Specifications for new crude streams

This paper described three main challenges regarding the transportation of heavy crudes and bitumen. The first challenge is to expand the physical capacity of existing pipelines. The second challenge is to develop a low viscosity diluent (such as natural gas condensate or synthetic diluent) to reduce the viscosity and density of the bitumen as it passes through the pipelines. The current pipeline specifications and procedures to transport partially upgraded products were presented in this paper. The final challenge is the projected refinery market constraint to process the bitumen and synthetic light oil into consumer fuel products. The technology for partial upgrading of bitumen to produce pipeline specification oil, reduce diluent requirements and add sales value is currently under development. Partially upgraded bitumen will be in demand for additional upgrading to end user products, and new opportunities will be presented as additional pipeline capacity is made available to transport crude to worldwide markets. tabs., figs