Primary extraction plants separate bitumen from solids and water by utilizing a variety of methods.
The main method of separation is through large vessels which use retention time and air injection to remove bitumen froth from the mined slurry. Large pumps transfer bitumen froth, middlings, and the water/solids underflow for further processing.
The process is very erosive, resulting in mechanical degradation. Additionally, optimizing vessel retention time, air injection, feed rates, and any agitation cycle is critical to ensuring maximum bitumen recovery while minimizing energy usage and operating with regulatory compliance.
The process is very erosive, resulting in mechanical degradation. Additionally, optimizing vessel retention time, air injection, feed rates, and any agitation cycle is critical to ensuring maximum bitumen recovery while minimizing energy usage and operating with regulatory compliance.
