Extractive effect of alkaline solutions in the bituminous rocks treatment by ultrasound irradiation

Abstract

Natural bitumens contained in bituminous rocks and oil sands are a promising energy source. Additionally, their processing allows for the production of industrially important road bitumen. To obtain target products from bituminous rocks, bitumen must first be extracted, after which it can undergo further processing. One of the effective and unconventional methods of its extraction is ultrasonic treatment. Ultrasonic technology is based on the impact of ultrasonic waves on untreated rocks, leading to the destruction of their structure under the influence of various physical forces. The ultrasonic extraction method is characterized by its relative cost-effectiveness and the absence of a need for expensive and toxic reagents. This paper presents the results of bitumen extraction under ultrasound irradiation from bituminous rocks of the Munaily Mola and Beke fields. According to the results of the work, it was found that alkaline solutions accelerate the extraction of bitumen at an ultrasound power of 1500 W and an ultrasound oscillation frequency of 22 kHz. Also the change of pH solution for the extraction of bitumen from bituminous rocks was studied. The main physical and chemical characteristics of natural bitumen from two fields were determined after extraction by ultrasound irradiation, where they are represented by a low content of mechanical impurities. As a result of the work, optimal conditions for bitumen extraction were determined and the physical and chemical characteristics of the obtained products were studied.