Utilization of Waste TSRU Tailings as a Low-cost Additive for Cement-based Construction Materials

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Waste by-products from tailings solvent recovery unit (TSRU) contain some concentrations of hydrocarbons (~5%) such as asphaltenes and maltenes and solid particles (clay) upon separation of the water phase (~80%). These tailings are usually disposed of in landfills that contribute towards increased environmental hazards. With little to no use of these low-value TSRU tailings materials, their potential applications as additives in cementitious materials remain largely unexplored. Commercial grade cementitious materials and concretes are responsible for ~8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In this project, we aim to exploit the TSRU tailings materials (i.e., asphaltenes, maltenes, and some clay) towards developing a new waste-based additive for cement-based materials. Our preliminary results have already demonstrated the enhancing effect of such wastes on the mechanical performance of cementitious mixtures. We anticipate that utilization of TSRU tailings as an additive in cementitious materials can enhance the overall performance of cement-based construction materials. Further processing of the TSRU tailings (i.e. dewatering, grinding, and/or solvent extraction) may still be required and will be explored in our research. This can open up new opportunities to tailor the mechanical properties of cementitious materials (while employing waste materials), which may result in gaining cement/concrete additive market share in near future. The development of low-cost additives from TSRU tailings materials will establish collaboration opportunities between the oil sands industry and the cement/concrete industries. The proposed project on the valorization of TSRU tailings will diversify Alberta's downstream industry and help mitigate CO2 emissions and climate change.