Upgrading is the process of converting raw bitumen into streams of high value products like diesel, kerosene, gas-oil, naphtha and crude oil.
Oil sands upgrading typically involves three stages: initial recovery, primary upgrading, and secondary upgrading. The initial phase removes non-bitumen components, sending recovered materials to secondary upgrading and the remaining bitumen to primary upgrading.
Extreme processing temperatures, low ambient conditions, and outdated measurement methods challenge operations in meeting performance targets and maximizing profitability.
