Research and technology

Our priority as an industry is to supply reliable and affordable oil and gas energy in a way that benefits our customers. At the same time, we have a duty to do so in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Researching new and innovative ways to develop hydrocarbons more efficiently and with minimal environmental impact is essential.

Our approach

We look to technology to overcome challenges inherent in the energy industry. We are one of a select number of oil and gas companies in Canada with dedicated research facilities. Scientists at our Calgary and Sarnia facilities conduct their own research as well as partner with academic experts and scientists at ExxonMobil.

Our efforts are focused on:

• piloting new recovery technologies.
• supporting oil sands research.
• developing cleaner products.
• advancing environmental technologies.
• funding projects at universities.

We balance our investments between technology extensions, which can be rapidly deployed to our existing operations, and breakthrough research that could have a significant and lasting impact on the company and society.

Performance at a glance

What we are doing

Exploring new recovery technologies

Imperial invented and held patents on cyclic steam stimulation and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), two key processes used in heavy oil recovery production today. Scientists at our Calgary research facility continue to refine these and other technologies to increase production rates with fewer environmental impacts.

Here are some highlights of research activity in 2009:

• In late 2009, we commissioned a pilot project at Cold Lake that adds solvent to SAGD wells. By adding solvent to steam, we can produce more bitumen with the same amount of steam, resulting in lower energy intensity and lower GHG emission intensity. The technology has potential to enhance recovery for certain reservoirs in the Cold Lake and Athabasca areas. Steam injection for the project’s well pairs is underway. The project received recognition from the Alberta government through the Innovative Energy Technologies Program.
• We piloted a steam-flooding technology to improve resource recovery in mature portions of the field at Cold Lake. Results confirmed that the technology can improve resource recovery and reduce GHG emission intensity by up to 30 percent. We are evaluating expanding use of the technology to other parts of the Cold Lake operation.
• We are developing a cyclic solvent process that injects solvent to reduce the viscosity of bitumen deposits and facilitate economic recovery. By avoiding the use of steam to mobilize the deposits, the process improves energy efficiency. In 2009, we completed a pilot project injecting solvent in three wells. In the pilot project, the recovered solvent, which was primarily propane, is processed with the produced bitumen. In a commercial operation it is expected that the solvent would be separated from the produced bitumen and recycled.
• We continue to develop a new solvent technology called LASER (liquid addition to steam to enhance recovery). LASER involves adding a small amount of light hydrocarbon solvent, or diluent, to the steam that is injected into the ground to recover heavy oil. By adding the diluent, the technology enables more resource to be recovered from mature wells for the same amount of steam injected, resulting in environmental and economic benefits. In 2009, we completed solvent and steam injection at 10 well pads, and bitumen production has begun. While still in the early stages, production is meeting expectations. The diluent used in this process is the same light hydrocarbon solvent that is blended with bitumen to create the Cold Lake Blend.  Most of the produced LASER solvent remains mixed with the bitumen through the processing cycle at the plant and is incorporated into Cold Lake Blend so that recycling is not required.

Supporting oil sands research

We are the founding sponsor of the Centre for Oil Sands Innovation (COSI) at the University of Alberta. The aim of this unique Canadian centre of excellence is to conduct breakthrough research that reduces the use of water and energy and decreases the footprint of oil sands development. The COSI research portfolio continues to grow and now engages researchers from five Canadian universities working on more than 20 research projects in four key program areas aimed at advancing responsible development of Alberta’s oil sands and improved environmental performance. Since 2005, we have contributed $10 million and more than $1 million of in-kind support to COSI.

As of April 2010, the research program has funded 31 projects. Current projects involve more than 100 research personnel from the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, the University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, Queen’s University and the National Research Council.  In the constant pursuit of excellence in research at COSI, contacts have been established with selected universities in the United States, Germany and Australia. Researchers are working on a number of different technology projects, including non-aqueous extraction of bitumen. This research could lead to important breakthroughs in bitumen recovery, water use and management of tailings.  In 2009, we renewed our commitment to COSI by pledging another $10 million over five years.

We also continue to be one of several oil sands operators funding leading-edge research conducted by the Canadian Oil Sands Network for Research and Development (CONRAD). In 2009, we contributed $550,000 to a CONRAD program aimed at remediation and reclamation of oil sands mining sites. Since 2006, we have contributed $1.3 million to support research conducted under CONRAD.

Giovanna Stea, a research technologist at Imperial's Calgary Research Centre, is looking at ways to improve responsible development of Alberta's oil sands.

Developing cleaner products

Through our Sarnia research centre, we are developing new and improved products and processes. These include testing biofuels to confirm they will meet the rigours of the Canadian climate and improving hydroprocessing technologies to maximize on-road ultra-low sulphur diesel production. The centre also recently assumed the role of advanced technical support lab for the global ExxonMobil and affiliates’ lubricants and specialties business.

Advancing environmental technologies

Through our research facilities and investments, we support the development of new environmental and reclamation technologies.  Since 2003, our Calgary researchers have been part of an innovative project to manufacture topsoil. The technology involves mixing different natural ingredients to fabricate productive topsoil in several years, instead of hundreds of years. In 2009, we completed a successful trial of the technology at Olds College in Olds, Alberta. We are now evaluating opportunities for a larger demonstration project at a field site.

Funding projects at universities

We also support the research efforts of others through our University Research Awards program.  This program provides funding for research projects carried out by faculty members and their students in areas of interest – including the environment – to our businesses. In 2009, we invested $500,000 to sponsor 20 projects at 13 universities across Canada.