The Traditional Process
Bitumen is traditionally mixed with a liquid called diluent to create a product called diluted bitumen (dilbit).
Once dilbit reaches the refineries, the diluent is extracted from the dilbit. Only the bitumen (65% of a barrel of dilbit) is used by the refineries and turned into valuable products, such as asphalt and low-sulphur diesel.
The BitCrude™ Process
The BitCrude™ Process:
Transporting Bitumen in its Natural State
The BitCrude™ Process is an innovative way to safely move 100% bitumen to local and international markets in its natural state, as a solid.
Step 1
Creating a Safe Bitumen
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Step 1 of the BitCrude™ process is to remove diluent from dilbit, creating a product, BitCrude™, that is safe and non-toxic to marine life.
Step 2
Moving it Safely & Efficiently
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Step 2 of the BitCrude™ process is to safely transport the final product in custom containers as a solid anywhere in the world, using existing rail and vessel infrastructure.
How Does BitCrude™ Work?
How BitCrude™ Works
Bitcrude is a proprietary process that uses a first-of-its-kind electric DRU (diluent recovery unit) to create a solid form of crude oil that is safe for transport. The process removes all additives, including diluent, from diluted bitumen, leaving a 100% pure crude that is non-toxic and non-dangerous to transport.
STEP 1
In Canada, diluted bitumen (dilbit) is pumped into the BitCrude™ Diluent Recovery Unit (DRU).
STEP 2
Within the DRU, diluent is extracted from the dilbit. The diluent is recovered and sold back to the market for re-use in Canada.
STEP 3
The final product is a proprietary undiluted bitumen, a solid, that is safe for the environment and for transport. When heated, the solid, undiluted bitumen is poured into custom containers.
STEP 4
The undiluted bitumen cools and solidifies. It is now safe for transport.
STEP 5
The containers are transported using existing infrastructure (rail and vessel) to local and overseas markets.
STEP 6
At the final destination, the solid bitumen is heated and converted back into a liquid. It is now ready to be refined.
STEP 7
Bitumen is turned into valuable products such as asphalt, low sulphur diesel, and other everyday consumer goods.
STEP 8
The custom shipping containers are returned to Canada for re-use.
The BitCrude™ Diluent Recovery Unit
The BitCrude™ Diluent Recovery Unit (DRU) is the world’ first electrical diluent recovery unit, and is designed to be safe, eco-efficient, and economical. With its smart and modern design, the BitCrude™ DRU efficiently removes diluent from dilbit, and produces a solid bitumen for transport.
1. Electrical
Using our proprietary technology, the BitCrude™ DRU is the world’s first and only DRU that is powered by electricity, rather than fossil fuel combustion.
2. ModulaR
The BitCrude™ DRU units are designed as smaller, individual units, that can independently process dilbit into solid, undiluted bitumen. The modular design allows for improved efficiency and reduced downtime for maintenance.
3. Scalable
Because the BitCrude™ DRU is modular, we can start small and easily increase capacity as needed.
4. Stackable
BitCrude™ DRU units are stackable, meaning reduced land requirements for our facilities.
5. No Additives or Chemicals
The Bitcrude™ process does not use additives or chemicals, which creates a safer facility and reduces environmental impact.
Safety Advantages of BitCrude™
Safety Advantages
BitCrude™ solid bitumen is the first crude oil that is safe for marine-life and is designated a non-dangerous good for transport. It is non-toxic and floats in both sea and fresh water. Also, because the final product is a solid, it does not disperse in water and can be easily recovered in the case of an accident.
- SOLID
STATE OF MATTER
- NON-DANGEROUS GOOD
CLASSIFICATION
- NON-FLAMMABLE
FLAMMABILITY
- FLOATS IN WATER
BOUYANCY
- SOLID MASS, EASY TO RECOVER
CLEAN UP
- NON-TOXIC TO MARINE LIFE
TOXICITY
BitCrude™ in the News
