ARC/Syncrude Oil Sands Sensors

The Alberta Research Council and Syncrude worked together to develop sensors that improve processes for improved bitumen extraction. This work was recognized with the ASTech Innovation in Oil Sands Research Prize in 2005.

On-line tailings analyzers (item 1)

Measure the bitumen levels in tailings prior to being placed in ponds. The data captured will allow for process improvements and modifications at the PSV and the Froth Treatment plants that will reduce bitumen loss.

K40 gamma spectrometer analyzer (item 2)

Measures the clay fines content in the slurry that makes its way to the Primary Separation Process Plant and enables the operators to make adjustments in this process that will optimize the extraction of bitumen in the in-coming slurry.

The near infrared instrument (item 3)

Placed at the conveyor belt, gives the operators a bitumen percentage measurement of mined material prior to processing. This latest version is an enhanced, full-scanning instrument, which provides additional information not available from existing instruments.

Froth/middlings interface vision system (item 4)

Gives the operator real time measurement of the interface between the middlings and froth in the primary separation vessels (PSV). The vision system provides a better measure of interface position than does the traditional pressure-based system.