Cenovus Energy Inc.
Transportable bitumen blends having a seperable high-octane low vapor pressure fraction

Abstract:

Low vapor pressure hydrocarbon blends are provided, comprising miscible and separable hydrocarbon fractions. A high-octane low-boiling point diluent fraction may be combined with a high-boiling point bitumen fraction. In select embodiments, and the blend may have a viscosity of less than about 350 cSt and a density of less than about 940 kg/m.sup.3 over a temperature range of from 7.5.degree. C. to 18.5.degree. C. After transportation, for example by pipeline, the high-octane low-boiling point diluent fraction may be recovered from the blend, and may for example be used as a high-octane gasoline blendstock.