PROCESS FOR SELECTIVE RECOVERY OF BITUMEN FROM OIL SANDS SLURRIES BY COLUMN FLOTATION

摘要

A process is provided for obtaining flotation froth with a pre-determined solids content by manipulating the bias of a flotation column. The flotation column is used for the flotation of an oil sands slurry, for example oil sands middlings, where bitumen is separated from mineral particles. Bitumen, which is hydrophobic, adheres to rising air bubbles to make a bitumen concentrate. Solids being mostly hydrophilic, report to the column underflow as flotation tails.