Oil Sands Sample Analysis
We can do lease characterizations that help our customers determine the optimum location for new mining operations.
For people testing new processes or extraction technologies, oil producers depend on certain testing methodologies when evaluating the merit of a new process or technology. ARC offers a third-party, unbiased analysis you can use to demonstrate the effectiveness of your idea.
Extraction process analyses
The two most commonly used tests that analyze a new extraction process are:
- Lab scale water extraction using a Syncrude style Batch Extraction Unit (BEU)
- Lab scale water extraction using a Hydrotransport Conditioning Loop system
Characterization of oil sands/bitumen
We can characterize a sample of oil sands using a variety of methods. Below is a list of the tests ARC administers, in order from the most basic to the more complex/specific.
Oil sands homogenization
Before a sample can be analyzed, the first step is to homogenize the sample.
Oil sands analyses
- Bitumen, water and solids analysis by Dean Stark extraction
- Soluble ion analysis
- Particle size distribution of cleaned solids
Bitumen analyses
- Saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes (SARA) determination by liquid solid chromatography
- Simulated distillation by gas chromatography (GC) and/or spinning band distillation
- Density and viscosity determinations (through our rheology lab)