Not so long ago, the oil sands of Canada were left unused since the process of extraction was deemed too expensive. Slowly, however, this became feasible and companies began to separate crude oil from the sands. Environmental regulations soon found their way into the process so as to promote sustainable use. While some deem this a hindrance, Komax Systems leaped at the opportunity to create a better system. This was our inspiration for the Hi-Pass Static Mixer equipped with an additive port for polymer addition. With this design, the reclamation process of tailing ponds was drastically sped up for an energy efficient and maintenance free process.

The Hi-Pass Mixer makes use of specifically designed non-clogging elements. These are designed for use with previously difficult solutions like those high in solid content or extremely thick like the clay slurry of oil sands. The Hi-Pass mixing elements promote wall-to-wall radial transfer of slurry with no significant drop in pressure or rate of flow. This design fosters complete polymer mixing in a non-clogging environment.

The mixer’s effectiveness works in tandem with an upstream additive injector to greatly reduce the time it takes to treat effluent tailings. Using an injector to add polymer to the effluent stream induces much greater treatment of oil sands production byproducts. Polymer addition and the Hi-Pass mixer create a high shear environment so that water and clay separate much quicker in the tailing ponds than normal particle settling.

Komax believes in helping oil producers solve challenges in a creative and highly efficient way. When Alberta’s Energy Resources Conservation Board instituted regulations for tailing regulations, we designed our Hi-Pass system to economically and quickly treat effluent. By addressing this situation in a succinct and positive manner, Komax showed companies that striving for efficiency is an easy and rewarding process.