Probing the effects of polymer flocculants on the treatment of oil sands mature fine tailings

Treating oil sands tailings presents a significant technical and environmental challenge for Canada’s oil sands industry. It is crucial to settle and consolidate tailings, reclaim the affected land, and to further recycle/reuse the water trapped in the tailings for oil sands processing. The proposed research aims to tackle the tailings treatment and water management in two aspects. Firstly, this work will develop a reliable and field-representative laboratory protocol to evaluate the performance of polymer flocculants and investigate the effects of various parameters (such as temperature, polymer concentration and pH) on the tailing treatment efficiency. Secondly, this work will characterize the fundamental molecular and surface interaction mechanisms underlying the stabilization and dewatering of oil sands tailings facilitated by chemical additives. This research will advance the development of more effective flocculants, and has the potential to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of tailings treatment processes for Canadian oil industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hongbo Zeng

Student:

Partner:

Suncor Energy Inc (Calgary, AB);Kemira

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining; Wholesale trade

University:

University of Alberta

Program: