 | | This is Imperial Oil | | | Coast-to-coast operations |
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| | | Imperial Oil conducts research primarily in two facilities: downstream oil refining-related research in Sarnia, Ontario and upstream oil production-related research in Calgary, Alberta. Both research facilities are leading edge, premier petroleum research organizations in Canada with many patented inventions to their credit.
Calgary research centre
From its beginning in 1955, the Calgary research centre has been a leader in the development of improved oil and natural gas recovery technologies. Over the past several years, with the increasing importance of Alberta's mineable oil sands, research focus has gradually shifted to support this core area of the company's business. In Calgary, research is conducted primarily in the areas of bitumen recovery (in situ, mining and extraction-based), in improving the quality of the extracted bitumen and in minimizing impact on the environment.
Imperial invented and held patents on cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), two key processes used in the in situ recovery of bitumen. Researchers at our Calgary research facility have continued to refine these technologies to increase production rates and improve environmental performance. Recently, researchers piloted an innovative process to improve CSS with the addition of hydrocarbon solvent. This enhanced technology improves recovery, and reduces water and energy requirements. It will be applied commercially at the Cold Lake operation in 2007.
Multiple patents have been issued to Imperial Oil in the area of bitumen processing where improving the quality of the bitumen for transportation and refining are the primary focus. Novel technologies to remediate and reclaim former production leases, and to significantly increase water recycle in situ operations have also been developed.
Recently through a $10-million, five-year investment in the Imperial Oil-Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Oil Sands Innovation at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Imperial Oil will explore and develop more efficient, economically viable and environmentally responsible ways to mine, extract and upgrade Canada's oil sand resources. Eventual breakthroughs from the centre’s research will be applied to our future projects, such as the Kearl oil sands development.
Sarnia research centre
The Sarnia research centre has been developing new and improved petroleum products and processes since 1924. Many of these have been commercialized worldwide and are still in use. Today, the centre's team of scientists, engineers, technologists and support staff are engaged in developing and improving lubricating oils and specialty products to keep pace with industry requirements. New engine designs are creating more demanding conditions for engine oils, and Sarnia researchers are reformulating Esso engine oils to satisfy higher quality and performance standards. New technologies to reduce environmental emissions and improve site remediation are also being developed at Sarnia.
Advanced research requires advanced facilities, and the centre has some of the best. Since 1985, the Sarnia research automotive test facility has been providing lubricant and fuel, as well as engine, vehicle and fleet testing to the petroleum, additive and automotive industries.
Imperial has scientific research agreements with ExxonMobil petroleum and petrochemical affiliates worldwide that provide mutual access to technology. An external technology network is maintained through linkages with universities and industry and government research alliances.
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