| 摘要 |
A method for separating hydrocarbons from a soil, e.g. to separate bitumen from oil sands, involves mixing the soil thoroughly with water and a supply of buoyant beads having surfaces that are of oleophilic material and coated with a surface layer of hydrocarbon solvent. The beads, soil and water are agitated for a period during which hydrocarbons from the soil become adhered to the solvent coated beads. After the mixture has been allowed to settle the beads separate towards the top and are removed and treated with solvent to recover the adhered hydrocarbons therefrom. Suitable solvents are oil refinery products such as naphtha, kerosine, gasoline, varsol, toluene and diesel fuel.
|
