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 hydrophilic polyurethanes wherein the ethylene oxide content of the polyol portion of the polyurethane is greater than about 70% by weight. To resolve the bituminous petroleum emulsions, the process is carried out between 25 DEG and 120 DEG C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.