That's where the knowledge gained through colloid and surface science becomes tremendously beneficial. Oil sand, bitumen, froth, fine tailings and virtually every one of the plant's intermediate process streams are all colloids.
Everyday examples are milk, soap foam, soil and clay.
Because they are so tiny and numerous, their surface properties determine not only how they interact but also the overall properties of the mixtures. To better understand and improve Syncrude's process streams, it is essential to thoroughly understand these colloidal systems. A team of researchers at Syncrude carry out fundamental studies and collaborate with their colleagues in the broader technical community. Most of their work focuses on the behaviour of bitumen droplets in oil sand slurries, on the stability of water droplets in diluted bitumen, and on the interactions between mineral particles in fine tailings. In addition to unraveling the science of these colloidal systems, this team provides technical support to others engaged in applied research or problem solving activities with these same streams.