Patent ID: 6787027
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: B01D,C10G,E21B

Abstract:
Process for separating an emulsion of a bituminous oil and water into a liquid water phase and a liquid bituminous oil phase, wherein the following steps are performed:(a) raising the temperature of the bituminous oil/water emulsion having a temperature of below 100Â° C. to a temperature of above 140Â° C., and (b) performing a phase separation wherein a liquid water phase and a liquid bituminous oil phase are obtained, wherein the heating of the emulsion in step (a) is effected by first mixing part of liquid bituminous oil phase obtained in step (b) having a temperature of above 140Â° C. with the bituminous oil/water emulsion and subsequently raising the temperature of the resulting mixture to a temperature of about 140Â° C. by making use of indirect heat exchange means.