Reducing Emissions and Costs in Bitumen Production
This project from Fractal Systems Inc. was funded through ERA’s Partnership Intake Program in 2018 and aimed to develop their novel Enhanced JetShear (EJS) technology. While the project was cancelled, it was meant to be the first large-scale commercial facility to deploy this technology and confirm its economic viability.
EJS gently breaks down heavy oil molecules using a mix of pressure changes, small bubbles and heat. This process separates certain parts of the molecules, making the bitumen less thick and easier to move, without losing any volume. As a result, the EJS product will require approximately 50 per cent less diluent to meet pipeline specifications, which reduces costs for bitumen producers, improves profitability and results in an 11 per cent reduction in GHGs. These qualities make EJS a valuable option for bitumen producers who want to be more competitive and meet environmental goals.
Building on Previous Testing
Prior to this project, Fractal successfully demonstrated the EJS technology at a commercial demonstration facility from 2012 to 2015 and processed over 110,000 barrels of under-diluted bitumen during that time. Based on learnings and innovations to improve the process, the facility was retrofitted, and the EJS technology was demonstrated in 2016 through 2017. The next step towards commercialization was developing a large-scale EJS during this project. Ultimately, the funding relationship with the project was terminated before a large-scale demonstration was completed. Despite this outcome, the project completed a market feasibility study and engineering study, providing insights for potential future implementations.
What’s next?
Since the funding relationship terminated in 2024, ERA is not aware of any further work by Fractal to develop this technology.