Chapter 2
Figure 2.7 shows the scheme of water-in-crude oil or bitumen emulsions [21].
Asphaltenes, together with resins and solids, form a mechanical interfacial skin
which is described as structurally rigid film and barrier to coalescence.
In the emulsion formation during surface mining process, the degree of
emulsification depends on several factors: the energy of the mixing step in the
processes, the amounts of surface-active components in the crude oil, the
physicochemical properties of crudes, water and surfactant, the residual time and
emulsion age. The quantity of water in the emulsions varies from 30 % for regular
emulsions up to 80 % ~ 90 % in the form of extremely concentrated emulsions[21].
Water-in-oil emulsion
continuous phase
Crude oil or bitumen
(Aromatics, saturates,
resins, asphaltenes,
waxes)
Asphaltenes, resins, waxes, solids,
metalloporphyrins, surfactants
Figure 2.7 Schematic of water-in-crude oil or bitumen emulsion
25