Oil Sands Michael Cibicki

Oil Sands aka “Tar Sands” What are they? Where are they found? How are they extracted?

What are they? A mixture of sand or clay, water and extremely viscous petroleum called bitumin Often referred to as unconventional oil

Where are they found? Historically used by ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, and Persians for waterproofing uses Primary reserves found in Canada (Alberta) and Venezuela 20% of US oil comes from Canada, 50% oil sands Alberta has 54,000 sq miles of oil sands containing 95% of Canadian oil reserves and 75% of North American oil reserves

Extraction 40-60m under the surface, underlain by limestone Shovel and truck strip mining operation After excavation, hot water and caustic soda (NaOH) are added and mixture is agitated, creating a liquid with oil rising to the top Bitumen is much thicker and must be mixed with lighter petroleum or gas before it can be transported via pipeline to a refinery. 2-4 times the amount of green house gases as conventional extraction 2 tons of oil sand needed to create 1 barrel of oil – 90% extraction

Extraction Steam assisted gravity drainage – Two pipes, one on top for steam, one under to catch oil 60% recovery Cyclic Steam generation – Steam injected into a well at degrees C – Injected for a period of weeks to months – Drained for a period of weeks to months 20-25% recovery

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