Froth handling technologies. part 2: froth structure

Abstract

Froth quality is determined by the water and solids content in the extracted froth. Decreasing the water and solids in the froth minimizes the need for their removal in the downstream processes. The quality of froth is related to the formation mechanism and thus the physical structure of air bubbles, bitumen, water, and solids in the froth layer. Understanding the interactions between these components in the froth layer will lead to improved froth handling technologies. A cryogenic sampling method was devised at CANMET's Western Research Centre and was successfully tested at Syncrude's pilot plant. Samples for microscopic observations were collected from the primary separation vessel which was operated at 80°C (Clark and OSLO processes) and at 30°C and 10°C (OSLO process). The results were used to develop a froth structure model.