Supercritical fluid propane–butane extraction treatment of oil-bearing sands

Abstract

The results of using processes of liquid and supercritical fluid extraction to isolate hydrocarbons from oil-bearing sands have been presented. The initial oil-bearing sand is characterized by a concentration of hydrocarbons of 7.23 wt % of the total weight of the sandstone. A mixture containing 75 wt % propane and 25 wt % butane has been used as the extracting agent. Extraction processes have been carried out in a temperature range of 80–140°C and pressure range of 5–10 MPa.