Sedimentation of petroleum coated particles in non-aqueous phase

Extraction of a solvent has been considered as one of the promising methods for heavy hydrocarbon recovery from oil and tar sands because of its low usage of water, as well as its high efficiency rates. Unfortunately, longer sedimentation times are caused by the mineral particles being suspended in a non-aqueous solution because of the heavy fractions on the particles surface (which is a result of the usage of coated petroleum components). To help better understand this property, the main focus of my study will be to investigate the particle sedimentation in the solvents through the testing and analysis of various parameters. Following my stay at china and the conclusion of the investigation on this project, we expect to obtain values for the aforementioned parameters and use this data to publish 1~2 academic papers. These variables in question include the settling rate, the size distribution, and the mineral composition of the petroleum coated particle sedimentation in non-aqueous solution.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jesse Zhu

Student:

Aun Ehsan

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

University:

Western University

Program:

Globalink Research Award