Asphalt Ridge Tar Sand Recovery using the ROPE process: Topical report

Abstract

Western research Institute (WRI) is developing the Recycle Oil Pyrolysis and Extraction (ROP) process. Results to data indicate this process will assist existing surface and in situ recovery process economics by producing a diluent to decrease the pour point of produced bitumen for pipeline transportation and by producing a solvent for solvent extraction processes. The ROPE process also produces feedstocks from tar sand for the production of unleaded gasoline and advanced aviation turbine fuel. The main objectives of this research were to determine the operability and efficiency of the ROPE process at steady-state conditions and to confirm previous experimental results by conducting tests in the 2-inch process development unit (PDU) and the 6-inch bench scale unit (BSU). A 48- hour test was performed in the 2-inch PDU using Asphalt Ridge tar sand and product oil produced from the 6-inch BSU in an earlier shakedown test. The test was designed to produce oil at steady-state conditions. A similar, five-day test was also conducted in the 6-inch BSU to measure the operating time required to reach steady-state conditions with respect to product compositions. 1 ref., 6 figs., 9 tabs.