RECOVERY OF BITUMEN FROM OIL SANDS USING SONICATION

摘要

The present invention is directed to a method for separating bitumen from oil sand using sonic energy. In particular, the invention is directed to a method for recovering bitumen from an oil sand extraction process by sonicating a bitumen-water slurry such that the viscosity of the slurry is reduced. Sonication may be applied to a slurry in a separator, resulting in enhanced separation of the bitumen from the solids fraction.