Alberta OilNEWS · MARKETS · INDUSTRY
Explore
← All equipment

OIL SANDS / INTERACTIVE 3D

Inclined-plate froth settler

Follow a naphtha-based gravity-separation example through an original 44-part cutaway: a receiving chamber, six separate inclined sheets, an upper collection region and two distinct outgoing boundaries.

Equipment teaching model44 named component instancesOriginal 3D illustration

FOLLOW THE FROTH / START HERE

One feed. Two different responsibilities.

Start with the diagram and three questions. The 3D model below lets you inspect the same regions when you are ready.

Original qualitative froth-settler reading map Diluted froth enters a receiving region beside six inclined sheets. An upper diluted-bitumen branch continues toward further processing. A separate lower water-and-solids branch continues toward diluent recovery and tailings handling. Upstream dilution and downstream equipment are outside the depicted model. UPSTREAM DILUTIONFroth + naphthaMixing is outside this modelBITUMEN BRANCHFurther processingDiluent recovery remainsWATER + SOLIDS BRANCHDiluent recovery · tailings handling INCLINED-PLATE SETTLERReceivingSeparate sheetsLower collection regionRole diagram · invented geometry · no proportions, quality or performance measurement
This original map illustrates one naphtha-based gravity-separation example. Dashed boxes identify work outside the model; the arrows are role connections, without measured flows.
  1. 1. Upstream: diluted feed

    Froth and naphtha are mixed before this model. Mixing equipment and conditions are outside the assembly.

  2. 2. Inside: receiving and plate regions

    The feed enters a receiving chamber beside six separate inclined sheets. Compare the divider, open gaps and lower collection walls in the optional cutaway.

  3. 3. Two separate outgoing responsibilities

    Upper bitumen branchFurther processing and diluent recovery continue beyond the model. This is not finished vehicle fuel.

    Lower water-and-solids branchDiluent recovery and tailings handling remain downstream. This is not a clean-water return or permission to release.

Original qualitative role map. These connections supply no measured flows, composition, quality or performance.

1. Does adding naphtha finish the separation?

No. Dilution and separation are different roles. Identify the already-diluted feed, then compare the sheet region and both outgoing boundaries.

2. Which outgoing branch is finished vehicle fuel?

Neither. The upper boundary identifies a bitumen-product direction for further processing; the lower boundary identifies material that still needs handling. The model supplies no product assay.

3. Is the lower branch the same as recovered process water?

No. Keep froth-treatment tailings and their diluent-recovery needs separate from the mining water-return lesson. Water-looking colours establish no composition or permission to release.

Compare the technology, not just the silhouette. The 2024 Horizon plan, section 5 describes a naphtha-based inclined-plate role. Suncor’s Fort Hills overview describes a different paraffinic process using counter-current settlers and solvent recovery. This illustration represents neither facility, and their arrangements cannot be assumed interchangeable.

INTERACTIVE EQUIPMENT EXPLORER

Inclined-plate froth settler

Equipment teaching model44 named component instances

Choose Load 3D cutaway to enable component focus. The diagram, questions and parts reference work before loading 3D.

Static preview of the inclined-plate froth settler schematic
Static preview · choose Load 3D to explore

Drag to orbit · Scroll or pinch to zoom · Select a visible part or use the parts list. Keyboard: focus the view and use arrow keys to orbit.

HOW TO READ THIS MODEL

The system, explained.

Froth leaving primary extraction still carries water and fine mineral material. Adding a diluent and separating the remaining material are different roles. This original model illustrates one naphtha-based gravity-settling example. Its feed is already diluted upstream; no mixing equipment is included. The receiving divider, six inclined sheets, upper collection region and lower collection walls make the internal regions inspectable. Compare the diluted-bitumen outlet with the separate froth-treatment-tailings outlet. Product processing and diluent recovery continue beyond both boundaries. Other froth-treatment technologies use different arrangements; this model is not a universal mining process or a named operator's equipment.

Model scope and limits

An original static teaching assembly with invented proportions, six separate inclined sheets, three real boundary openings and a reversible enclosure cutaway. Plate count, angle and spacing are presentation choices. No operator/OEM drawing, CAD, plant layout, photograph, product dimensions or operating data imported. Dilution, deaeration, heating, solvent recovery, further product treatment, tailings treatment, vents and protection are outside the assembly. The geometric openings and gaps establish no continuous hydraulic route, separation efficiency, settling rate, interface, composition, product quality, pressure rating, structural adequacy, access, maintenance or operating procedure. The lower stream is not established as potable, releasable or reclaimed. The illustration does not select equipment for any Alberta facility or imply affiliation.

Source links support further study; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

GUIDED COMPONENT STUDY

Trace the system.

Read each explanation, then focus its component in the explorer. This is a learning route through the model, with no operating or maintenance sequence.

  1. Begin with the diluted feed

    The rear hollow neck opens into the distinct receiving side. Dilution takes place upstream of this model; this neck supplies no solvent ratio, temperature, viscosity or flow measurement.

  2. Separate receiving from plate regions

    The complete divider ends above the lower collection walls, leaving an actual geometric gap. It locates two internal regions without validating flow distribution or an operating level.

  3. Inspect one inclined sheet

    Select this sheet separately from its neighbours. Its angle, thickness and silver colour are invented teaching choices rather than a vendor plate specification.

  4. Look between neighbouring sheets

    Six physically separate sheets retain open gaps. Space between their surfaces is visible geometry; no particle trajectory, settling rate or separation efficiency is calculated.

  5. Compare the complete enclosure

    Reveal internals removes the facing wall, roof and facing lower wall for study. Restore them to compare the complete display enclosure. Neither view represents an approved vessel-entry state or a disassembly procedure.

  6. Find the upper collection region

    The small separate floor and lower inner edge identify the collection region beside the upper boundary. Their heights are not measured liquid interfaces or a qualified weir design.

  7. Follow the product boundary

    The right-side hollow neck meets its own actual wall opening. It identifies the bitumen-product direction; no assay, receiving specification or finished vehicle fuel is established.

  8. Keep the lower pathway separate

    Four retained inclined panels lead toward the separate bored lower floor. They locate the water-and-solids collection role without proving drainage, sediment transport or complete hydrocarbon removal.

  9. Stop at the tailings boundary

    The lower hollow outlet is separate from the upper product neck. Follow its downstream diluent-recovery and tailings-handling questions rather than assuming the stream is clean water or ready for release.

  10. Distinguish a display support

    This separate foot has one geometric anchor-position bore. Its presentation role establishes no foundation, anchor, load, restraint or safe access design.

ACCESSIBLE COMPONENT REFERENCE

Every part, in plain language.

Search all components ↗Model provenance ↗
44 components
Open display frame front rail

An original open-centre presentation frame leaves the lower outlet visible. No structural or foundation design. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Open display frame rear rail

An original open-centre presentation frame leaves the lower outlet visible. No structural or foundation design. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Open display frame left rail

An original open-centre presentation frame leaves the lower outlet visible. No structural or foundation design. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Open display frame right rail

An original open-centre presentation frame leaves the lower outlet visible. No structural or foundation design. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete removable front enclosure

The retained complete facing wall can be removed for study. This is a presentation section, not a safe access state. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete rear enclosure with feed bore

Complete rear wall containing a real feed opening into the distinct left-side receiving chamber. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete left enclosure

Retained left wall around the invented receiving chamber; no pressure containment or manufactured joint. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete right enclosure with product bore

Retained right wall with a real separate diluted-bitumen boundary opening. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete removable roof

The complete display roof can be removed for study. Venting, protection, access and fabrication are outside this illustration. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete front lower collection wall

A complete inclined wall identifies lower water-and-solids collection. The slope is not a settling, solids-handling or structural specification. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete right lower collection wall

A complete inclined wall identifies lower water-and-solids collection. The slope is not a settling, solids-handling or structural specification. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete back lower collection wall

A complete inclined wall identifies lower water-and-solids collection. The slope is not a settling, solids-handling or structural specification. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete left lower collection wall

A complete inclined wall identifies lower water-and-solids collection. The slope is not a settling, solids-handling or structural specification. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Complete bored lower collection floor

Retained lowest floor with an actual underflow aperture. A visible opening does not establish drainage, removal efficiency or permissible disposal. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Open diluted-froth feed neck

Feed boundary for froth already mixed with naphtha upstream. The mixing/dilution equipment and conditions are outside this model. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Feed open-end collar

Hollow feed-boundary marker. It is not a rated flange, valve or engineered connection. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Open diluted-bitumen product neck

Separate upper product boundary toward further processing and diluent recovery. No assay, specification, purity or finished transport fuel is established. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Product open-end collar

Open product-side boundary marker, without a custody-transfer or pipeline-quality claim. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Open froth-treatment-tailings neck

Distinct lower water-and-solids boundary. Residual hydrocarbons and diluent handling remain questions for downstream treatment and containment. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Tailings open-end collar

Hollow lower boundary marker; the model does not prove drinking-water quality, release approval or completed reclamation. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Receiving-chamber divider

A distinct original divider identifies the receiving side and leaves a lower geometric gap. No hydraulic distribution or process routing is validated. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Feed deflection marker

Separate illustrative deflector before the plate region. Its shape does not establish inlet momentum, distribution or emulsion behaviour. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Inclined settling plate 1

One of six independently selectable inclined sheets. The visible gaps illustrate separate settling surfaces, not selected plate dimensions, packing density or a separation result. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Inclined settling plate 2

One of six independently selectable inclined sheets. The visible gaps illustrate separate settling surfaces, not selected plate dimensions, packing density or a separation result. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Inclined settling plate 3

One of six independently selectable inclined sheets. The visible gaps illustrate separate settling surfaces, not selected plate dimensions, packing density or a separation result. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Inclined settling plate 4

One of six independently selectable inclined sheets. The visible gaps illustrate separate settling surfaces, not selected plate dimensions, packing density or a separation result. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Inclined settling plate 5

One of six independently selectable inclined sheets. The visible gaps illustrate separate settling surfaces, not selected plate dimensions, packing density or a separation result. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Inclined settling plate 6

One of six independently selectable inclined sheets. The visible gaps illustrate separate settling surfaces, not selected plate dimensions, packing density or a separation result. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Plate support location 1

Separate support-location cue beneath the lower sheet ends; no attachment, loading or fabrication is specified. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Plate support location 2

Separate support-location cue beneath the lower sheet ends; no attachment, loading or fabrication is specified. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Product collection trough floor

A distinct collection-region floor beside the upper product boundary. Its elevation does not show a measured operating interface. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Product collection inner edge

An invented lower edge separates the collection region from the plate display. No weir loading or level control is established. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Product collection end wall 1

A retained end-location panel for the independent upper collection role; no vessel performance or sealing claim. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Product collection end wall 2

A retained end-location panel for the independent upper collection role; no vessel performance or sealing claim. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display transverse beam 1

Invented display support beam. This is no structural, foundation or access design. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display support leg 1.1

Presentation support only; no load, restraint, maintenance or safe access is demonstrated. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display support foot 1.1

Separate foot with one geometric anchor-position bore, without an anchor or structural qualification. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display support leg 1.2

Presentation support only; no load, restraint, maintenance or safe access is demonstrated. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display support foot 1.2

Separate foot with one geometric anchor-position bore, without an anchor or structural qualification. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display transverse beam 2

Invented display support beam. This is no structural, foundation or access design. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display support leg 2.1

Presentation support only; no load, restraint, maintenance or safe access is demonstrated. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display support foot 2.1

Separate foot with one geometric anchor-position bore, without an anchor or structural qualification. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display support leg 2.2

Presentation support only; no load, restraint, maintenance or safe access is demonstrated. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

Display support foot 2.2

Separate foot with one geometric anchor-position bore, without an anchor or structural qualification. Original static teaching geometry with invented proportions. No selected product, process performance, structural or operating qualification.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Which handover correctly distinguishes the two outgoing boundaries?

Choose an answer