A system for collecting and allowing transport of media comprising a first pipeline, a bi-directional valve mounted to the first pipeline, and a second pipeline fluidly connected to the bi-directional valve, wherein the second pipeline is fluidly connected to the first pipeline. The system for collecting and allowing transport of media may further comprise a pressure injection system mounted to the second pipeline. The system for collecting and allowing transport of media may further comprise a drain device fluidly connected to the bi-directional valve, wherein the drain device is fluidly connected to the second pipeline. The system for collecting and allowing transport of media may further comprise comprising a non return valve mounted to the second pipeline.

Methods for preparing, converting, and/or transporting bitumen are provided. Asphaltene prills, prilling processes, and converted bitumen suitable for transport are disclosed. One method for preparing bitumen for transport comprises: separating asphaltene from the bitumen to generate a deasphalted oil and asphaltene; separating the asphaltene into a first asphaltene fraction and a second asphaltene fraction, the first asphaltene fraction being less soluble in deasphalted oil and the second asphaltene fraction being more soluble in deasphalted oil; and forming an asphaltene prill comprising an inner core comprising the second asphaltene fraction and an outer layer comprising the first asphaltene fraction. Asphaltene prills disclosed herein may comprise an inner core comprising an asphaltene fraction having more solubility in deasphalted oil, and an outer layer comprising an asphaltene fraction having less solubility in deasphalted oil. Methods for the transport of bitumen via a pipeline are disclosed.

A process for dewatering tailings having a solids content in the range of about 10 wt % to about 70 wt % is provided comprising fully flocculating the tailings by adding an effective amount of a polymeric flocculant to the tailings and mixing the polymeric flocculant and tailings in a mixing device to form fully flocculated tailings having a minimized capillary suction time (CST) and discharging the fully flocculated tailings into a deposition area at a discharge velocity of substantially zero to minimize further mixing.