Demulsification of bitumen emulsions using water soluble epoxy- containing polyethers

摘要

A process for recovering bitumem from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions is disclosed wherein water soluble demulsifiers are used. These demulsifiers are water soluble polyethers prepared by the reaction between certain diepoxides and poly(ethyleneoxy) glycols. To resolve the bituminous petroleum emulsions, the process is carried out between 25° and 160° C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.