Bitumen and Heavy Oil  

The Alberta Research Council has been working with industry to develop Alberta's bitumen resources since Karl Clark set up his first laboratory at the Alberta Research Council in 1921.  Today, we have an international reputation as an established research organization in bitumen and heavy oil technologies.

Recovery technologies

We work with industry partners to perform experimental, theoretical and field investigations into all aspects of in situ bitumen and heavy oil recovery, from fundamental properties to field pilots.

Much of this research is carried out under the AERI/ARC Core Industry (AACI) Research Program.

Surface separation technologies 

Our work to increase productivity and efficiency for the mineable oil sands industry. Our services include validating new processes and process aids, lease evaluation, oil sands testing and an oil sands sample bank. 

Production technologies

Our unique physical testing facilities support our work in heavy oil production engineering that helps companies develop and validate technologies more effectively and efficiently.

Engineered materials

Wear and tear is a critical issue to the oil industry, and we create coatings, overlays and welding technologies to help mitigate these issues and reduce operating costs.

Sensors for mining and extraction

We develop sensors and measurement solutions that reduce losses, improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.