eMVAPEX Pilot, Phase 3
Modifying Bitumen Extraction to Lower Environmental Impacts Funded through ERA #2: Oil Sands Innovation in 2018, MEG Energy developed a pilot of their enhanced modified vapour extraction (eMVAPEX) technology. EMVAPEX, an extension of MEG’s patented eMSAGP (enhanced modified steam and gas push) technology, is intended to modify the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process to…
Non-Condensable Gas Co-Injection for Thief Zone
Non-Condensable Gas Co-Injection to Maintain Reservoir Pressure and Reduce Emissions ConocoPhillips Canada developed a low-cost technology that leverages existing in-situ infrastructure at steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) facilities to address energy-intensive thief zone interactions. Funded through ERA #2: Oil Sands Innovation in 2017, this pilot successfully demonstrated that non-condensable gas (NCG) co-injected with steam minimizes…
In-Pit Extraction Process
An Alternative Process to Conventional Oil Sands Mining Canadian Natural has developed the In Pit Extraction Process (IPEP) as an innovative alternative to conventional oil sands slurry preparation, bitumen extraction, and tailings handling. Funded through ERA #2: Oilsands Innovation in 2017, this project demonstrated commercial feasibility by achieving continuous 24-hour all-season operation at the target…
Enhanced Bitumen Recovery Technology Pilot
Imperial is advancing a field trial of its Enhanced Bitumen Recovery Technology (EBRT) to validate the method and prepare it for commercial use. The process uses a recovery solution to dilute and mobilize bitumen in the reservoir, reducing the amount of steam needed as much as 90% compared to current methods. Alternatives to steam are…
Sustainable remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons using phytotechnologies
This project explored using native plants and biochar to clean contaminated soil, while reducing GHG emissions in the process. Soil can become contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) as a result of accidental spills and improper waste disposal. Cleaning contaminated soil is time-consuming and expensive. It can involve excavating contaminated soil and then trucking it to…
Identification of regionally appropriate grazing systems for the reduction of greenhouse gasses in Alberta, now and in the future
Investigating the Link Between Drought, Cattle Management and Soil Carbon This project studied the role of different cattle grazing systems in maximizing carbon storage and minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout Alberta’s grasslands. Funded through the Biological GHG Management Program in 2015, the project aimed to better understand how grazing affects carbon storage in grasslands…
Eco-mimicry approach to methane capture in tailing ponds
The unique properties of biochar give it the potential to be applied to many different GHG-reducing applications. This project explores using biochar as a cap for tailings ponds to minimize methane emissions. It includes building a small bioreactor, creating tailings pond conditions, adding biochar with specific bacteria, and then carrying out analysis to measure effectiveness…
Area fugitive emission measurements of methane & carbon dioxide
Canadian Natural has partnered with Alberta Based LuxMux, Boreal Laser, RWDI Air, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), the University of Alberta, and others to conduct a comprehensive program to improve detection, monitoring and quantification of methane emissions from area sources such as mine faces and tailings ponds. By developing a holistic system of sensors…
Methane Imaging & Quantification System for Fixed Site Monitoring
ATCO has partnered with MultiSensor Scientific of Boston, MA and Alberta-based Envent Engineering and Target Emission Services to develop and pilot test a portable methane imaging and leak detection system that can be deployed temporarily or permanently at wells, compressors and industry sites to continuously scan for methane leaks and quantify emission rates from those…
Downhole imaging system for identifying wellbore leakage
DarkVision will demonstrate their new acoustic-based downhole imaging technology in Alberta wells. The technology solves a well-known critical problem for the industry and has widespread applicability across the various well types and different stages found in Alberta. Small defects in casing, connections, cement and other downhole components can result in significant business impacts, from methane…
