Alberta oil sands systems guide

Major functions inside an oil sands upgrader

Upgraders combine conversion, hydrotreating, gas treatment, sulphur recovery, hydrogen production and utilities.

UpgraderSystems

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Colin T. Ashcombe

Process role

Conversion changes heavy hydrocarbon fractions into lighter material.

How the system fits together

Hydrogen treatment improves product quality and removes sulphur-containing compounds.

Environmental and reclamation context

Sulphur recovery and emissions controls manage some of the by-products created by processing.

What to keep in mind

Utility systems supply steam, power, cooling and fuel and contribute materially to the site’s energy and emissions profile.

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.