oil/acre and preferably in the range of about 0.5 gal/acre to about 60 gal/acre, the spray oil is effective in controlling a variety of turfgrass pests, particularly insect and fungal pests, with little or no phytotoxic effects. Further, use of the spray oil as indicated for controlling turfgrass pests also enhances the growth of turfgrass. | 12-05-2013 |
20130261972 | PROCESS FOR DETERMINING MOBILE WATER SATURATION IN A RESERVOIR FORMATION - A method for determining mobile water saturation in a reservoir having a borehole extending through the reservoir is disclosed. The method involves obtaining a first borehole data log while the reservoir is subjected to first fluid conditions, and causing a mobile water displacement in the reservoir by changing the fluid conditions in the borehole to cause the reservoir to be subjected to second fluid conditions, the second fluid conditions differing from the first fluid conditions. The method further involves obtaining a second borehole data log under the second fluid conditions, and estimating the mobile water displacement using the first and second data logs, the estimated mobile water displacement providing an estimate of the mobile water saturation in the reservoir. | 10-03-2013 |
20130253016 | SYNERGISTIC PARAFFINIC OIL AND BOSCALID FUNGICIDES - Fungicidal compositions comprising a paraffinic oil and 2-chloro-N-(4′-chloro[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide (boscalid) are provided. The fungicidal compositions may further comprise a pigment. The fungicidal compositions may be provided as oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions which may be used for controlling fungal disease, such as dollar spot or bentgrass dead spot or bermudagrass dead spot, in plants, such as turfgrasses. Methods of applying the fungicidal compositions are also provided. | 09-26-2013 |
20130233805 | Method and Device for In-Line Injection of Flocculent Agent into a Fluid Flow of Mature Fine Tailings - A method and device for in-line injecting of flocculent agent into a fluid flow of mature fine tailings (MFT). The method includes the steps of: a) providing a fluid flow of mature fine tailings to be treated along a given channel fluidly connected to the pipeline; b) providing a source of flocculating agent; and c) introducing flocculating agent inside the fluid flow of mature fine tailings via a plurality of injection outlets for injecting the flocculating agent into the fluid flow in a dispersed manner so as to increase an exposed surface area of the injected flocculating agent and thus increase a corresponding reaction with the mature fine tailings, for an improved flocculation of said mature fine tailings, and/or other desired end results. Also disclosed is a kit with corresponding components for assembling the in-line injection device to be connected in-line with the pipeline carrying the mature fine tailings to be treated. | 09-12-2013 |
20130200061 | HEATING SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR CONVEYORS IN A CARWASH - A system for heating conveyors which extend outside a wash tunnel of a carwash utilizes concrete structural slabs with heating apparatus embedded in the slab near a top surface and supported adjacent the conveyor. The heating apparatus can be a hydronic system or an electric heating mat embedded in the slabs which prevents water on the slabs or the conveyor from freezing in low ambient temperature conditions. | 08-08-2013 |
20130105173 | DISCHARGE PRESSURE ACTUATED PUMP | 05-02-2013 |
20130098846 | PROCESS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING A HYDROCARBON FEEDSTOCK - An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098805 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR EXTRACTION OF BITUMEN FROM OIL SANDS - A separation process and system for extracting hydrocarbons from a mixture. In some embodiments, a process for separating a bitumen froth stream containing bitumen froth, water and fine solids into a bitumen enriched froth stream and a water and fine solids stream, comprises: (a) receiving the bitumen froth stream in a concentrator vessel, (b) distributing the bitumen froth stream in the concentrator vessel as a substantially uniform and generally horizontal flow of the bitumen froth stream at a first flow velocity, (c) slowing the bitumen froth stream to a second flow velocity, slower than the first flow velocity, in a separation region of the concentrator vessel to promote separation of the bitumen froth from the water and fine solids, and then (d) collecting a bitumen enriched froth stream and (e) collecting a separate water and fine solids stream. Related embodiments of systems and apparatus may also be provided. | 04-25-2013 |
20130081298 | Depositing and Farming Methods for Drying Oil Sand Mature Fine Tailings - Methods for drying oil sand fine tailings treated to comprise flocculated fine tailings, by deposition and farming techniques, are provided. A deposition cell is provided with a sloped bottom surface and the flocculated fine tailings are deposited to undergo channelless advancement in the cell while allowing drainage of release water. When the deposit is uneven, the deposit may be plowed while wet for spreading and ensuring water release conditioning is imparted thereto, while avoiding over-shearing, and maintaining sufficient shear strength to allow standing. Once a dried upper crust forms, the deposit may be harrowed to break up the crust, expose wet regions there-beneath and create furrows in the standing deposit. The methods improve the dewatering and drying of mature fine tailings in oil sands. | 04-04-2013 |
20130075506 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING A SLURRY - A slurry apparatus for creating a slurry from oil sand ore has a frame and a slurry box supported by the frame. Water is mixed with the ore to form a slurry that is retained in the slurry box. The slurry apparatus may include a screen disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal over an open top of the slurry box and configured to permit sized ore to fall through the screen into the slurry box. The apparatus may include at least one crushing device cooperating with the screen to facilitate creating the slurry. A related method and system for creating a slurry may also be provided. | 03-28-2013 |
20130043165 | Process for Drying Oil Sand Mature Fine Tailings - A process for drying fine tailings is provided. The process, which may use a pipeline reactor system, comprises providing an in-line flow of the fine tailings; continuously introducing a flocculent solution to cause dispersion and commence flocculation of the fine tailings and may comprise rapid turbulent mixing; subjecting the fine tailings to flocculation and water release conditioning in-line to cause formation and rearrangement of floes and increasing the yield shear stress to form flocculated fine tailings while avoiding over-shearing of the flocs; and depositing the fine tailings to allow the release of water, formation of a non-flowing fine tailings deposit and drying of the non-flowing fine tailings deposit. The process enables effective in-line dispersion, flocculation and water release, resulting in reliable deposition and drying of the fine tailings deposit. | 02-21-2013 |
20120329682 | Drilling Fluid for Enhanced Rate of Penetration - A drilling fluid is provided which results in an enhanced rate of penetration, and more particularly, a drilling mud composition is provided with a reduced ester content which maintains an enhanced rate of penetration. | 12-27-2012 |
20120211436 | PROCESS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING A HYDROCARBON FEEDSTOCK - An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range. | 08-23-2012 |
20120175315 | Process for Flocculating and Dewatering Oil Sand Mature Fine Tailings - A process for dewatering oil sand fine tailings is provided and comprises a dispersion and floc build-up stage comprising in-line addition of a flocculent solution comprising an effective amount of flocculation reagent into a flow of the oil sand fine tailings; a gel stage wherein flocculated oil sand fine tailings is transported in-line and subjected to shear conditioning; a floc breakdown and water release stage wherein the flocculated oil sand fine tailings releases water and decreases in yield shear stress, while avoiding an oversheared zone; depositing the flocculated oil sand fine tailings onto a deposition area to form a deposit and to enable the release water to flow away from the deposit, preferably done in a pipeline reactor and managing shear according to yield stress and CST information and achieves enhanced dewatering. | 07-12-2012 |
20120168542 | SIZING ROLLER SCREEN ORE PROCESSING APPARATUS - A mined ore processing apparatus to process mined ores, such as oil sands ore, into granular material is disclosed. An ore processor bed receives the ore to be processed. The ore processor bed has a frame supporting several rotating elements each separately driven to provide independent rotation rate and direction from the other. The ore processing bed is operable as a sizing device to decimate mined ore supply into granular material and separating it from rocks and other large lump mineral materials found in situ. The ore processing bed may be oriented to provide an upward inclination, which, when combined with alternating rotating element rotation directions, provides a crushing action to the ore material to crush larger rock. Alternately, a rock crusher is also provided to disintegrate oversized materials. | 07-05-2012 |
20120152807 | PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING ACIDITY OF HYDROCARBON FEEDS - A method for processing an acidic hydrocarbon feed comprising a hydrocarbon material and an acidic constituent soluble in the feed is provided. The method may comprise contacting the feed under a first condition with an active agent having an initial solubility in the feed and the acidic constituent and providing a second condition wherein the active agent has a secondary solubility in the feed lesser than the initial solubility to form a separable enriched active agent phase. The acidic constituent solubility in the active agent may be greater than its solubility in the hydrocarbon material under both the first and second conditions such that the acidic constituent dissolves in the active agent. The acidic constituent solubility in the active agent under the second condition may be greater than its solubility in the active agent under the first condition. The method may further comprise separating the enriched active agent phase from the hydrocarbon material depleted in the acidic constituent under the second condition. | 06-21-2012 |
20120085699 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR EXTRACTION OF BITUMEN FROM OIL SANDS - An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities. | 04-12-2012 |
20120074044 | PROCESSING OF DEHYDRATED AND SALTY HYDROCARBON FEEDS - The invention provides for processing a dehydrated and salty hydrocarbon feed having a solid salt dispersed in a hydrocarbon material by contacting the feed with an active agent under a first operating condition under which the active agent has an initial active agent solubility in the hydrocarbon material, and modulating operating conditions to provide a second operating condition under which the active agent has a secondary active agent solubility in the hydrocarbon material that is less than the initial active agent solubility so as to form a separable active agent phase, wherein the salt solubility in the active agent is substantially greater than the salt solubility in the hydrocarbon material under both the first and second operating conditions such that the salt dissolves in the active agent, allowing the separable active agent phase to separate from the hydrocarbon material depleted in the salt. | 03-29-2012 |
20120071368 | Drilling Fluid for Enhanced Rate of Penetration - A drilling fluid is provided which results in an enhanced rate of penetration, and more particularly, a drilling mud composition is provided with a reduced ester content which maintains an enhanced rate of penetration. | 03-22-2012 |
20120062016 | MOBILE OIL SANDS MINING SYSTEM - A method of increasing a dwell time of a slurry facility at a given ore processing location by using a mobile oil sands mining system. The method involves coordinating the operation of at least two mining conveyors to facilitate mining at least one arc-shaped sector of ore that otherwise would not be within operational reach of the slurry facility at the ore processing location. The method increases the slurry facility's operational time at the ore processing location before relocation thereof is required to keep the slurry facility within operational reach of at least one receding mine face. | 03-15-2012 |
20120061495 | Method and Apparatus for Processing an Ore Feed - A sizing roller screen apparatus and method for processing an ore feed that includes sized and oversize ore portions and is received at an inlet are disclosed. The apparatus includes a roller screen having a plurality of adjacent screening rollers with interstices therebetween for permitting passage of the sized ore portions, the adjacent screening rollers being rotatable to cause a first sized ore portion to pass through the interstices as while the ore feed is transported along the roller screen. The apparatus also includes a sizing roller disposed generally above an opposing one of the adjacent screening rollers, the sizing roller being rotatable to fragment at least some of the oversize ore portions passing between the sizing roller and the opposing screening roller to produce a second sized ore portion, the second sized ore portion being sized for passage between the interstices. | 03-15-2012 |
20120029259 | DEMULSIFYING OF HYDROCARBON FEEDS - In various aspects, the invention provides for processing a hydrocarbon feed having hydrocarbon and emulsified aqueous components demulsifying into hydrocarbon and aqueous phases over an initial demulsification time, with an active agent to form a treated feed. The active agent has an active agent solubility in the hydrocarbon component and in the aqueous component, the aqueous component has an aqueous component solubility in the hydrocarbon component. The active agent solubility in the hydrocarbon component is greater than the aqueous component solubility in the hydrocarbon component. The active agent solubility in the aqueous component is greater than the active agent solubility in the hydrocarbon component. The active agent solubility in the aqueous component is greater than the active agent solubility in the hydrocarbon component. A treated demulsified hydrocarbon phase separates from the active agent and the aqueous component in a modified demulsification time that is shorter than the initial demulsification time. | 02-02-2012 |
20110278240 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REGULATING FLOW THROUGH A PUMPBOX - A pumpbox apparatus includes a reservoir volume having a first inlet for receiving a feedstock stream and a second inlet for receiving a water stream, the reservoir volume being in communication with a discharge outlet disposed to discharge accumulated liquid from the reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is operable to accumulate the feedstock stream and the water stream in the reservoir volume while withdrawing a discharge stream through the discharge outlet to cause a flow of liquid through the pumpbox. The first inlet defines a first flow velocity region between the first inlet and the second inlet and a second flow velocity region between the second inlet and the discharge outlet. The first flow velocity is lower than the second flow velocity to facilitate flotation of a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock through the first region toward an upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir volume. | 11-17-2011 |
20110233234 | CONTAINER APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS - A container and container apparatus for dispensing liquids is disclosed. The container apparatus includes a body defining a reservoir for holding a liquid, and a neck extending outwardly from the body and providing a handgrip portion, which when grasped by a user's hand such that the reservoir is disposed generally below the user's hand, defines an upright operating condition for the container. The container also includes a sprayer disposed at a distal end of the neck, the sprayer having an intake and a nozzle, the intake being in communication with the reservoir for drawing liquid from the reservoir, the nozzle being disposed such that when the container is oriented in the upright operating condition, liquid is discharged from the nozzle in a discharge direction oriented downwardly at a discharge angle of in the range of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees to a notional horizontal line extending outwardly from the nozzle. | 09-29-2011 |
20110174592 | BITUMINOUS FROTH INLINE STEAM INJECTION PROCESSING - An inline bitumen froth steam heater system including steam injection and static mixing devices is provided. The system heats and de-aerates input bitumen froth without creating downstream processing problems with the bitumen froth such as emulsification or live steam entrainment. The system is a multistage unit that injects and thoroughly mixes steam with bitumen resulting in output bitumen material having temperature of about 190 ° F. The system conditions a superheated steam supply to obtain saturated steam at about 300 ° F. The saturated steam is contacted with bitumen froth flow and mixed in a static mixer stage. The static mixers provide surface area and rotating action that allows the injected steam to condense and transfer its heat to the bitumen froth. The mixing action and increase in temperature of the bitumen froth results in reduction in bitumen viscosity and allows the release of entrapped air from the bitumen froth. | 07-21-2011 |
20110097183 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING A SLURRY APPARATUS - A system and method for transporting a slurry apparatus to a new operating location is disclosed. The system includes a first mobile support for coupling to a first lifting region of the slurry apparatus, the first mobile support being located adjacent to the slurry apparatus. The system also includes a second mobile support for supporting a second lifting region of the slurry apparatus, the first and second lifting regions being selected such that a center of mass of the slurry apparatus is disposed within a stability region defined between the first lifting region and the second lifting region. The first and second mobile supports are operable to take up a load of the slurry apparatus and to advance in a desired direction to cause the slurry apparatus to be moved toward the new operating location. | 04-28-2011 |
20110094944 | SCREENING DISK, ROLLER, AND ROLLER SCREEN FOR SCREENING AN ORE FEED - A screening disk for use on a roller of a roller screen for screening an ore feed is disclosed, which includes first and second opposing side working surfaces, and provisions for mounting the screening disk on a shaft of the roller. At least one of the first and second side working surfaces has a plurality of protrusions operable to extend outwardly into an interstice between the applicable side working surface and a side working surface of an adjacent mounted screening disk. A spacer may be disposed in the one interstice for confining an extent of the one interstice to a region disposed generally between the third working surface and the shaft. A screening disk may have a keyway configured to receive a key for coupling the body of the screening disk to the shaft for rotation therewith. | 04-28-2011 |
20110053624 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND MEDIA FOR WIRELESS PROCESS CONTROL OF MOBILE EQUIPMENT - A system for wireless process control comprises at least a first wireless network, which is used to communicate real-time instructions and data between one or more pieces of mobile equipment to at least one other piece of mobile equipment. In one variant, a second wireless network is provided, using a different radio frequency band, to concurrently communicate the same or substantially the same real-time instructions and data as are communicated over the first wireless network. | 03-03-2011 |
20100181394 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING AN ORE FEED - A sizing roller screen apparatus and method for processing an ore feed received at an inlet is disclosed. The ore feed includes sized ore portions and oversize ore portions. The apparatus includes a roller screen having a plurality of adjacent screening rollers supported to provide interstices therebetween for permitting passage of the sized ore portions between the adjacent screening rollers, the adjacent screening rollers being operably configured to rotate to cause a first sized ore portion to pass through the interstices while the ore feed is being transported along the roller screen. The apparatus also includes a sizing roller disposed generally above an opposing one of the plurality of adjacent screening rollers, the sizing roller being operably configured to rotate to fragment at least some of the oversize ore portions passing between the sizing roller and the opposing screening roller to produce a second sized ore portion, the second sized ore portion being sized for passage between the interstices. | 07-22-2010 |
20100155305 | SIZING ROLLER SCREEN ORE PROCESSING APPARATUS - A mined ore processing apparatus to process mined ores, such as oil sands ore, into granular material is disclosed. An ore processor bed receives the ore to be processed. The ore processor bed has a frame supporting several rotating elements each separately driven to provide independent rotation rate and direction from the other. The ore processing bed is operable as a sizing device to decimate mined ore supply into granular material and separating it from rocks and other large lump mineral materials found in situ. The ore processing bed may be oriented to provide an upward inclination, which, when combined with alternating rotating element rotation directions, provides a crushing action to the ore material to crush larger rock. Alternately, a rock crusher is also provided to disintegrate oversized materials. | 06-24-2010 |
20100044276 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO CREATE AN OIL SAND SLURRY - An improved method and apparatus for preparing and oil sand slurry. Mined oil sand ore is deposited into a rotatable breaker tube. As the rotary breaker rotates, the ore is advanced and broken. Process fluid may be differentially distributed throughout the length of the rotary breaker, forming an oil sand slurry and assisting in the comminution and ablation of the ore. The comminuted oil sand and process fluid passes through perforations in the interior surface of the rotary breaker, and are collected in a hopper below, while oversized ore lumps are ejected out of the discharge end of the rotary breaker. The rotatable breaker tube is resistant to backflow at higher infeed rates. | 02-25-2010 |
20100016447 | SPRAY OIL AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF FOR CONTROLLING TURFGRASS PESTS - A paraffinic spray oil and a method of using the spray oil for controlling turfgrass pests is disclosed. The spray oil comprises paraffinic oil and a quick break emulsifier, which is formulated as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion for use. The paraffinic oil and emulsifier are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 95:5 to about 99.95:0.05, and preferably from about 98.5:1.5 to about 99.9:0.1. When applied to turfgrass, the O/W emulsion quickly releases the oil phase upon application to the turfgrass to contact pests thereon. When provided at sufficient paraffinic oil dosages, generally at least about 0.5 gal oil/acre and preferably in the range of about 0.5 gal/acre to about 60 gal/acre, the spray oil is effective in controlling a variety of turfgrass pests, particularly insect and fungal pests, with little or no phytotoxic effects. Further, use of the spray oil as indicated for controlling turfgrass pests also enhances the growth of turfgrass. | 01-21-2010 |
20100006474 | BITUMINOUS FROTH INLINE STEAM INJECTION PROCESSING - An inline bitumen froth steam heater system including steam injection and static mixing devices is provided. The system heats and de-aerates input bitumen froth without creating downstream processing problems with the bitumen froth such as emulsification or live steam entrainment. The system is a multistage unit that injects and thoroughly mixes steam with bitumen resulting in output bitumen material having temperature of about 190° F. The system conditions a superheated steam supply to obtain saturated steam at about 300° F. The saturated steam is contacted with bitumen froth flow and mixed in a static mixer stage. The static mixers provide surface area and rotating action that allows the injected steam to condense and transfer its heat to the bitumen froth. The mixing action and increase in temperature of the bitumen froth results in reduction in bitumen viscosity and allows the release of entrapped air from the bitumen froth. | 01-14-2010 |
20090134095 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING A HEAVY HYDROCARBON FEEDSTOCK - An apparatus and process for treating a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. The apparatus also includes a primary separation container located in the treatment vessel, the primary separation container being operable to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. The apparatus also includes a first weir for collecting the low specific gravity portion from the surface of the accumulated feedstock in the primary separation container. The apparatus further includes a first outlet in the primary separation container, the first outlet being operably configured to receive settling solids in the accumulated feedstock and to produce a first discharge stream at the first outlet. The apparatus also includes a secondary separation container located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion, the secondary separation container being operable to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock. The apparatus further includes a product outlet for collecting the hydrocarbon products from the upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion to produce a hydrocarbon product stream at the product outlet. | 05-28-2009 |
20090133987 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING A SIZED ORE FEED - A method and process line apparatus for processing a sized ore feed excavated from an ore deposit is disclosed. The method involves disposing a processing apparatus in a processing apparatus position relative to the ore deposit, and disposing a first mobile conveyor to receive a sized ore feed at a receiving location located along a length of the first mobile conveyor. The first mobile conveyor is operable to convey the sized ore from the receiving location to a discharge end of the first mobile conveyor. The method also involves disposing a second mobile conveyor to receive the sized ore from the discharge end of the first mobile conveyor at a transfer location along a length of the second mobile conveyor and to convey the sized ore from the transfer location to the processing apparatus. The first and second mobile conveyors are oriented at an operational angle between a length of the first mobile conveyor and a length of the second mobile conveyor. The method further involves moving at least one of the first and second mobile conveyors to vary at least one of the operational angle and the transfer location to permit successive portions of the ore deposit within operational reach of the receiving location to be received for conveying along the first and second mobile conveyors to the processing apparatus while the processing apparatus is located in the processing apparatus position. | 05-28-2009 |
20080308384 | MOBILE OIL SANDS MINING SYSTEM - A process line for excavating and processing oil sands ore near a mine face. A mobile excavator excavates ore along the length of a mobile mining conveyor. A mobile comminutor receives and comminutes the excavated ore and transfers the comminuted ore to the mobile mining conveyor. The mobile mining conveyor conveys the comminuted ore to a transfer conveyor that conveys the comminuted ore to a mobile slurry facility. The mobile slurry facility combines the comminuted ore with process water to produce a slurry and pumps and conditions the slurry through a hydro-transport pipeline to a mobile extraction facility as a slurry feed. The mobile extraction facility receives the slurry feed and directs the slurry feed and a water stream as inputs to a three stage countercurrent cyclone separator. The cyclone separator produces a bitumen rich stream and a tailings stream. The bitumen rich stream is directed to a froth concentration unit that separates the bitumen rich stream into a bitumen product stream, a recycled water stream and a fine tailings stream. The fine tailings stream is combined with the tailings stream to produce a tailings product stream that is directed to a tailings treatment facility. The tailings treatment facility receives the tailings product and combines the tailings product with an additive to produce a treated tailings stream that is directed to a tailings pond for separation into a dry tails phase and a water phase that may be collected and recycled as industrial process water. | 12-18-2008 |