Texaco Inc.

Texaco Canada Resources, Ltd.

Texaco Canada Inc.

Kitchener B Young

David R McCoy

Robert M Gipson

Colin L LaBerge

A process for recovering bitumen from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions is disclosed wherein water soluble demulsifiers are used. These demulsifiers are polyureas of average molecular weight greater than about 5,000 prepared by the reaction between a polyisocyanate and a polyoxyalkylenediamine. To resolve the bituminous petroleum emulsions, the process is carried out between 25.degree. and 160.degree. C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.

Demulsification of bitumen emulsions using polyureas

A process for recovering bitumen from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions is disclosed wherein water soluble demulsifiers are used. These demulsifiers are cationic polymers of equal to or greater than about 2,000 molecular weight obtained by the reaction of polyalkoxydiamines with epihalohydrins. To resolve the bituminous petroleum emulsions, the process is carried out between 25.degree. and 160.degree. C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.

Demulsification of bitumen emulsions using cationic polymers

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.degree. and 120.degree. C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.

Demulsification of bitumen emulsions

A process for recovering bitumen from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions is disclosed wherein water soluble demulsifiers are used. These demulsifiers are polyols of 2 and greater functionality containing predominantly mixed ethylene oxide and propylene oxide wherein the ethylene oxide content of the polyol (by weight) is greater than about 70% but less than about 95%. The molecular weight of these polyols is greater than about 10,000. To resolve the bituminous petroleum emulsions, the process is carried out between 25.degree. and 120.degree. C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.

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Ft. McMurray, Canada

Kitchener B Young