Here is update on Suncor’s first Oil Sands Upgrader producing again after being down +30 days for maintenance, which happens once every 3 years. The second upgrader continued operate (came online in 2001). This years (2008) target (with decrease to 200 MBD during maintenance) is expected to be 275-285 MBD. The total capacity was increased to ~320 MBD at the end of 2007 with completion of Millennium & Firebag stages that added another 2 coke drums to complete the 2nd coking unit (6 drum unit – total of 14 drums for 2 coking units).
Suncor is currently working on its 3rd Upgrader – Voyager to upgrade SAGD Bitumen from Firebag site, which will also add a 3rd new coking unit (6 drums expected to be 30-32′ diameter?) by the time it comes online in 2012 and the total production will increase to ~550-550 MBD. The cascading upgraders and coking additions makes it difficult to keep up with continual expansion of Canada’s first oil sands developer that began back in 1967.
Regards
