MX2008009707A

MX2008009707A - Methods for oil extraction.

Info

Publication number: MX2008009707A
Application number: MX2008009707A
Authority: MX
Inventors: William Anderson; Jim Ballew; Mark Vriesinga
Original assignee: Ggt Waste Inc
Priority date: 2006-01-30
Filing date: 2007-01-29
Publication date: 2008-12-17
Also published as: CA2640005A1; WO2007090099A3; WO2007090099A2; BRPI0706789A2; AU2007211109A1; EA200870220A1; EP1981952A2; ECSP088705A; CN101454422A

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for the extraction of heavy oils and oil sands from oil reservoirs and methods for the extraction of bitumen from oil sands and oil shale. The methods comprise an injection of a solvent comprising sodium silicate, the use of thermal technology, and/or the use of gas injection into an oil reservoir to enhance the extraction of oil from the oil reservoir. Further, methods of extracting bitumen from oils sands using a solvent comprising sodium silicate are also provided.

Description

METHODS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF PETROLEUM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the extraction of heavy oil.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION All publications in this document are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any information provided herein is of the prior art or relevant to the invention currently claimed, or that any publication referred to specifically or implicitly is of the prior art. Oil sands (also known as bituminous sands) are a mixture mainly of sand, bitumen and water. Each grain of oil sand can have three layers: a "wrapping" of water that surrounds a grain of sand, with bitumen that surrounds the water to form the outer layer. Therefore, it is "moistened with oil" and on the contrary it can also be "moistened with water". Other materials, such as clay can be present between sand, bitumen and water. Bitumen, in its raw state, is a heavy viscous crude oil that frequently contains high amounts of sulfur. Bitumen found in Utah is generally known to contain low amounts of sulfur. Bituminous shale is a sedimentary rock that contains solid bituminous materials. Bitumen can be released through the process of pyrolysis when the rock is heated. There are two techniques currently used to extract bitumen: mining of the land with trucks, crushing and processing, and underground mining using thermal recovery, for example using steam. For the mining of the land, massive open pit mines are built together with associated extraction facilities to separate the bitumen from the sand. For underground operations, drilling wells are made and steam is injected to heat the bitumen, allowing it to flow and be pumped from a well.

Bitumen is sold in two general forms: synthetic crude oil ("SCO") and crude. In its raw form, the bitumen is mixed with a diluent to produce a "bitumen mixture" because in its raw form, the bitumen is too viscous to be transported through a conventional pipe. The diluents used for the mixture are often less viscous hydrocarbons, more commonly a very light natural gas condensate (C5 + or "pentanes plus"). In addition, the diluent is a light crude oil, completely processed and expensive. The bitumen mixture is sold to the refineries and competes with conventional oil. As with the SCO, the bitumen has been improved. The SCO is also sold to conventional refineries and competes with conventional medium and light oils. In addition, the development and production of crude oil can include three phases: primary recovery, secondary recovery and tertiary recovery (also known as enhanced). Primary recovery involves the use of natural pressure from an oil deposit or gravity to propel oil into well drilling and lifting technologies, (eg, pumps) to bring oil to the surface. However, only a small percentage (approximately 10%) of the oil from an oil deposit is produced during this phase. During secondary recovery, techniques such as water or gas injection are used to displace the oil and impel it to a well drilling. Secondary recovery can result in the recovery of approximately 20% -40% of the original oil. Tertiary or improved oil recovery techniques have been used and may result in the recovery of approximately 30% -60% of the original oil. The use of carbon dioxide (C02) has had some success in the recovery of improved oil. Nevertheless, floods with C02 often have a poor sweep efficiency caused by gas fingering and neutralization of gravity. The poor sweep efficiency is the result of a high mobility ratio caused by the low viscosity of high density C02 compared to that of water, or the injection of oil reservoir water alternating with gas is a common process used for the mobility control during floods with C02. However, the effectiveness of this alternation is reduced by the segregation of gravity between water and C02 and by differences in permeability. Although there are methods known in the art to extract bitumen, there is a need in the art to extract this valuable resource in a more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendlier manner. In addition, there is a need in the art to further improve the recovery of petroleum from petroleum deposits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The following modalities and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with compositions and methods which are intended to be exemplary and illustrative, but are not intended to limit scope. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for extracting heavy oil from an oil reservoir, comprising: providing a solvent comprising sodium silicate, a salt or an equivalent thereof; inject the solvent into the oil tank; and extract the heavy oil from the oil deposit. In one embodiment, heavy oil may comprise bitumen. In one embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soybean meal, lignin meal and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may further comprise surfactants detergent type. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise heating the solvent prior to injection thereof. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise injecting steam into the oil reservoir. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for extracting bitumen from a petroleum sand deposit, comprising: providing a solvent comprising sodium silicate, a salt or an equivalent thereof; injecting the solvent into the oil sands deposit; extracting a suspension, comprising oil sands, from the oil sands deposit; and extract the bitumen from the suspension. In one embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soybean meal, lignin meal and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise heating the solvent prior to injection thereof. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise injecting steam into the oil reservoir. In one embodiment, the removal of the bitumen may comprise separating the bitumen from an inorganic material that exists in the suspension. In one embodiment, the separation of the bitumen from the inorganic material may comprise adding an amount of air to the suspension. In another embodiment, the separation of the bitumen from the inorganic material may comprise adding a quantity of the solvent to the suspension. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise passing the suspension through a separator to eliminate air bubbles. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise the separation of the bitumen from the solvent. In one embodiment, the separation of the bitumen from the solvent may comprise the placement of the suspension through a counter current decantation circuit. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for extracting oil sands bitumen from the ground or oil shale, which comprises: removing the oil sands or shale from the ground; providing a solvent comprising sodium silicate, a salt or an equivalent thereof; add the solvent to the oil sands or shale shale removed to create a suspension; and extract bitumen from the suspension. In one embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soybean meal, lignin meal and / or citrus pectin. In one embodiment, the method may also include reducing the size of the oil sands or shale oil shale removed. In one embodiment, the removal of the bitumen may comprise separation of the bitumen from an inorganic material that exists in the suspension. In one embodiment, the separation of the bitumen from the inorganic material may comprise adding an amount of air to the suspension. In another modality, the Separation of the bitumen from the inorganic material may comprise adding a quantity of the solvent to the suspension. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise passing the suspension through a separator to remove the air bubbles. In another modality, the method can also comprise the separation of the bitumen from the solvent. In one embodiment, the separation of the bitumen from the solvent may comprise placing the suspension through a counter current decantation circuit. In one embodiment, the removal of oil sands or oil shale may comprise: providing a solvent comprising sodium silicate, a salt or an equivalent thereof; use the solvent to fluidize the oil sands or oil shale; and pumping oil sands or fluidized oil shale out of the ground. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which illustrate, by way of example, various characteristics of the embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the referenced figures. It is intended that the modalities and The figures described here are considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of oil sands processing according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a mining flow diagram of the land according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows underground mining with heated steam, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a flow diagram detailing the removal of bitumen from the oil sands extracted from the ground according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, violent agitation of the suspension is optional. Figure 5 shows a flow chart showing the process for separation of the bitumen from the foam according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if they were fully stipulated. Unless defined otherwise, the Technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one skilled in the art to whom this invention pertains. Singleton et al., Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology 3rd ed. , J. iley & Sons (New York, NY 2001); and March, Advanced Organic Chemistry Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure 5th ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, NY 2001) provide a person skilled in the art with a general guide to many of the terms used in the present application. One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. In fact, the present invention is by no means limited to the methods and materials described. For purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below. "Beneficial microbe" as used herein refers to microorganisms that have abilities to impart beneficial properties to their surrounding environment. "Charitable capabilities" include, but are not limited to, the ability to digest, dissolve, break, remove, decompose or degrade materials. Examples of materials include but are not limited to arsenic, metals in waste, methyl tertiary butyl ether ("MTBE"), waste material and hydrocarbon-based material, such as petroleum. Examples of such microbes include, but are not limited to probiotics, bacteria, fungi, yeast and algae. "Probiotics" as used herein refers to a beneficial bacterium or yeast. Examples of probiotics include but are not limited to Bifidobacterium, including, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum; Lactobacillus, including, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plenterum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus GG; Streptococcus thermophílus, Enterococcus and Saccharomyces boulardii. "Degreasing composition" as used herein refers to an organic or inorganic composition that can dissolve, break, remove, decompose or degrade hydrocarbon-based substances. The degreasing composition can exist as a solid, liquid or gas. "Fluidizing" as used herein refers to the ability to allow the non-cohesion of a mass and its ability to flow, even if said flow is of a non-uniform size or caking. Fluidize not It necessarily means that the oil sands or oil shale are reduced to a particular size. In fact, it is contemplated that large pieces may exist within what is referred to as fluidized. "Heavy oil" as used herein refers to crude oil with high viscosity and high specific gravity. Although it is not required, heavy oils usually have a low ratio of hydrogen to carbon, high numbers of asphaltene, sulfur, nitrogen, heavy metal content and / or acid. As a rule, but not required, heavy oils have a viscosity above lOcP and a specific gravity below 22.3 ° API. "Flood with water" as used herein refers to a method for extracting oil from a tank in which water and / or a liquid is injected into the tank to displace the oil in the tank. "Well drilling" as used herein refers to the open portion of an oil well where the oil from the deposit may enter. Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods for oil extraction. In one mode, oil is a heavy oil. In a particular modality, petroleum is bitumen. In one embodiment of the present invention, a Flooding of water with a solvent is used to extract the oil. The method comprises providing a solvent; injecting the solvent in an oil tank; and extract the oil from the oil deposit. The extraction of the oil from the oil deposit can be done through any technology known in the art; for example, using lifting technologies (for example, pumps). While not wishing to be limited by any particular theory, the inventors consider that the solvent reduces the viscosity of the oil and allows it to move more easily to the production wells. In one embodiment, the solvent may comprise a degreasing composition. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate, a salt and / or an equivalent thereof. The concentration of the sodium silicate in the solvent can vary to correspond to the conditions of the oil deposit. An oil deposit can contain liquids such as water or brine, which can dilute the solvent. Due to this, in these cases, a solvent comprising a higher concentration of sodium silicate may be convenient. The exact concentration of sodium silicate in the solvent may depend on the anticipated amount of liquid that already It exists in the oil deposit. In one embodiment, the concentration of sodium silicate can be a concentration that will bring the concentration of sodium silicate in the liquid in the tank to about 1% (by weight) when the solvent comes into contact with the liquid in the tank. In one embodiment, the concentration of sodium silicate can be a concentration that will bring the concentration of sodium silicate in the liquid in the tank to less than 2% when the solvent comes into contact with the liquid in the tank. In another embodiment, the concentration of sodium silicate can be a concentration that will bring the concentration of sodium silicate in the liquid in the tank to approximately 10% when the solvent comes into contact with the liquid in the tank. In other embodiments, the concentration of sodium silicate can be a concentration that will bring the concentration of sodium silicate in the liquid in the tank to approximately 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% or 9% when the solvent comes into contact with the liquid in the tank. One skilled in the art will be able to determine the appropriate concentration to be used without undue experimentation. In one embodiment, a solvent with a high concentration of sodium silicate (for example, a concentration of more than about 60% by weight) can be injected. In another modality, the concentration of silicate Sodium can be located between about 60% and 70% by weight. In another embodiment, the concentration of sodium silicate can be between 70% and 80% by weight. In another embodiment, the concentration of sodium silicate can be between about 80% and 90% by weight. In another embodiment, the sodium silicate concentration can be between about 90% and 99% by weight. In another embodiment, the solvent may comprise a lower concentration of sodium silicate (e.g., a concentration of less than 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% by weight). In another particular embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soy flour, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5, 306, 351, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully stipulated. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors consider that the solvent comprising sodium silicate causes the hydrocarbon to become fluid and delays self-adhesion, which reduces the viscosity of the oil and allows it to move more easily . In another embodiment, the method may further comprise the use of gas injection to extract the Petroleum. Therefore, the method can comprise providing a solvent and a quantity of gas; injecting the solvent in an oil tank; inject the amount of gas into the oil tank; and extract the oil from the oil deposit. The extraction of petroleum from the oil deposit can be done through any technology known in the art; for example, using lifting technologies (for example, pumps). The injection of the solvent and the gas can be done in any order and can be done simultaneously or concurrently. In one embodiment, the gas can be a gas with the ability to expand in an oil reservoir to push the oil into a well borehole. In another embodiment, the gas may be a gas with the ability to dissolve in the oil in order to reduce its viscosity and improve its flow rate. These gases can be natural gas, nitrogen, carbon dioxide (C02), or combinations thereof. One skilled in the art will recognize other gases that have the ability to expand in an oil deposit and / or have the ability to dissolve in petroleum, and which may be suitable for use in oil extraction. These gases can come from a deposit that occurs naturally, can be produced from of industrial applications (eg, natural gas processing, fertilizer plants, ethanol and hydrogen), or can be produced specifically for use in oil extraction. In another embodiment, the method may comprise the use of heat to extract the oil. The introduction of heat can serve to reduce the viscosity of the oil and can improve its ability to flow. The heat can be introduced through any method known in the art. In one embodiment, the heat can be introduced by heating the solvent before its injection into the oil tank. Therefore, the method may comprise providing a solvent; heat the solvent; inject the heated solvent into the oil tank; and extract the oil from the oil deposit. In another embodiment, the heat can be introduced by injecting steam into the oil tank. Therefore, the method may comprise providing a solvent; inject the solvent into the oil tank; Inject the vapor into an oil tank; and extract the oil from the oil deposit. The method can also additionally comprise the use of heat and the injection of a quantity of gas into the oil tank. Therefore, the The method may comprise providing a solvent and a gas; heat the solvent; inject the heated solvent into the oil tank; inject the gas into the oil tank; and extract the oil from the oil deposit. Alternatively, the method may comprise providing a solvent and a gas; inject the solvent into the oil tank; Inject the vapor into an oil tank; and extract the oil from the oil deposit. The injection of the solvent, vapor and / or gas can be carried out in any order and can be carried out simultaneously or concurrently. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise the use of detergent-type surfactants to reduce surface tension. Surfactants can be added to the solvent. The tension of the surface can prevent oil droplets from moving through a deposit and therefore the reduction of surface tension can help the flow of oil through a deposit.

Extraction of Oil from Oil Sands and Bituminous Slate Particular embodiments of the present invention are provided for the mining of petroleum from oil sands and oil shale. (See Figure 1). Oil sands or oil shale can exist in a variety of sizes. In a particular modality, petroleum is bitumen.

Exploitation of Oil Sands / Bituminous Slate In one embodiment of the present invention, oil sands or oil shale are exploited from the ground. In a particular modality, hydraulic and / or electric levers and / or hydraulic excavators can be used to remove the oil sands or oil shale from the mining well. In cases where oil sands or oil shale are larger than approximately 5.08 centimeters in diameter, oil sands or shale shale can be placed in a shredder where its size is reduced. The pieces can be further reduced to approximately 5.08 centimeter pieces by the use of rotary shredders. Hot or warm water can be added to create a suspension. In one embodiment, a solvent may be used in addition to or instead of water. In one embodiment, the solvent may comprise a degreasing composition. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate. In another particular embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soybean meal, lignin meal and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or a dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,351. (See figure 2.) The suspension can also be processed in an on-site extraction plant, or it can be transported to an off-site extraction plant. The transportation of the suspension can be carried out by any method; for example, through a pipeline or through vehicles to the extraction plant. In another form of land mining, a solvent can be used to fluidize the oil sands or oil shale wells and the oil sands or oil shale can be pumped and transported to an extraction facility. In one embodiment, the solvent may comprise a degreasing composition. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate. In another particular embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soy flour, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or a dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,351. In a particular embodiment, the solvent can be injected at pressures at about 4000 to about 8000 psi to fluidize oil sands or shale. He Using a higher or lower pressure or mixing can help in the separation of bitumen from oil sands or oil shale. The resulting suspension can be put under vacuum and can be transported to an oil extraction facility; In the oil extraction installation, the oil can be extracted by methods known in the art or according to various embodiments of the present invention. Additional modalities provide methods of underground mining of oil sands. In one mode, underground mining can be done by drilling a pair of horizontal wells in the oil sands deposit for use in extracting the oil sands from the deposit. In one embodiment of the present invention, a flood of water with a solvent is used to extract the oil sands. The method comprises providing a solvent; injecting the solvent in a deposit of oil sands; and extract the oil sands from the oil sands deposit. In one embodiment, the solvent may comprise a degreasing composition. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate. In another particular embodiment, the solvent also it may comprise soy flour, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or a dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,351. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise the use of gas injection to extract the oil sands. Therefore, the method may comprise providing a solvent and a quantity of gas; injecting the solvent in a deposit of oil sands; inject the amount of gas into the oil sands deposit; and extract the oil sands from the oil deposit. The injection of the solvent and the gas can be done in any order or it can be executed simultaneously or concurrently. In one embodiment, the gas can be a gas that has the ability to expand in an oil sands deposit to push the oil sands to a well bore. In another embodiment, the gas may be a gas that has the ability to dissolve in the oil sands in order to reduce its viscosity and improve its flow rate. These gases can be natural gas, nitrogen, carbon dioxide (C02), or combinations thereof. A person skilled in the art will recognize other types of gases that have the ability to expand in a petroleum sand deposit and / or which have the ability to dissolve in oil sands, and which may be suitable for use in the extraction of oil sands. These gases can come from a deposit that occurs naturally, can be produced from industrial applications (for example, natural gas processing plants, fertilizer, ethanol and hydrogen), or produced specifically for use in the extraction of Petroleum . In another embodiment, the method may comprise the use of heat to extract the oil sands. The introduction of heat can serve to reduce the viscosity of oil sands and can improve their ability to flow. In one embodiment, the heat can be introduced by heating the solvent prior to the injection thereof into the oil sands deposit. Therefore, the method may comprise providing a solvent; heat the solvent; inject the heated solvent into the oil sands deposit; and extract the oil sands from the oil sands deposit. In another embodiment, the heat can be introduced by injecting steam into the oil sands deposit. Therefore, the method may comprise providing a solvent; injecting the solvent into the oil sands deposit; Inject the steam into a deposit of oil sands; and extract the oil sands from the oil sands deposit. The method can also additionally comprise the use of heat and the injection of a quantity of gas into the oil sands deposit. Therefore, the method may comprise providing a solvent and a gas; heat the solvent; inject the heated solvent into the oil sands deposit; inject the gas into the oil sands deposit; and extract the oil sands from the oil sands deposit. Alternatively, the method may comprise providing a solvent and a gas; injecting the solvent into the oil sands deposit; Inject the steam into a deposit of oil sands; and extract the oil sands from the oil sands deposit. The injection of the solvent, vapor and / or gas can be carried out in any order and can be carried out simultaneously or concurrently. In modalities where underground exploitation is carried out by drilling a couple of horizontal wells in the oil sands deposit, steam can be injected into the upper well and the steam comes in contact with the bitumen and heats the bitumen. Bitumen heated (which may contain other materials, such as sand or clay) becomes mobile and flows with the condensed water from the steam to the lower horizontal well and flows to the surface or is pumped to the surface. The length of the wells may depend on the site of the oil sands deposit. In various embodiments, the pair of wells may have from about 750 to about 1000 meters in length. The pair of wells can be drilled parallel to one another and can be separated by about 100 to about 200 meters. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise the use of detergent-type surfactants to reduce surface tension. The tension of the surface can prevent oil droplets from moving through a deposit and therefore the reduction of surface tension can help the flow of oil through a deposit. The bitumen in the bitumen mixture removed from the underground mines can be extracted according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Bitumen Extraction During the oil extraction process, a quantity of bitumen is separated from the rock, sand, clay and / or other materials. In various modalities, the The process can be carried out at a high temperature to allow the extraction of the bitumen through a pyrolysis process. In one embodiment, air can be added to the suspension and transported to a gravity separation container. Due to density differences, the bitumen will float on top and / or the bitumen will join the air bubbles and rise to the top to form a foam rich in bitumen. Inorganic contaminants, along with sand, dirt, silt, clay, etc., will settle to the bottom. In an alternative embodiment, the solvent can be used to separate bitumen from rock, sand, clay and / or other materials. In one embodiment, the solvent may comprise a degreasing composition. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate. In another particular embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soy flour, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or a dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,351. In this alternative mode, the addition of air is optional for the separation process. Materials such as sand, dirt, silt, clay, etc., may have a higher affinity for the solvent and therefore may deviate from the solution and settlein the background, and the bitumen will rise to the surface. In addition, because the bitumen and the solvent can be separated from one another, there can be a reduction or elimination of foaming. In cases where there are additional organic materials and / or contaminants, foam can still be formed. The materials that settle to the bottom are pumped to a tail processing system. This settlement action can be improved by the use of violent agitation before allowing settlement. In an alternative embodiment, the solvent can be re-extracted from the middle portion of a settlement tank and reused one or more times. (See figure 4).

Water / Oil Separation In modalities where foam is formed (which contains bitumen), the foam can be passed through a separator, which removes air bubbles and allows the bitumen foam to be processed further. The bitumen foam can be placed through a counter current decantation circuit. A solvent can be added to remove any remaining solids and water. In one embodiment, the solvent may comprise a degreasing composition. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate. In another particular embodiment, the solvent also it may comprise soy flour, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5, 306,351. This process can produce diluted bitumen that is at an appropriate viscosity to be transported through a pipeline. (See figure 5). In an alternative mode, the bitumen mixture from underground mining may be subjected to this water / oil separation process. For example, the bitumen mixture can be sent through a countercurrent settling circuit. A solvent can be added to remove any remaining solids and water. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate. In another particular embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soy flour, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or a dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,351. This process can also produce diluted bitumen that is at an appropriate viscosity to be transported through a pipeline. The glues resulting from the grinding process can contain approximately 8% bitumen. A solvent can be added to the glues to extract the bitumen additional. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate. In another particular embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soybean meal, lignin meal and citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or a dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,351. The resulting mixture can be processed through a high pressure mixer to assist in the separation of the bitumen from the sand. In a further embodiment, beneficial microbes can be added to the tails for the treatment or remediation of the tails. Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes a solvent as a diluent for the bitumen extracted. In a particular embodiment, the solvent may comprise sodium silicate. In another particular embodiment, the solvent may further comprise soybean meal, lignin meal and citrus pectin. In another embodiment, the solvent may be a degreasing composition or a dispersion solution which is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,351. The addition of the solvent can create a bitumen mixture. The bitumen mixture can be at an appropriate viscosity to allow the transport of the bitumen through conventional pipes.

EXAMPLES The following examples are provided to illustrate improvement of the claimed invention and will not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. To the extent that specific materials are mentioned, this is simply for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the invention. One skilled in the art can develop equivalent or reactive means without exercising the inventive capacity and without departing from the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 This example illustrates the preparation of a dispersion solution which can be used in various embodiments of the present invention. The manufacture of the dispersion solution occurs in three steps, first nineteen liters of a natural concentrate are prepared, followed by the preparation of three hundred and eighty liters of complete concentrate, and then followed by the preparation of 6,480 liters of dispersion solution. First, a concentrate of 19 liters of soy flour solution, lignin flour and pectin is prepared citrus In a container of 22.79 liters, preferably having a mechanical mixing capacity, first approximately 15.2 liters of water are placed. The additive components which can be used are as follows: Soy flour (powder) 0.45 kg Lignin flour (powder) 0.225 kg Citrus pectin 0.225 kg The amount of 0.45 kilograms of soy flour is added to the amount of 15.2 liters of water and mixed until it softens. Next, the 0.225 kilograms of lignin flour are added slowly and mixed until the mixture is smooth. Next, the 0.225 kilograms of citrus pectin are added slowly and mixed until the mixture is smooth. The mixture is then added with more water until the total liquid volume reaches 19 liters. This mixture will henceforth be referred to as the natural concentrate. The natural concentrate is allowed to settle for 72 hours. Soybean meal may be commercially available from A.E. Staley Company of Decatur, III., 62525. Lignin flour can be commercially obtained from Georgia Pacific Corporation of Atlanta, Ga. Pectin Citrus can be obtained from Pectogel of Great Neck, N.Y., 11021. The natural concentrate solution has the following composition: Soy flour (powder) 2.38% Lignin flour (powder) 1.19% Citrus pectin (powder) 1.19% Water 95.23% 100.0% A silicate solution is formulated by first adding approximately 152 liters of water to a container (e.g., a 475 liter container). Next, 209 liters of sodium silicate are added to the 152 liters of water. Sodium silicate is commercially available under the tradename OXYCHEM, from Occidental Chemical Corporation, Niagra Falls, N.Y. 14302. Sodium silicate is a liquid having a density of approximately 1.40 kilograms / liter. The sodium silicate and water are mixed for about three minutes to form a sodium silicate-water mixture. Next, the natural concentrate is added to the sodium-water silicate mixture, and mixed for about seven minutes to form 380 liters of the complete concentrate. The whole concentrate has a composition by weight as shown below: Sodium Silicate (liquid) Na2OXSi02 62.951% Soybean Flour (powder) 0.098% Lignin Flour (powder) 0.049% Citrus Pectin (powder) 0.049% Water 36.853% 100.0% To the complete concentrate, 380 liters, approximately 6.460 liters of water are added to produce a dispersion solution of 684 liters, which is the solution used in the removal of oil. The complete dispersion solution has a composition by weight as shown below: Sodium silicate (liquid) Na2OXSi02 4.1975% Soy flour (powder) 0.0065% Lignin flour (powder) 0.0032% Citrus pectin (powder) 0.0032% Water 95.7896% 100.0% EXAMPLE 2 As an option and for examples where the material to be removed is particularly difficult, other materials can be added. One such material is sodium phosphate (powder) Na3P04 obtainable from Monsanto Chemical Company of St. Louis, Mo. Another material of this type that may be added is sodium carbonate, a2C03 which is commercially available from Van. Waters & Rogers of San Mateo, CA, 94403. Another material that can be added is a surfactant, also known as TRITON X100 nonionic which has a formula C33H6oOi0.5, and which is available from Union Carbide of Danbury, Conn. In fact, other ingredients can be added to alter the performance of the dispersion solution. In cases where it is deemed necessary, powdered sodium phosphate can be added in an amount of approximately 4.5 kilograms dry weight per 6,840 liters of dispersion solution. Similarly, sodium carbonate can be added in an amount of about 4.5 kilograms dry weight per 6,840 liters of dispersion solution. The TRITON X100 can be added in an amount of approximately 3.8 liters of X100 per 6,840 liters of dispersion solution.

In addition, it is allowed to add one, two or all three of the above optional components per batch of 6.840 liter dispersion solution. Although the above description refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the same. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications as if they were within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments described herein will be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims in lieu of the foregoing description. All the changes that appear within the meaning of and equivalence range of the claims are included in it.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - A method for extracting heavy oil from an oil deposit, comprising: providing a solvent comprising sodium silicate, a salt or an equivalent thereof; inject the solvent into the oil tank; and extract the heavy oil from the oil deposit.

2. - The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the heavy oil comprises bitumen.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the solvent also comprises soy flour, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. . - The method according to claim 1, further comprising heating the solvent prior to solvent injection. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising injecting steam into the oil tank. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the solvent also comprises detergent-type surfactants. 7. A method for extracting bitumen from an oil sands deposit, comprising: providing a solvent comprising sodium silicate, a salt or an equivalent thereof; injecting the solvent into the oil sands deposit; extracting a suspension comprising oil sands from the oil sands deposit; and extract the bitumen from the suspension. 8. - The method according to claim 7, wherein the solvent further comprises soy flour, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. 9. - The method according to claim 7, which further comprises heating the solvent prior to injection thereof. 10. - The method according to claim 7, which further comprises injecting steam into the oil deposit. 11. - The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the extraction of the bitumen comprises separating the bitumen from an inorganic material that exists in the suspension. 12. - The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the separation of the bitumen from the inorganic material comprises adding an amount of air to the suspension. 13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the separation of the bitumen from the inorganic material comprises adding an amount of solvent to the suspension. 1

4. - The method according to claim 11, which further comprises passing the suspension through a separator to remove air bubbles. 1

5. - The method according to claim 11, which further comprises separating the bitumen from the solvent. 1

6. - The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the separation of the bitumen from the solvent comprises placing the suspension through a counter current decantation circuit. 17.- A method to extract bitumen from sands petroleum or shale oil shale, which includes: removing oil sands or shale from the ground; providing a solvent comprising sodium silicate, a salt or an equivalent thereof; add the solvent to oil sands or shale shale to create a suspension; and extract bitumen from the suspension. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the solvent also comprises soybean meal, lignin flour and / or citrus pectin. 19. - The method according to claim 17, which further comprises reducing the size of oil sands or shale oil shale removed. 20. - The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the extraction of the bitumen comprises separating the bitumen from an inorganic material that exists in the suspension. 21. - The method according to claim 20, characterized in that separating the bitumen from the inorganic material comprises adding an amount of air to the suspension. 22. The method of compliance with the claim 20, characterized in that the separation of the bitumen from the inorganic material comprises adding an amount of the solvent to the suspension. 23. - The method according to claim 20, further comprising passing the suspension through a separator to remove air bubbles. 24. The method according to claim 20, further comprising separating the bitumen from the solvent. 25. - The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the separation of the bitumen from the solvent comprises placing the suspension through a counter current decantation circuit. 26. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the removal of the oil sands or oil shale comprises: providing a solvent comprising sodium silicate, a salt or an equivalent thereof; use the solvent to fluidize the oil sands or the oil shale; and pumping oil sands or fluidized oil shale out of the ground.