DESORPTION OF BITUMEN FROM CLAY PARTICLES AND MATURE FINE TAILINGS

摘要

A method for desorption of bitumen from clay particles. Also a method for the desorption of asphaltenes from clay particles and a method for the desorption of bituminous fractions from mature fine tails (MFT). The method for desorption of bitumen from clay particles involves interacting, in a suitable organic solvent, a clay-bitumen composite with a compound capable of stabilizing the bitumen in the organic solvent and adsorbing to clay particles such that the compound replaces the bitumen in the clay-bitumen composite. A substantial amount of the compound that is capable of stabilizing the bitumen in the organic solvent is recovered with the clay particles, while the bitumen is released. Similarly, the method for desorption of asphaltenes from clay particles also involves interacting a clay-asphaltene composite with a compound capable of stabilizing the asphaltenes in an organic solvent, recovering the compound with the clay particles, and releasing the asphaltenes into solution.