The dissolution of a single CO$\sb2$ bubble into Athabasca bitumen was modelled for the cases of static and rising bubbles. The models developed for the dissolution of the static bubble included the more rigorous quasi-stationary model and the simpler molecular diffusion model. For the case of the rising bubble, the models developed were based upon Brian-Hales'/Levich's correlations and Higbie's penetration theory.

Molecular diffusion of the static bubble is shown to be enhanced by low temperatures and high pressures due to the higher CO$\sb2$ solubility and mass diffusivity at these conditions. Dissolution of the rising bubble is influenced by both molecular and convective diffusion effects. The numerical results show that, as a result of the combination of the diffusion effects, there exists a minimum in the bubble dissolution time with respect to temperature.