Method for demulsification of bitumen emulsions

摘要

A process for recovering bitumen from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions is disclosed wherein water soluble demulsifiers are used. These demulsifiers are polymers of specific quaternary ammonium monomers or co-polymers of these quaternary ammonium monomers wth other types of monomers wherein the greater portion of the co-polymer is comprised of the quaternary ammonium monomers. To resolve the bituminous petroleum emulsions, the process is carried out between 25 DEG and 160 DEG C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.