Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol.85, No.5, 765-772, 2007
Interpretation of bitumen recovery data from batch extraction tests
Small-scale batch tests are often used to compare oil sand samples and to understand processing trends for process variables such as temperature, water chemistry, and ore properties. The uncertainty associated with the value of bitumen recovery determined from a carefully performed batch test is approximately 4%, a level that can have significant economic implications when commercial production rates are considered. This paper discusses several methods for determining bitumen recovery and shows the preferred, although seldom used, method for calculating this value.