PRS2060 Refining Hydrocarbons

1.1 describe relatively simple field facilities used to prepare a raw hydrocarbon for further processing and/or refining in the upstream sector; e.g., cleaning, separating, upgrading

1.2 investigate current techniques and technologies used in the upstream sector to process natural gas, refine crude oil, upgrade heavy oil and bitumen, or process coal; e.g., removal of contaminants and/or impurities, conversion into saleable products, manufacture of petrochemicals

1.3 explain reasons for sulphur recovery throughout processing, refining and/or upgrading processes; e.g., to sweeten product for industrial and residential use, to produce elemental sulphur, to maintain environmental standards

1.4 create a simplified representation of a processing, refining or upgrading facility

1.5 investigate the physical and/or chemical properties of a hydrocarbon, and relate these properties to technologies used for processing, refining or upgrading; e.g., molecular structure; heat content; temperature, pressure and volume relationships; catalytic reaction

1.6 examine and describe basic fractionating, cracking and/or reforming processes used within the industry

1.7 explain how the hydrocarbon industry uses technology in monitoring, processing, refining or upgrading operations; e.g., Canada as a world leader in developing technologies for recovering and safely handling sulphur

1.8 describe storage facilities and distribution systems within the industry and their impacts on industry location and product costs; e.g., flow charts of storage and distribution systems

1.9 explain how management practices conducted by industry throughout processing, refining or upgrading operations are influenced by environmental standards, environmental assessment and the enforcement of safe operating procedures

1.10 describe industry initiatives that respond to environmental concerns; e.g., advances in sulphur recovery technology, development of clean coal technology, water treatment, waste treatment, emission control

1.11 describe industry initiatives that address occupational health and safety requirements; e.g., odour scrubbers, noise suppressants, water purification, personal protective equipment, safety courses, emergency response strategies

2.1 describe the range of products and/or services provided as a result of processing natural gas, refining crude oil, upgrading heavy oils and bitumen or processing coal

2.2 describe inputs to processing within an oil, gas, oil sands or coal industry, including raw materials (feedstocks), financial, human and natural resources, and technology requirements

2.3 identify factors that influence the nature of a processing or refining industry; e.g., supply of feedstocks and/or other materials, allowable production volumes, access to markets

2.4 explain how the mix of products produced may vary according to market demand; e.g., asphalt for road paving in summer, home heating fuels in winter

2.5 identify environmental and safety concerns that influence practices within a processing or refining industry; e.g., workers and nearby residents, air, crops and livestock, forests and wildlife, soil and water quality

3.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:

3.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:

3.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:

4.1 recognize then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment

4.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities