| The main objectives of this research project are to develop an X-ray transparent cell and investigate the interfacial properties of bitumen and water at elevated temperatures and pressures using the computed tomography technology (CT). Interfacial properties under investigation are the contact angle and the interfacial tension of the system of bitumen-water-quartz.;Knowledge about the interfacial phenomena between bitumen and water at high temperatures and pressures facilitates and improves the recovery of bitumen from oil sands using thermal methods.;A visual, a micro CT, and a CT cells have been designed and constructed. A series of visual experiments have been executed using the visual cell and a digital camera. These were the preliminary tests necessary for further experiments performed at ambient conditions. In the next step, two series of micro CT experiments have been accomplished at elevated temperatures and pressures. The CT model was tested, but no experiments have been completed. |
