HYDROPROCESSING OF DISTILLATES DERIVED FROM OIL SANDS AND COAL: SUMMARY OF CANMET FINDINGS

The development of technologies for refining commercially available synthetic crudes from Alberta oil sands is of increasing economic importance in view of projected expansions in their utilization. Similar developmental concerns will arise in upgrading refinery residual oils and possible use of coal-derived liquids. Extensive information is now available on the effectiveness of hydroprocessing technology in upgrading middle distillates from oil sands and light and middle distillates from coal. Although standard refinery processes are inadequate for production of specification diesel and jet fuels from these unconventional sources, it appears that major improvement is attainable when different catalytic systems are applied. Experimental findings which address relevant phenomena are reviewed and new directions in technology development are identified.