BITUMEN RECOVERY FROM IN-LINE TAILINGS FLOW BASED ON FLOW PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

Recovering bitumen from an in-line tailings flow can include determining flow profile characteristics of the in-line tailings flow; based on the flow profile characteristics, identifying an interface between a bitumen-rich flow component of the in-line tailings flow and an underlying water-rich flow component; and positioning a flow redirection device in accordance with the interface in order to redirect the bitumen-rich flow component away from the water-rich flow component. The flow profile characteristics can include a velocity profile. The flow redirection device can include a skimmer blade.