Recent advances in separation and recovery of oil from heavy oil-solid systems

In view of the separation and resource utilization of heavy oils such as ectopic unconventional petroleum and sludge, this paper systematically introduces the basic problems of unconventional petroleum resources and sludge separation. Several major resource utilization methods have been summarized and discussed. The heavy oil-solid systems are mainly composed of oil, minerals and water. However, their properties are highly dependent on the physical and chemical properties of the minerals, the properties of the oil components, the moisture, and the additives (flocculants), which further directly affect the selection of oil-solid separation method, as well as the separation efficiency. Accordingly, this paper summarizes the research status of three types of heavy oil-solid separation processes, such as washing, solvent extraction and pyrolysis, from the basic engineering principles, traditional processes and new processes. Although great progress has been made on these processes, there are still different challenges for each method, which needs further exploration, such as condition and equipment optimization, additive screening and optimization, raw material system modification, energy comprehensive utilization, etc. In addition to the technology itself, it is also necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the resource-based process in terms of engineering site conditions and separation economy to reduce the cost. © 2019, Chemical Industry Press. All right reserved.