Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Water, along with climate change, is one of the most important and challenging environmental issues of our day. Canada's oil industry requires significant water resources for steam to melt bitumen in-situ. Oil sands industry operators are focused on improving their water treatment processes, water recycling rates, and lowering their energy consumption and overall water footprint. Moreover, consistent water quality is key to the efficiency and operability of many industrial processes. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (NAIT) Technology Access Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (TACEES) is focused on the advancement, optimization, development, and validation of novel technologies for the sustainability of the oil sands industry. In the proposed project, TACEES will work collaboratively with our industry partners, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) and Canadian Natural Resources Limited, to evaluate and validate the high temperature membrane process for Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) produced water treatment. Produced water from Alberta's in-situ oil sands operations has been identified as an area for membrane technologies, and advancements in water treatment technologies can significantly improve existing performance. NAIT and COSIA have previously partnered to develop the membrane technology assessment program (MTAP) to facilitate development in this area. This proposal will allow COSIA and Canadian Natural Resources Limited to test and validate novel membranes under high temperatures (>100°C) for SAGD operational conditions. Results will help address potential technical or operational problems before field pilot testing and will aid in evaluating the pilot-readiness of membrane technologies. The project will also benefit membrane technology providers in understanding areas that require further innovation and enhancements for SAGD industrial operations.