(79c) Bitumen Production from Canadian Oil Sands Deposits

Canadian oil sands are unconsolidated sand deposits that are impregnated with heavy, viscous petroleum, normally referred to as bitumen or tar. The total bitumen in place in Alberta is estimated at 1.7 to 2.5 trillion barrels and is clearly massive by world standards. Presently, over 35% of the Canadian energy needs can be met from upgraded bitumen from mined oil sands.

Two distinct processes are currently used to produce bitumen from Alberta oil sands deposits: in-situ and open pit mining technology. In situ operations, suitable for deposits with overburdens thicker than 50 meters, currently account for around 10% of total bitumen production with remaining being produced by open pit mining operations. In this presentation, these two principal technologies will be described briefly. The outlook of bitumen production from Canadian oil sands deposits and the associated challenges will be discussed. The presentation will also illustrate how one can within a University environment study a complex industrial process that is of great importance to the Canadian Energy Sector.