Improvement of the bitumen extraction technology from bituminous sand deposits

Larysa Pedchenko,Nazar Pedchenko,Jerzy Kicki,Mykhailo Pedchenko,V Bondarenko,F Cawood,R Lysenko,O Malova,I Kovalevska,M Hardygora

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202020101004

Abstract

Today considerable experience in the development of tar sands is accumulated. However, well-known mining technologies do not cover the entire depth range of natural bitumen deposits. In addition, there are significant energy-intensive technologies and negative environmental impacts. In view of this, the purpose of this work is to improve the method of extracting natural bitumen in site for a deposit interval of 75 – 200 m and to substantiate the basic technological scheme of this method. The proposed method of extracting bitumen from poorly cemented reservoirs in the depth range of 50 – 400 m provides: creation of artificial mine working; the transfer of the rock into the water mixture composition under the action of high pressure jets of a heated mixture of water, a hydrocarbon solvent and a flotation agent; separation from the rock and concentration of bitumen in the production as a result of its heating, dissolution and flotation; selection of depleted bitum slurry from the mine working by gas lift method. The proposed method of extracting bitumen is the transfer of the rock at the site of its occurrence to the suspension condition on the excavation created by the hydraulic production method, separation and concentration of bitumen by dissolving it with a heated hydrocarbon solvent and a flotation agent (hydrocarbon reagents), and extraction in the composition of depleted rock slurry to the surface by the gas lift method. As the preliminary calculations show, the proposed method will allow the efficient extraction of bitumen and highly viscous oil from weakly cemented reservoirs in the depth range of 50 – 400 m. Also, the proposed technology creates the preconditions for the development of oil sands at a depth of 75 – 200 m since there is currently no effective technology for the interval. In addition, it can significantly reduce energy costs, environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Highlights

The depletion of traditional deposits and the rise in energy prices have led to considerable interest in exploring unconventional hydrocarbon fields
1.7 trillion barrels of crude bitumen are in the oil sands [2, 3], but it is predicted that only 19% of this total (315 billion barrels), will be recovered
After the rock is extracted, bitumen is separated from the sand by the process of hot water extraction, patented in 1928 by Dr Carl Clark

Summary

Introduction

The depletion of traditional deposits and the rise in energy prices have led to considerable interest in exploring unconventional hydrocarbon fields. Heavy oil and natural bitumen are one of the strategic hydrocarbon reserves for oil companies around the world [1]. 1.7 trillion barrels of crude bitumen are in the oil sands [2, 3], but it is predicted that only 19% of this total (315 billion barrels), will be recovered. (For comparison, crude oil reserves in Saudi Arabia are estimated at 264 billion barrels). The development of natural bitumen reserves is being successfully implemented in Canada, the USA and other countries in the world [4] A smaller volume, 174 billion barrels, could be recovered using modern technology under current and anticipated economic conditions [2]. (For comparison, crude oil reserves in Saudi Arabia are estimated at 264 billion barrels).

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