Oil sands research lab to be built with $1M financial support

Regina, SK – The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is constructing a new oil sands research laboratory, which will include a 3D-scaled physical model for oil sands testing that is being built with the assistance of a $1-million contribution from Oilsands Quest.

“We are dedicating this 3D scaled physical model to further researching Saskatchewan’s oil sands potential,” said Dr Laurier Schramm, SRC president and CEO. “Thanks to Oilsands Quest’s contribution, this model will help us refine recovery methods that can be directly applied to Saskatchewan’s oil sands deposits.”

The new laboratory and its 3D-scaled physical model will allow scientists to develop thermal and solvent extraction processes (TSX) to recover bitumen from oil sands. It will allow testing of bitumen recovery processes under realistic reservoir conditions and provide the data to enable advanced simulation work and design. The model will be a highly pressurized mini-reservoir filled with actual reservoir sand and fluids to simulate the Saskatchewan oil sands where energy efficient TSX techniques may eventually be applied. The model will also have the unique ability to test high temperatures of up to 250 degrees C. Oilsands Quest will evaluate the recovery and production methods developed with the 3D scaled physical model for its Axe Lake Discovery in northwest Saskatchewan.

“We are looking forward to using this new 3D scaled physical model”, said Christopher H Hopkins, Oilsands Quest CEO. “We’re confident that this new model combined with SRC’s expertise will assist us in finding the most efficient and profitable way to tap into the potential within Saskatchewan’s oil sands.”