Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of tailings flow in pipelines for enhanced bitumen recovery

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The goal of this partnership is to develop a technology for bitumen separation from the flow of tailings during pipeline hydrotransport. The current industrial water-based extraction process produces a vast volume of tailings as by-product that mainly consist of residual bitumen, process water, sand and clays. Tailings are hydrotransported in pipelines over several kilometers to a storage pond where the solids settle and consolidate before land reclamation. Prior to disposal, recovery of residual bitumen in tailings is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emission from the ponds and to mitigate the environmental hazard associated with bitumen decomposition. In this project, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations will be conducted to predict the flow conditions and develop the technology for enhanced bitumen separation by taking advantage of pipeline hydrtransport of tailings to the pond. This research project will potentially create benefits to oil sands industry by obtaining valuable components from the waste, and make contribution to environment by reducing greenhouse gas emission from tailing ponds. The separation technology based on pipeline transport is transferrable to other industrial and environmental processes for waste management and recycle of valuables. This project will offer excellent research training opportunities for highly qualified personnel.