SBIR-STTR Award

Enhancement of tar sand economics requires technologyleading to high-value products. A Native Products Extraction (NPX) strategy is planned for separation and purification of naturally occurring constituents of bitumen which are known to have a highmarket value. The separation techniques are low in cost compared to the incremental value added to the product slate. An estimated 50% of bitumen may be separated for its commodity and specialtychemical values. Economic enhancement of $26/bbl over costs is projected. Native commodities, co-produced with asphalt, will expand the scale and profitability and will significantly increase resource recovery and utilization. In Phase I research distillate fractions will be prepared from whole bitumen, and representative high-value products will be extracted from these cuts. Yields and product quality data will be used to devise a conceptual process. Cost and profitability estimates will be made and the technical, market, and economic feasibility will be estimated. The Phase I research is designed to demonstrate the technical feasibility ofthe NPX concept, to establish the basis for engineering researchfor process development (Phase II), and to assemble data for improved technology value required to attract private investment (Phase II). Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Phase I research will demonstrate the potential foreconomic enhancement of tar sands by low-cost extraction of high-value commodities. important information to the composition and properties of bitumen constituents will be obtained - technology developed will enhance the scale andprofitability of tar sand ventures and is expected to attract private investment for future development.