摘要 |
This invention involves the separation of clay-contaminated bitumen from sand with a solvent. The bitumen is dissolved with an organic solvent such as condensate from a natural gas well. The clay is separated from the dissolved bitumen and the solvent is recoverd and recycled. The sand is washed with water containing a carefully selected, nonanionic surface active agent to remove residual bitumen and solvent. Prior removal of the clay precludes it from unduly contaminating the water.
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