Integration of Fischer–Tropsch and Oilsands Bitumen Production Processes

Abstract

Oilsands bitumen production facilities need heat, water, and hydrogen to recover and upgrade bitumen. Hydrogen is usually derived from synthesis gas, which also provides an opportunity for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Heat, process, and product integration benefits were pointed out in the literature, and the literature was reviewed. New integration opportunities were identified, as well as technical aspects that should be considered in such integration. Heat integration of air separation and the impact of Fischer–Tropsch technology selection on the quality of heat integration were discussed. Integration of water management and the potential use of the Fischer–Tropsch aqueous products for bitumen recovery, demetalation, viscosity reduction, and pH management were described. Limited opportunity for integration of gas cleaning was found. Process integration during primary product separation, as well as various strategies to derive more benefit from gaseous products, was outlined. Gaseous product processing str...