Luncheon and Registration

Time of Sands
Scott Weeden, managing editor, Zeus Development Corporation
Overview of the Oilsands Industry and review how oilsands project developers are considering the use of gasification technology to replace or supplement the use of expensive natural gas.

Unlocking Upgrader Technology Potential With Gasification
Alma Rodarte, GE
Eliminating diluent dependency and the natural gas habit are the goals of oilsands project operators and developers in order to efficiently process bitumen into synthetic crude oil at the lowest possible operating cost. Long-term sustainability with minimal environmental impact in a project is achieved by the use of gasification technology for energy-efficient bottoms utilization and the option of exporting cogen power. GE supplies both gasification and gas turbine systems for IGCC and cogeneration systems and has supplied many gas turbines for combined-cycle and oilsands projects. Rodarte will discuss GE's expertise in gasification integration in the areas of air separation, acid gas removal, sulfur recovery and hydrogen purification and recycle. The company is known for efficient residual conversion using its gasification process that converts low-value refinery residuals such as petroleum coke, tars and heavy oils into hydrogen, carbon monoxide and steam.

Coffee & Networking

Bluesky Upgrader Projects Uses Gasification
Don Allan, PRO Upgrading
The Peace River Oilsands play in northwestern Alberta could support sustained production of 1.3 million b/d for 30 years. Peace River Oil (PRO) Upgrading plans to start work this summer on the $800 million Bluesky Upgrader and complete the first phase by 2010 that will process 20,000 b/d of bitumen. The plant will be expanded in 20,000-b/d increments as area demand grows and produces up to 100,000 b/d by 2020. The project is based on the growing need for local producers to find solutions for their diluent supply problems for their product. Its planned technologies include a gasification process where asphaltenes will be converted into hydrogen, power and steam and will reduce harmful air emissions due to its effectiveness in sulfur recovery that is greater than 99% recovery. The innovative upgrading process was developed after extensive study of more than 30 configurations and is made possible by technological advancements that give the firm a competitive edge as a small producer.

Prospects for the Future Oil Sands Production
Dan Foley, director, Jacobs Consultancy Inc.
Nearly $79 billion in oilsands investment is planned in Alberta as the time is right for significant oilsands development, Global oil consumption in the future will continue to rise and the proportion of production from the offshore sector and bitumen extraction from oilsands and oil shale will grow significantly in order to secure supplies. This security of supply will fuel the expansion of bitumen-derived feedstocks in current and extended US markets. Refineries will need to be "reconfigured" to make them bitumuen friendly and will start to look much like an upgrader. New markets will provide the opportunity to tailor production to meet market needs. Jacbobs' Canadian operation documented more than $260 million in client-approved value engineering savings. An estimated 80% of these savings accrue from the early engineering phases of oilsands projects involving upgrading and in-situ extraction. The company received 11 new oilsands contracts in 2005.