Investing in Oil Sands Research
Total E&P Canada is investing in oil sands research to ensure that the resource is extracted in the most environmentally responsible manner possible. This includes funding independent research projects and partnering with Canadian Universities and other leading organizations in Canada’s energy sector.
Calgary Research Centre
Oil Sands R&D Success
Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) is used in the oil sands to fluidize essentially immobile bitumen at temperatures up to 300 degrees C.
A team of engineers from Total and pump manufacturer PCM developed an all metal elastomer free progressive cavity pump (PCP) which is effective up to 350 degrees C, resistant to sour gas, easier to operate and energy efficient.
This groundbreaking SAGD technology received the French Association of Oil Industry Engineers and Technicians (AFTP) Award in 2008.
Our Calgary Research Centre is part of Total’s global R&D network. Created in 2006, the Centre’s highly skilled scientists lead Total’s investment in heavy oil research.
The Centre invests in Canadian research projects that are designed to improve the efficiency of oil sands recovery and ensure resources are developed in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Our R&D focus is in the following four areas:
Sustainable Resource Management
A significant effort is focused on technology development to improve environmental performance in such areas as greenhouse gas emissions, water management, waste management, alternative sources of energy and reclamation.
Mining
Research relates to our Joslyn and Northern Lights assets. Our Joslyn Asset includes advanced innovation and technology around tailings management, land reclamation and water use.
In-Situ Recovery
In-Situ (in place) research is driven by Total E&P Canada’s 50% ownership of the Surmont Asset, and looking ahead, will help to unlock challenging in-situ resources at our Griffon Asset.
Upgrading and Transportation
Research is focused on novel upgrading technologies and efficiencies.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Research
The Centre is incorporating knowledge from Total’s CCS pilot project in Lacq into the design of our projects in the Athabasca Oil Sands. Total E&P Canada is also working, in partnership, on Canadian CCS research.
Oil Sands Leadership Initiative (OSLI)
In 2008 Total E&P Canada and four other like-minded companies formed OSLI 
. OSLI is a collaborative network committed to achieving improvement in the oil sands industry’s environmental, social and economic performance.