AM-13-11 Successes Gained in Oil Sands Derived Feed Processing: A Customized Application of Research & Development

Description:

The processing of oil sands-derived feeds presents inherent challenges to refineries. The very nature of heavy feedstocks such as bitumen, coupled with substantive technology and operational issues often complicate effective efficient hydroprocessing. Criterion Catalyst & Technologies (Criterion) has a leadership role in supporting much of the world’s heavy oil and oil sands upgrading and refining industry with over 25 years of catalyst research and development and operational expertise. Criterion has collaborated with Canadian operators to develop customized catalyst systems and operating strategies to improve days on stream, generate higher yields and facilitate the processing of more challenging feeds. This paper details the growing pervasiveness of oil sands as a viable feedstock for global oil processing, and the lessons, challenges and opportunities gleaned by Criterion through their customized research and technical service.