摘要
To satisfy the increasing global energy demand,while searching for new energy sources,it’s important to take a closer look at the resources already at our disposal and optimize their use.This comprehensive review explores the evolving landscape of unconventional oil resources,focusing on the environmental and economic implica-tions of bitumen partial upgrading technologies,particularly within the Canadian context.With over 55%of the world’s oil reserves comprising of unconventional oil,which includes extra-heavy oil and oil sand bitumen,there is a growing trend to shift from traditional oil sources to these abundant yet under-utilized reserves.This review delves into the challenges and advancements in bitumen partial upgrading,highlighting the latest technologies in thermal cracking,hydrocracking,catalytic cracking,and innovative methods like surfactant integration,cavi-tation,microwave,and plasma-assisted upgrading.It also discusses the environmental implications and eco-nomic feasibility of these technologies,emphasizing the necessity for sustainable and cost-effective solutions at petroleum field sites.Furthermore,the report introduces the transformative concept of Bitumen Beyond Com-bustion(BBC),which explores the non-combustion uses of bitumen and its asphaltene fraction in manufacturing high-value carbon-based products.These novel approaches align with global sustainability goals,offering the potential for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and new routes to diversify the economic ap-plications of bitumen.The review then concludes with an assessment of current challenges and future research directions,advocating for a balanced approach that harmonizes technological innovation,environmental stewardship,and economic viability in the field of bitumen upgrading.
