Start Date
August 2016

Background
In 2016 AI-EES initiated a project focused on Bitumen Upgrading. As part of that work, funding was provided to Canmet Energy to assess the impact of olefins in crude as it relates to refinery fouling. The CCQTA was asked to function as a technical resource for the project by providing feedback on refinery concerns with olefins in crude. CCQTA funding is provided to conduct contact/co-ordinate refinery member feedback to the project, set up regular meetings, and prepare and distribute meeting minutes.

Milestones as of November 2019

• The CCQTA provided direction to Canmet Energy on test method modifications/optimizations the complete plant fouling simulation work. 2017
  
• The CCQTA has also encouraged the AI-EES project group to focus work on both refinery product quality and plant operability issues, other than fouling. 2017
  
• Canmet project work has concluded and final results were presented at the December 2018 project meeting. 2018
  
• CCQTA participates in an Alberta Innovates “Workshop on Pipeline Specifications for Partially Upgraded Bitumen” - Jan 2019
  
• Awaiting direction from Alberta Innovates on future CCQTA involvement in ongoing work. 2019
  

• Canmet final report is pending release.
  
• In June of 2019, a proposal for a follow up project focussing on the Transportability and Processability of Partially Upgraded Bitumen (PUB) was presented. Presenter (scott.r.smith@cenovus.com) requested feedback/expressions of interest from the membership to determine if the project should be participant of Association funded.
  
• First meeting for the new project “Transportability and Processability of Partially Upgraded Bitumen (PUB)” will be held on Dec 3rd.