Lac La Biche, Canada: Project Aims to Boost Bitumen Flow and Reduce Water Usage

WPB:

Enhancing Bitumen Flow in Lac La Biche

The Kirby North facility in Lac La Biche, operated by Canadian Natural Resources Limited, is set to test a chemical additive designed to improve the flow of heavy oil and bitumen in Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operations. Backed by $1.2 million in provincial funding, the project will use a chemical called ChampionX, which enhances oil flow, prevents blockages, and reduces steam requirements, thereby lowering water consumption.

Situated 85 kilometers northeast of Lac La Biche, the Kirby North plant utilizes SAGD technology to extract bitumen from deep oil sands deposits. Its counterpart, Kirby South, is located across Highway 881. According to The Oilsands Magazine, approximately 80% of Alberta’s bitumen reserves lie too deep underground to be mined, necessitating in-situ extraction methods like SAGD, which rely on steam to recover the resource.

A provincial release issued in mid-December highlighted advancements in water recycling within Alberta’s energy sector. Approximately 80% of water used in such operations is recycled, with sophisticated filtration systems treating wastewater to reduce freshwater use.

Broader Technological Innovation

This initiative near Lac La Biche is part of three projects funded through the TIER program. Alongside Canadian Natural’s work, $1.47 million has been allocated to develop two advanced water filtration technologies led by Aqua Pure Technologies and Eximius Environmental Solutions.

The Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), a government-funded entity established in 2009, is managing the investment. Its mission is to address environmental challenges while supporting Alberta’s economic growth through innovation. Aqua Pure’s testing is already underway in the Three Hills area, while the site for Eximius Environmental Solutions’ project has not been announced.

Promising Future for Alberta’s Oil Industry

Justin Riemer, CEO of the ERA, emphasized the potential for these projects to provide actionable solutions for Alberta’s oil and gas sector, helping reduce emissions, save water, and cut costs.

“These projects have already shown tremendous promise with backing from our partners. We’re eager to see how provincial funding through Emissions Reduction Alberta can propel them forward,” Riemer stated.

Rebecca Schulz, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, underscored the global significance of such innovations, noting the rising demand for energy and the global push for efficient resource use.

“This funding supports the development of three new technologies that will help companies reduce water usage while boosting energy production. It’s a win for the environment, the energy sector, and the economy,” Schulz said.

By Bitumenmag

Oil, Bitumen, Innovation, Market, Technology