Process role
The target product is less transformed than fully upgraded synthetic crude.
How the system fits together
Potential benefits include lower diluent requirements and potentially different transportation economics.
Environmental and reclamation context
NRCan and Alberta research has examined partial-upgrading technologies as an efficiency and emissions opportunity.
What to keep in mind
Commercial value depends on actual capital cost, product acceptance and operating performance.
High-level industrial education only. Oil sands mines, thermal wells, extraction plants, upgraders and tailings facilities are hazardous regulated operations; this site does not provide operating setpoints, chemical recipes or equipment procedures.