Recovery Technologies

The in situ sector represents over 90% of the bitumen volume-in-place in Alberta, and the Alberta Research Council is a world leader in developing and deploying bitumen and heavy oil recovery technologies.

Our work reduces costs, improves recovery and reduces environmental impact. Some of the specific technology challenges include:

• non-uniformity between regions and geological zones
• recovery amounts and recovery rates
• production efficiency and costs
• reducing the impact of greenhouse gases and other emissions
• reducing the consumption of fresh water and natural gas

Technologies that address these issues will save the industry billions of dollars and provide for the long-term, sustainable development of Alberta's resources.

Areas we work in

In situ recovery technologies

Much of this research is carried out under the AERI/ARC Core Industry (AACI) Program. However, we also perform near term R&D on a fee-for-service basis and through joint industry consortium projects. Our work focuses on:

• primary heavy oil recovery processes
• solvent-based processes
• SAGD
• hybrid steam-solvent processes
• in-situ combustion

Technology transfer

In order to facilitate faster technology uptake by industry, ARC offers a series of courses designed to teach industry about new and emerging technologies.

Specialized services

• gas chromatography
• CT and X-ray imaging services
• reservoir simulation