Evaluation of Physical and Chemical Properties Impacting Partially Upgraded Bitumen

This project was initiated to evaluate PUB materials for risks to transportation and refinery processes. The composition of PUB materials is different from other oil sands products in their content of heavy components that have been altered by reactions at over 380°C. Diluted bitumen does not undergo such high-temperature treatment, and in synthetic crude oils these components have been removed. The project is focused on developing standardized test protocols to allow comparison of PUB materials produced via different technologies/conditions. Through multiple surveys of refiners, a list of potential refinery issues and their associated priority has been developed.

The development of a standardized testing and evaluation protocol for PUB material will allow any refiners (North America and/or internationally) to evaluate the risk of varying PUB technologies to their operations considering using PUB in their crude slate. The availability of these tests, and the results of this study, will increase the number of refineries willing to buy Alberta PUB and reduce potential price discounts by eliminating unknown risks to refinery operation.