STEAM GENERATION APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

The present invention provides for steam generation replacing natural gas wi th a selected refined product of a feedstock of bitumen, asphaltines or heavy oil using locally produced surplus bitumen, asphaltine or heavy oil , separating the asphaltin es and other components of the feedstock for use in providing a liquid fuel for steam generation. The lighter products from the separation equipment not used for liquid fuel may be blended into the produced bitumen, asphaltines or heavy oil, to increase its API gravity and reduce the diluent required for transportation.This technology may be employed in open pit mining operations for the generation of steam and power. The refined components of the feedstock used to provide liquid fuel are selected to optimize energy output balancing planned energy demand against the value of the components of the feedstock used.