US Oil Sands’ proprietary extraction process uniquely engages the use of a biodegradable, non-toxic solvent derived from citrus products. The result is that:
Only very low mechanical energy is required to mix the oil sands, water and solvent.
Elimination of the activation of the fine clay particles and resultant creation of the emulsion of water, clay and bitumen.
Reduction of suspended clay particles within the process water which eliminates the generation of liquid tailings
Elimination of middlings. Clean solids, water and bitumen phase separation do not require tailings ponds to settle a middlings phase.
All of the capital cost and operating expense associated with creating bitumen froth, froth treatment, middlings treatment and tailings pond management and reclamation is eliminated. The result is a highly capital efficient and operationally simple extraction process.
The process is outlined here:
