Energy and exergy analyses of water usage in oil sands extraction and upgrading operations

Oil sands extraction and upgrading consume a significant amount of water, energy, as well as hydrogen to produce synthetic crude oil (SCO) from bitumen. This study examines the energy and exergy analysis of water usage for oil sands during extraction and upgrading. Steam and water supply to these processes are investigated by using Aspen Plus simulation software with consideration of heat transfer. These systems and their modifications are simulated and analyzed thermodynamically. The assessment involves the examination of several different factors and comparisons. The analysis includes energy and exergy flows with the amount of destroyed exergy during the processes and operations. The results provide new insight for the design, optimization, and modification of oil sands and upgrading processes.