Rheological properties of oil sand slurries and the effect on viscosity of blending with coal

ABSTRACTOil sand slurries (OSSs) were prepared using four additives and their slurrying properties were studied. Results showed that OSSs exhibited an obvious shear-thinning flow behavior. Among the four additives, calcium lignosulfonate and petroleum sulfonate exhibited better viscosity-reducing effects. The rheological behaviors of the OSSs were fitted by yield-power law flow model, indicating high yield stress of OSSs. This resulted in a poor liquidity and better stability. In addition, adding coal in the OSS could increase the fixed-viscosity solid concentration.