Abstract

The present invention provides for steam generation replacing natural gas with a selected refined product of a feedstock of bitumen, asphaltines or heavy oil using locally produced surplus bitumen, asphaltine or heavy oil, separating the asphaltines and other components of the feedstock for use in providing a liquid fuel for steam generation. The lighter products from the separation equipment not used for liquid fuel may be blended into the produced bitumen, asphaltines or heavy oil, to increase its API gravity and reduce the diluent required for transportation. This technology may be employed in open pit mining operations for the generation of steam and power. The refined components of the feedstock used to provide liquid fuel are selected to optimize energy output balancing planned energy demand against the value of the components of the feedstock used.

IPC Classes  ?

• F22B 33/00 - Steam-generation plants, e.g. comprising steam boilers of different types in mutual association
• C10C 3/08 - Working-up pitch, asphalt, bitumen by selective extraction
• C10C 3/10 - Melting
• C10G 1/04 - Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal by extraction
• F22B 37/02 - Component parts or details of steam boilers applicable to more than one kind or type of steam boiler
• F23K 5/08 - Preparation of fuel
• E21B 43/24 - Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection