Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 3

Kara Technologies Inc. ("Kara") is developing new catalytic processes and corresponding catalysts for hydrocarbon high-grading with the assistance of natural gas. The patented invention is directed toward the formulation of a heterogeneous catalyst. It includes a process to utilize the catalyst in the upgrading of hydrocarbons in a mixed gas environment to improve the quality of the hydrocarbons while producing aromatic hydrocarbons. Kara has conducted experiments on other hydrocarbon substances: jet fuel, marine diesel and renewable diesel. The quality of the hydrocarbon is improved in each instance. Compared with traditional hydrotreating processes, Kara's proprietary technology provides alternative ways for heavy oil and natural gas utilization, which is economically and environmentally favourable in terms of higher profit margin, lower operating cost, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The industrialization of this novel process will benefit the petroleum and natural gas industry in Canada, where natural gas, heavy oil and bitumen are abundant. Kara has designed and constructed a one B/d prototype testing facility which will be located at SAIT. This project will move this technology along the technology readiness level toward commercialization from TRL 5 to TRL 6.