Analysis of compound types and properties of Utah and Athabasca tar sand bitumens

Properties and molecular composition were examined in detail for tar sand bitumens representative of four major deposits in Utah and Alberta. Methods for bitumen extraction, separation, and compound type (functional group) analysis are presented. Results of the analysis are compared with each other and with results updated in the literature for tar sand bitumens and petroleum residues. Tar sand bitumens were shown to differ significantly from representative petroleum residues, principally in their nonhydrocarbon content. Tar sand bitumens were shown to differ significantly from each other, principally in the amount and kind of heteroatomic compound types present. When possible, properties and composition were related to recovery and refining processes.