Heavy Oil Properties & Processing  Research Program

HOPP is a research group of highly qualified faculty, research scientists and graduate students.  Our focus is on fundamental and applied research for the better understanding of heavy oil and bitumen systems.  We specialize in heavy oil characterization, heavy oil and solvent phase behavior and physical properties, asphaltenes and water-in-oil emulsion systems.  We have expertise in asphaltene precipitation research, phase behavior modeling, and oil sand extraction and froth treatment issues.  IRC-HOPP was changed to HOPP in 2020 when NSERC changed from the IRC program to the Alliance research program.

The Industrial Research Chair in Heavy Oil Properties and Processing (IRC-HOPP) began in March, 2010.  The goal of HOPP is to develop characterization methods and modeling methodologies for heavy oils and solvents that are suitable for the process and reservoir simulators used to design these processes.  The long term deliverable will be a comprehensive fluid modeling framework for heavy oils and solvents.  The methodology is intended to enable the development and optimization of more efficient and environmentally benign processes for the reservoir and at the surface.  Additional key benefits will be a database for heavy and solvent phase behavior and properties and trained personnel in petroleum thermodynamics.

The Consortium - Asphaltene and Emulsion Research (C-AER) was established in 2005 with a mandate to develop a fundamental understanding of the chemistry and physics that govern asphaltene-related flow assurance issues, particularly asphaltene precipitation, asphaltene deposition, and oilfield emulsions.  A second objective was to provide highly trained graduates with a background in heavy oil.  The consortium's mandate broadened since inception to include fundamental issues related to heavy oil and bitumen properties and processing.  In 2010, the consortium was transformed into the IRC in Heavy Oil Properties and Processing.