Role of Bicarbonate Ions in Oil Sands Extraction Systems with a Poor Processing Ore

Abstract

This article is dedicated to Dr. Per Stenius, a prominent surface and colloid scientist. In this study, colloidal science was applied to understanding of the role of bicarbonate ions, a dominant anionic component in industrial recycle process water, in bitumen extraction from oil sands. Denver cell flotation tests, zeta potential measurements, water chemistry analysis, and atomic force microscope colloidal force measurements were performed. The results demonstrated that bicarbonate ions were good process aids in buffering extraction slurry pH, precipitating calcium ions from the extraction process water, dispersing fine solids, and decreasing solid-bitumen adhesion, indicating they are beneficial for bitumen extraction.

Keywords:

• Adhesion force
• bicarbonate
• bitumen extraction
• divalent cations
• zeta potential

Financial support from NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Oil Sands Engineering (held by J. H. M.) is gratefully acknowledged. Valuable suggestions from Dr. Jan Czarnecki are appreciated. We also express our appreciation to Ms. Tina Barker for her help with the scanning electron microscope measurements.

Notes

Part of the special issue, Surface and Colloid Chemistry Without Borders: An International Festschrift for Professor Per Stenius on the Occasion of His 70th Birthday.