Modeling the separation of oil sand

Abstract

Mathematical modeling of ultrasonic or mechanical separation of oil sand in an aqueous alkaline medium was performed. Kinetic dependences were obtained that adequately describe bitumen recovery based on the limiting role of chemical transformations or mass transfer. It was shown that the second model describes the process kinetics better. A comparison of the theoretical and experimental data allowed us to obtain empirical equations that relate the kinetic coefficients of the model to the characteristics of the heterogeneous mixture being separated and the main process parameters. Recommendations on the technological conditions of separation were given.