Synthetic crude is the output from a bitumen/extra heavy oilupgrader facility used in connection withoil sand production. It may also refer toshale oil, an output from anoil shalepyrolysis. The properties of the synthetic crude depend on the processes used in the upgrading. Typically, it is low in sulfur and has anAPI gravity of around 30. It is also known as "upgraded crude".[citation needed]
Synthetic crude is an intermediate product produced when an extra-heavy orunconventional oil source is upgraded into a transportable form.[1] Synthetic crude is then shipped to oil refineries where it is refined into finished products.[1] Synthetic crude may also be mixed, as a diluent, with heavy oil to createsynbit. Synbit is more viscous than synthetic crude, but can also be a less expensive alternative for transporting heavy oil to a conventional refinery.[citation needed]
Syncrude Canada,Suncor Energy Inc., andCanadian Natural Resources Limited are the three largest worldwide producers of synthetic crude with a cumulative production of approximately 600,000 barrels per day (95,000 m3/d). The NewGrade Energy Upgrader became operational in 1988, and was the first upgrader in Canada, now part of theCCRL Refinery Complex.[1]
"Synthetic crude" may also refer to crude-like hydrocarbon mixes generated from other processes. Examples aremanure-derived synthetic crude oil andgreencrude.
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