Tar Sands
Oil Sands · Bituminous Sands · Asphaltic Sands
Tar sands are naturally occurring deposits composed of sand, clay, water, and bitumen, a highly viscous form of petroleum. The material is typically mined and transported for extraction and upgrading processes. Depending on temperature and moisture content, tar sands can range from free-flowing granular material to highly cohesive and sticky bulk solids. Their abrasive mineral content combined with bitumen adhesion presents unique handling challenges. KWS designs heavy-duty conveying systems capable of handling abrasive, sticky, and high-moisture materials commonly encountered in oil sands operations.
Overview
Chemical Formula
Common Names
Common Forms
Applications
- Bitumen extraction and upgrading
- Petroleum refining feedstock
- Synthetic crude oil production
- Energy and fuel manufacturing
- Mining and mineral processing operations
Material Characteristics
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Common Forms | Mined Oil Sands, Processed Ore, Bitumen-Bearing Sand |
| Bulk Density | 90-130 lb/ft³ (depends on moisture content and bitumen concentration) |
| Flow Behavior | Variable; may be free-flowing or highly cohesive depending on temperature and moisture |
| Abrasiveness | High Sand and mineral particles contribute to significant equipment wear |
| Corrosiveness | Moderate Moisture and process chemicals may contribute to corrosion |
| Dust Potential | Low Low potential when moist; moderate when dry or processed |
Handling Challenges
- Material buildup and sticking caused by bitumen content
- Severe abrasion from sand and mineral particles
- Variable flow characteristics due to temperature fluctuations
- High equipment loading resulting from material density
- Maintenance requirements associated with wear and buildup
Summary
Tar sands require conveying and storage systems designed for abrasive, dense, and potentially sticky materials. KWS Manufacturing provides engineered solutions—including screw conveyors, drag conveyors, feeders, and specialized material handling equipment—constructed with wear-resistant materials and designed to minimize buildup while maintaining reliable operation.
With extensive experience handling difficult mining and mineral processing materials, KWS ensures efficient, durable, and low-maintenance performance for tar sands handling systems.
