Pierre River Mine Project

MINING AND PROCESSING ERCB SIRS 3 – 38
Section 4.1
Request 20b Clarify if Shell’s bitumen recovery expectations are aligned with ERCB ID 2001-
7 requirements.
Response 20b Shell’s expectations for bitumen recovery are that, on an annual basis, the
requirements of ID 2001-7 will be met. This is based on operational
improvements achieved to date at the Muskeg River Mine and further design
improvements, which have been incorporated into the current Jackpine Mine.
Question No. 21
Request Volume 1, Section 10.1, Page 10-113, Supplemental Information Responses.
Shell states, “Asphaltene rejection is about 10 wt% of the bitumen production.”
21a Clarify Shell’s commitment to limiting asphaltene rejection to 10 weight per cent
based on bitumen production.
Response 21a The current design basis for the high-temperature froth treatment process is to
reject less than 10 wt% asphaltene based on bitumen production. The asphaltene
rejection level is a balance between upstream bitumen recovery and final bitumen
quality. Lower asphaltene rejection rates favour higher bitumen recoveries but
lower bitumen quality, whereas increased asphaltene rejection rates favour the
application of technologies for asphaltene energy recovery (AER) and further
upgrading at the AOSP Scotford Upgrader. This balance of adding value to the
bitumen resource can and does shift over time, so that Shell cannot make a firm
commitment on the level of asphaltene rejection.
Question No. 22
Request Volume 1, Section 10.1, Page 10-120, Supplemental Information Responses.
Shell states, “The diluted bitumen and solvent storage tanks are not connected to
the vapour recovery system.”
22a Clarify if the diluted bitumen and solvent storage tanks are fixed roof or floating
roof tanks.
Response 22a The diluted bitumen and solvent storage tanks are internal floating roof tanks.
Request 22b Clarify if the diluted bitumen and solvent storage tanks are connected to any
blanket system.
April 2010 Shell Canada Limited 4-19
CR029