2007 Annual Report

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Mission

PTAC facilitates innovation, collaborative research and technology development, demonstration and deployment for a responsible Canadian hydrocarbon energy industry.
 

Technical Areas

Enhanced Environmental Management

Emission Reduction /
Eco-Efficiency
  Energy Efficiency
Resource Access
Air
Ecological
Soil and Groundwater
  Water

Improved Oil and Gas Recovery

Conventional Oil and
  Gas Recovery
CO2 Enhanced
  Hydrocarbon Recovery
Coalbed Methane /
  Unconventional Gas
Oil Sands
Heavy Oil
Reservoir Engineering
Geosciences

Cost Reductions / Operations

Alternative Energy
Production Engineering
Facility Design
Drilling and Well
  Completion
Inactive Wells
Instrumentation /
  Measurement
E-Business
Fundamental Research
Health and Safety
Innovation
R&D Funding
Security
Telecommunications

Upgrading, Refining, Petrochemical
Technologies, and Transportation

Hydrocarbon Upgrading
Refining
Petrochemicals
Hydrogen
Gasification
Pipelines
Integration
Transportation
 

PTAC Members

219 members as at March 31, 2008

Producers – 26

ARC Resources Ltd.
BP Canada Energy
  Company
Chevron Canada
ConocoPhillips Canada
Devon Canada
  Corporation
EnCana Corporation
EnerMark Inc.
Husky Energy Inc.
IFP Technologies
  (Canada) Inc.
Imperial Oil Limited
Kereco Energy Ltd.
Laricina Energy Ltd.
Quicksilver Resources
  Canada Inc
Nexen Inc.
Norsk Hydro Canada
  Oil & Gas
Pengrowth Management
  Limited
Penn West
  Petroleum Ltd.
Petro-Canada
  Resources
Pioneer Natural Resources Canada Inc.
PrimeWest Energy Inc.
Shell Canada
  Resources Ltd.
Suncor Inc. –
  Resources Group
Talisman Energy Inc.
Total Exploration
  and Production Ltd.
Trident Exploration
  Corporation
Unconventional Gas
  Resources Canada

Transporters / Midstream Processors – 6

ATCO Pipelines
Enbridge Inc.
Inter Pipepeline Fund
Keyera Energy Ltd.
Pembina Pipelines
TransCanada
  Pipelines Ltd.

Venture Capital – 2

Octane Venture
  Partners
Purple Mountain
  Ventures

Research Providers – 8

Alberta Research
  Council
Alberta Sulphur
  Research Ltd.
Natural Resources
  Canada (CANMET)
NOVA Chemicals
Petroleum Technology
  Research Centre
Saskatchewan
  Research Council
Enbridge Inc.
University of Ottawa –
  Department of
  Chemical Engineering

Learning Institutions – 7

Mount Royal College,
  Institute of Applied
  Research and
  Innovation
Southern Alberta
  Institute of Technology
University of Alberta
University of Calgary
University of Northern
  British Columbia
University of Regina,
  Faculty of Engineering
University of
  Saskatchewan

Government– 6

AERI Alberta Energy
  Research Institute
  (formerly Alberta
  Department of Energy)
CRA Canada Revenue
  Agency – Calgary
  CTSO SR&ED Section
Government of Yukon –
  Oil & Gas Management
  Branch
Investment and Industry
  Development Branch –
  Alberta Employment,
  Immigration Industry
Province of British
  Columbia
Saskatchewan Industry
  and Resources

Individuals – 9

Flint, Len
Hoopfer, Dwayne
Kenny, James
Korchinski, Merl
Lloyd, Eric
Price, Greg
Putt, Ken
Todd, Murray
Weir, Robert

Service and Supply Companies – 155

3ESI
3M Canada – Oil and
  Gas Division
Abandonrite Enviro
  Services Corp.
Actenum Corporation
  Advanced Geotechnology Inc.
  Advanced Measurements Inc. – Oil
  and Gas Division
AGAT Laboratories Ltd
  – Hydrocarbon Division
Air Liquide Canada Inc.
AJM Petroleum
  Consultants
Alberta-Pacific Forest
  Industries, Inc. –
  Woodlands Division
Alfa Laval
ALS Environmental
AMEC Earth &
  Environmental Ltd.
Amtech Aeronautical
  Limited
APA Petroleum
  Engineering Inc.
Aqua Screen
  Corporation
Aqua-Pure Ventures
ARCADIS Canada
AXIA NetMedia
  Corporation
Bekaert CEB
  Technologies Canada
  Ltd.
BJ Services Company
  Canada
Blatant Media
Boreal Laser Inc.
Brine-Add Fluids Ltd.
C5 Oilfield Services
Camcor Capital Inc.
Canada Tech Corp.
Canadian Fertilizers
  Limited
Canadian HSE Registry
Candesal Water
  Systems
Century Oilfield Services
Clearstone Engineering
  Ltd.
Combo Energy Services
  Inc. / Northwater
Computer Modelling
  Group Ltd.
Containmat
  Envirosystems Inc.
Cybera
D.E. Towson and
  Associates Inc.
Daily Oil Bulletin
DALKIA Canada
DataDrill Communications
Decision Dynamics
  Technology, Ltd.
Deloitte – Research and
  Development, Tax
EBA Engineering
  Consultants Ltd. –
  Research Department
EcoMax Energy
  Services
EcoRoads Ltd.
Emerson Process
  Management –
  Copeland Scroll
ENEFEN Energy Efficiency Engineering
  Ltd.
Energy Navigator Inc.
Engineering Seismology
  Group Canada Inc.
Envirosoft Products Inc.
Envirosonix Inc.
Envirotech Engineering
Epcor Alberta
Epic Consulting
  Services Ltd.
Ernst & Young
  Chartered Accountants
  LLP
Expro Group Canada
  (formerly DHV Canada)
Extreme Telematics
  Corp.
Fekete Associates Inc.
Ferus Gas Industries
Fiber Optic Systems
  Technology Inc.
First HHO Release Ltd.
  (Aqua-Synergy LLC)
Fleet Safety International
  Corp.
Flextronics
Flir Systems, Inc.
Flowstar Technologies –
  a Division of Wescorp
  Energy
GartnerLee Ltd.
Gas Liquids Engineering
  Ltd.
G-Chem Environmental
  Ltd.
geoLOGIC Systems Ltd.
Global Syn Frac
GLR Solutions Ltd.
Golder Ecofys Solutions
  Ltd.
Gowling Lafleur
  Henderson LLP
  (Intellectual Property
  Development)
Ground Effects
  Environmental
GuildOne, Inc.
Hatch Energy
Hyperion Technologies
  Inc.
IHS
Innicor Completion
  Systems – a Division of
  Innicor Subsurface
  Technologies
Innovative Chemical
  Technologies Canada
  Ltd.
IntelliView Technologies
  Inc
Intermec Technologies
  Canada – Western
  Division
Kaizen Environmental
  Services Inc.
Katch Kan Limited
KPMG High Technology
  Practice Group
Little Guy Oilfield Rentals
  Inc.
LoadTrak
Lonkar Services Ltd. –
  Technology Department
LxSix Photonics Inc.
Macleod Dixon
  (Technology Enterprise
  Group)
Mactronic Ltd – Enerflex
Maple Leaf
  Environmental
  Equipment Ltd.
Matrix Solutions Inc.
MEI Resources Inc.
Meridian Environmental
  Inc.
Millennium EMS Solutions
  Ltd.
MRCan Services Ltd.
Myotis Wirelkess
National Silicates –
  Drilling Fluids Group
Neill and Gunter
New Paradigm
  Engineering Ltd.
Newalta – Environment
  and Technology Group
Noetic Engineering Inc.
Norwest Corporation
  (Canada)
Oasis Emission
  Consultants Inc.
Oilflow Solutions Inc.
ORMAT Technologies –
  North America Waste Heat Recovery Group
Outland Technologies
  Inc.
P.K. Services
  International
Panasonic Toughbook
Pandell Technology
  Corporation
Pason Systems Inc.
Pathcom Wireless Inc.
PetroJet
Photon Control Inc.
Plains Midstream Canada
Portfire Associates Inc.
Praxair Canada Inc.
PressSol Ltd.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
  LLP Technology (TICE)
  Practice
Primrose Drilling
  Ventures Ltd.
Process Ecology Inc.
ProTechnics
Q’Max Solutions Inc.
Quadrise Canada Fuel
  System Inc.
Reaper Pumps Inc.
REM Technology Inc.
Remediation Consulting
  Group Inc.
Rigstar Communications
  Inc.
RWDI Air Inc.
Schlumberger of Canada
Scientific Drilling
  International (Canada)
  Inc.
ShawCor Ltd.
Sky Hunter Exploration
  Ltd
SNC Lavalin Morrow
  Environmental
Sproule Associates Ltd.
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
T.L. Watson &
  Associates Inc.
Tansley Associates
  Environmental
  Sciences
TELUS Business
  Solutions, Energy
  Vertical
The Moorhead Group
  LLC
Total Combustion Inc.
Trican Well Service Ltd.
Triple D Technologies
  Inc.
Tundra Controls Ltd.
Unconventional
  Resources Canada
  Operating Inc.
UNICO Inc.
UTI Limited Partnership
VECO Canada Ltd. –
  Alliance Group
Welldunn Consulting
Western Corrosion
  Technologies Inc.
WorleyParsons Komex
zed.i solutions

Founding Supporter
Canadian Business Networks Coalition (CBNC)
 

 . . supporting the mission

For further information, please contact –

PTAC Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada

Suite 400,
Chevron Plaza,
500 Fifth Ave. S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L5

main: (403) 218-7700
fax: (403) 920-0054
email: info@ptac.org
website: www.ptac.org

Personnel

Soheil Asgarpour, President
phone: (403) 218-7701
email: sasgarpour@ptac.org

Denis Gaudet
Director,
Technology Transfer
and Business Development
phone: (403) 218-7710
email: dgaudet@ptac.org

Chris Godwaldt
Director, Water Innovation
phone: (403) 397-3189
email: cgodwaldt@ptac.org

Arlene Merling
Director, Operations
phone: (403) 218-7702
email: amerling@ptac.org

Bruce Peachey
Director, Increased Recovery
phone: (780) 448-9195
email: bpeachey@ptac.org

Ralf Aggarwal
Manager, Environmental Technology Initiatives
phone: (403) 218-7711
email: raggarwal@ptac.org

Brenda Belland
Manager,
Knowledge Centre
phone: (403) 218-7712
email: bbelland@ptac.org

Tannis Such
Manager, Environmental Research Initiatives
phone: (403) 218-7703
email: tsuch@ptac.org

Sarah-Jane Downing
Innovation, Technology and Communications Coordinator
phone: (403) 218-7700

Susie Dwyer
Innovation and Technology Coordinator
phone: (403) 218-7708
email: sdwyer@ptac.org

Lorie Frei
Operations and Website Administrator
phone: (403) 218-7707
email: lfrei@ptac.org

Bobbi Singh
Accounting Assistant and Registration Coordinator
phone: (403) 218-7723
email: bsingh@ptac.org

Dori Skea
Controller
phone: (403) 218-7715
email: dskea@ptac.org
 

. . . expanding the mission

. . . facilitating the future

2007 Key Accomplishments
 

Established a new vision: to help Canada become a global hydrocarbon energy technology leader. This vision is supported by a broadened mandate which now focuses not only on oil and gas in Western Canada, but the hydrocarbon industry throughout
the nation.

Enhanced member services by focusing on the four core technology areas:

• Enhanced Environmental Management
• Cost Reduction / Operations
• Improved Oil and Gas Recovery (conventional and unconventional
  oil and natural gas, and bitumen)
• Upgrading, Refining, Petrochemical Technologies, and Transportation

Continued tradition of excellence in project management with the launch of twenty-two new projects or project phases

Facilitated industry collaboration through eighteen technology information sessions (TIS), four forums, and seven workshops.

. . . expanding opportunities

Message from the Board of Directors
 

The hydrocarbon energy sector in Canada has experienced significant changes since PTAC was first established, and in 2007 our commitment to our members led us to examine our organization and the role we play in the industry. This exploration resulted in an updated vision for PTAC to help Canada become a global hydrocarbon energy technology leader. A broadened mandate, a refined technology focus, and a shift towards project management support this vision while building upon our strength in facilitating research and development (R&D) through industry collaboration.

The long-term health of the hydrocarbon energy sector in Canada depends upon the collective advancement of strategic research and innovation. Although Canada’s conventional reserves are declining, we have tremendous opportunities to arrest the decline and even increase our resources through exploitation of our unconventional resources. As we deplete our conventional deposits and run out of such low-hanging fruit, we shift to unconventional resources such as accessible and currently inaccessible oil sands, coalbed methane, tight gas, and shale gas. Accessing these unconventional resources requires the development of new technologies or the adaptation of current technologies from other jurisdictions or industries around the world. Canada has world class hydrocarbon resources four to seven times larger than the resources of Saudi Arabia, a country that has been used globally as a benchmark for hydrocarbon resources. Canada has 40% of global heavy oil and bitumen resources, 1500 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of tight gas, 500 TCF of shale gas, 500 TCF of coalbed methane and significant gas hydrates resources. However, where Saudi Arabia’s oil deposits can easily be exploited and developed, the development of most of Canada’s hydrocarbon deposits is extremely challenging and many of these deposits may not be exploited economically using the technologies currently available.

In the past, Canada has been a relatively small but significant player in conventional hydrocarbon R&D, although Canadian innovations have been applied around the world. Canada is a world leader in areas such as solution gas conservation, sour gas processing, new forms of artificial lift, conventional heavy oil, arctic exploration, and reducing flaring and venting.

In the future, increased funding of R&D will be required to develop technologies for Canada’s vast oil sands, heavy oil resources and unconventional gas. Without new technologies, the development of Canada’s challenging unconventional resources will require significantly more energy input and water consumption, and will result in increased land disturbances and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The concern held by all stakeholders is that without new technologies we cannot develop Canada’s vast resources economically in a sustainable manner.

PTAC’s new expanded mandate is to facilitate innovation, collaborative research, and technology development, demonstration, and deployment for a responsible Canadian hydrocarbon energy industry. This broadened mission upholds our new vision, targeting the sustainable development of Canada’s world-class conventional and unconventional resources. Our new vision speaks clearly for our beliefs that both environmental footprint and costs can be minimized, recovery from our resources can be maximized, and value added opportunities can be created through innovation and implementation of existing and emerging technologies. PTAC believes that collaboration among industry, governments, research providers and Small/Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the following core technology areas will help us achieve our vision:

• Enhanced Environmental Management
• Cost Reductions / Operations
• Improved Oil and Gas Recovery
  (conventional and unconventional oil and natural gas, and bitumen)
• Upgrading, Refining, Petrochemical Technologies, and Transportation

To enable us to provide the best services to our members, we have implemented a new approach to our daily operations: conducting more collaborative projects in the core technology areas, improving our methods of disseminating and transferring existing and emerging technologies, and reorganizing our forums, workshops, and conferences to ensure better alignment with industry needs. The success of this shift is illustrated by the fact that PTAC’s revenue from projects in 2007 increased by over two times compared to the 2006 project revenue. At the same time, TEREE (Technology for Emission Reduction and Eco-Efficiency) revenue increased by 86%.

PTAC launched four special projects during 2007, bringing together stakeholders from throughout industry to collaborate on addressing such diverse projects as Carbon Capture and Storage, Alternative Energy Solutions to Replace Natural Gas for Oil Sands Development, Helping SMEs to Transform Ideas into Technologies, and Novel Conventional Heavy Oil EOR and Direct Contact Steam Generation. In total, PTAC successfully facilitated nineteen new projects and three new project phases. Eleven of these projects were facilitated through the Environmental Research Advisory Council (ERAC), and five were facilitated under TEREE.

During the past year, PTAC facilitated the communication of new research and development activities and the sharing of ideas through eighteen focused Technology Information Sessions (TIS), four forums, and seven workshops drawing together government representatives, research providers, and industry leaders.

Keeping pace with shifts in industry and embracing the challenge of our new vision, PTAC has set a new course for the future. 2007 has proved to be a year of great change, while our respect for and appreciation of the many volunteers who so generously share their time and expertise remains a constant. We believe the future holds many exciting opportunities, and we look forward to meeting them together.

Soheil Asgarpour, Ph.D., P.Eng., President
Fred Hutchings, Chairperson

. . . finding new pathways for sustainability

PTAC Projects Explore Solutions to Limit Emissions
 

At times it may seem an impossible match – how can an industry based upon the exploitation of fossil fuels find common ground with environmental protection? In 2007, PTAC initiated two projects to explore technology solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while economically benefiting the Canadian hydrocarbon industry: a study of carbon capture and storage, and a study of alternative solutions to replace natural gas in oil sands development.

PTAC initiated collaboration among seventeen funding producers, transportation companies, and provincial governments to launch the PTAC Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project. The process of capturing CO2, especially from industrial sources, and storing it for potential use in enhanced oil and gas recovery could substantially reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, but there remains much debate over economic feasibility. The PTAC CCS project provided a design and cost estimate for a common collection system gathering CO2 from multiple sources in the Fort Saskatchewan area of Alberta, and transportation of that CO2 through a common pipeline system. The project scope included the required pipeline infrastructure to aggregate CO2 to a common location. Conducted by SNC-LAVALIN, the study evaluated at least three representative CO2 sources in order to understand what is required to aggregate CO2 of differing quality. Several companies provided CO2 quantity and quality information in support of this study. The process design included CO2 purification, dehydration and compression requirements. The project reviewed the merits of a common compression site to achieve the system pressure required for pipeline transport to major oil pools.

At the same time, a need was identified to explore options in replacing natural gas for oil sands development. To achieve this goal, PTAC facilitated a study aptly named “Alternative Solutions to Replace Natural Gas for Oil Sands Development” to evaluate the economics of using nuclear technology to produce CHP (Combined Heat and Power) and hydrogen as an alternative to natural gas. Conducted by SNC-Lavalin, the study included the evaluation of current nuclear power plants that could be available within a five to seven year period, as well as identifying “next generation” nuclear power plant designs that could be available by 2020. In addition, PTAC held a workshop in October to bring together industry stakeholders and experts to assess and review issues such as safety, security, licensing, existing regulatory framework, and construction challenges.

These two projects highlight how PTAC is successfully leveraging collaboration to examine and evaluate new technology solutions, helping the hydrocarbon industry discover new pathways to long-term sustainability.

. . . shifting our focus

New Initiative to Help SMEs Bring New Technology to Industry
 

It is an industry reality that size matters and small and medium companies sometimes struggle to successfully bring their ideas to market. In cooperation with National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), PTAC has enhanced services to assist Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) entering the upstream, midstream, and downstream service and supply sectors.

The focus of the initiative, which began in October 2007, is on providing increased support to SMEs in transforming ideas, technologies and “know-how” into a product or service to benefit the industry. This is achieved by connecting SMEs with industry members, thus enabling industry to more easily learn about, access, and implement new technology.
PTAC offers assistance by providing SMEs with information on the technology needs of the oil and gas industry in Canada, developing roadmaps, hosting workshops on emerging and chronic industry problems, and helping to define what a “successful innovation” would look like for a given problem. By accessing these resources, SMEs gain candid insights into specific industry needs and can better gauge technology gaps and potential fit for existing technology.

PTAC-facilitated technology information sessions, forums, conferences, and Knowledge Centre services help to achieve technology transfer. The opening of these avenues for SMEs to reach industry members significantly reduces the time and financial burden associated with developing interest in a given technology. In addition, PTAC helps SMEs to formulate plans for engaging industry support and finding third-party funding for technology demonstration projects. Furthermore, PTAC offers third-party verification support through technical steering committees, helping SMEs to contract unbiased third parties to independently assess field demonstration projects.

To inform industry members and SMEs of this new initiative, PTAC held an information session in December 2007, where SMEs learned about the enhanced services PTAC is now offering. Web-pages specific to SMEs have been developed on the PTAC website at www.ptac.org/links/sme.html.

This initiative has enabled PTAC to provide significantly increased support to SMEs, helping them to meet the technology needs of industry.

. . . surveying the year ahead

Outlook 2008

Putting the New Plan Into Action
 

2008 is expected to be a year when PTAC members see the complete impact of the new mandate, vision, and operational approach.

In June 2008, PTAC will host The Global Petroleum Conference: Today’s Conventional Opportunities, Tomorrow’s Unconventional Innovations, ushering PTAC onto the multi-national stage as the Global Petroleum Show integrates a technical conference for the first time. This three-day conference will feature over 100 speakers comprised of top executives from producing and service companies, government ministers, international experts, and technology vendors. Presentations will focus on reducing overall costs and minimizing the environmental footprint using innovative technology solutions. A highlight of the event will be the plenary session panel discussion moderated by CBC Television News Chief Correspondent Peter Mansbridge, and featuring high-profile invited speakers including the Premier of Alberta.

Building upon the success of 2007 events, PTAC is planning to hold several additional conferences and workshops throughout the year. The 3rd Annual PTAC Spring Water Forum will be held in May, and the Towards Clean Energy Conference is slated for the autumn agenda. These events are complemented by several environmental portfolio events held annually to communicate research progress and results.

Under the environmental portfolio, PTAC will expand facilitation of the CAPP/SEPAC Environmental Research Advisory Council (ERAC) with the addition of the caribou research program. This new research represents a significant funding increase to the existing program, and reinforces PTAC’s reputation as the vehicle of choice for industry research and development. Through this program, PTAC will facilitate eighteen environmental research projects valued at $1.5M.

While global warming and emission reduction strategies are expected to remain issues of significant public concern, PTAC is expected to witness a significant acceleration of the TEREE projects. These projects will include: the REMVue Slipstream Industry Impact study, the Waste Heat Recovery System from Compression Engines project, phase two of the Improving Immersion Heaters and Boilers study, phase one of the Flexxair Variable Pitch Fan Installation project, and phase two of the Hydrogen Fuel Injection in Diesel Engines project.

PTAC will assist with project management for the Alberta Saline Aquifer Project (ASAP), including preparation of funding development plans and funding applications, dissemination of information, and administrative services to launch the initiative. ASAP will identify and prioritize three or more suitable deep saline aquifer locations for a pilot program to demonstrate the feasibility of CO2 sequestration. The project will involve industry participants, government agencies, academic organizations and consultants in an effort to design and demonstrate safe and reliable long-term sequestration utilizing 1,000 to 3,000 tonnes of CO2 per day. The project will serve to clarify and establish a template for pore volume ownership and regulatory requirements of injecting CO2 into a saline aquifer. A successful demonstration will enable saline aquifer sequestration to play a pivotal role in reducing CO2 emissions in Alberta.

In addition, the CO2 Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery Committee is evaluating the option of launching the second phase of the Carbon Capture Storage project and the Alternative Energy Solutions Committee is considering launching phase two of the Alternative Solutions to Replace Natural Gas for Oil Sands Development project.
An exciting opportunity is on the horizon for PTAC to work closely with the Alberta Department of Energy. PTAC and the Department are in discussions with regard to a substantial grant from the government’s Energy Innovation Fund. PTAC has proposed an impressive list of technology projects (for implementation in 2008 and beyond) that would be a significant contribution to the ongoing development of Alberta’s energy resources in an environmentally sustainable way.

As the many opportunities, projects, and events of 2008 come to fruition, the full impact of the new mandate, vision, and operational approach will be realized. PTAC anticipates a year marked by enhanced services for members and significant benefits for industry.

. . . valuing our volunteers

2007 Board of Directors
 

Committee Volunteers

As at March 31, 2008
 

. . . expanding value for the industry

PTAC facilitates innovation, collaborative research and technology development, demonstration and deployment for a responsible Canadian hydrocarbon energy industry.

PTAC offers a variety of services to its members, and provides opportunities to benefit the Canadian hydrocarbon energy industry. For more information on the many benefits of PTAC membership please visit www.ptac.org.

. . . facilitating

Projects

PTAC facilitated nineteen research and development projects and three new project phases during the course of 2007. PTAC provides industry with a neutral forum to work in collaboration, leveraging collective experience and expertise to identify opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions that require research or technology development. These discussions can lead to joint-industry projects where PTAC, as a neutral facilitator, assists with soliciting proposals and launching projects through a fair and balanced process. PTAC also identifies existing research and development to raise industry awareness and minimize duplication.

. . . networking

Technology Information Sessions

In 2007, PTAC facilitated eighteen Technology Information Sessions (TIS)
attended by over 700 participants. TISs are one of the most popular services PTAC offers to member companies, especially small and medium enterprises. Through the PTAC TIS, the member company is provided a forum to solicit interest, feedback, participation or potential funding for new research and development projects, to report on field test or pilot results, or to provide information on technology-related services. A networking lunch or breakfast enhances opportunities to connect with industry partners to conduct proposed research or technology development, such as field tests or projects, or to market new technology to the Canadian oil and gas industry. Those in attendance have the opportunity to learn about and connect with new projects and ideas through a targeted, facilitated presentation.

. . . engaging

Forums and Workshops

PTAC events provide industry members with an opportunity to gather with peers to share ideas, opinions, and learnings on a specific technical subject.
Over 340 participants attended the four PTAC forums held in 2007. PTAC forums are comprised of presentations detailing new technologies, case studies, and the objectives and results of current research, as well as providing opportunities for questions and answers. The goal of PTAC forums is to bring together the most up-to-date information from across the industry into an enriching learning experience.

The seven PTAC workshops held in 2007 attracted 395 participants. Workshops provide opportunities for participants to work collaboratively in focused groups to clearly define research and development issues, identify potential solutions, and select the best approach to move forward. Industry members are provided an opportunity to share their needs, and R&D providers are given an opportunity to hear about issues firsthand. Solutions are formed by leveraging the collective expertise and ideas of all participants. PTAC hosts the workshops and is pleased to provide the necessary facilitation, administrative support, and coordination to launch projects once identified.

. . . informing

PTAC Knowledge Centre

The PTAC Knowledge Centre provides information on technologies pertinent to the hydrocarbon energy industry, including sustainable, eco-efficient, energy-efficient, and GHG-reducing technologies.

The Knowledge Centre has access to core energy technical databases. The Knowledge Centre Manager provides literature searches, search alerts and documents to technical steering committees, project performers, researchers, and other stakeholders to help identify technologies and research and development needs, avoid duplicate research, and monitor industry trends.

Services for PTAC members include literature searches, search alerts, and contact information for subject experts in industry, government, and academia. PTAC members are invited to provide non-proprietary information on their companies for display in the Knowledge Centre. Relevant materials are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please visit our website at www.ptac.org/know1.html for more information on the Knowledge Centre.

. . . delivering

Program Facilitation

PTAC continues to facilitate the Environmental Research Advisory Council (ERAC) funding program on behalf of CAPP/SEPAC. ERAC projects are collaboratively funded and managed by PTAC with support and direction from technical steering committees. Eleven ERAC projects were approved for 2007 with a total value of $842,556. These projects provide science-based solutions to current and emerging environmental issues that are critical to the industry.

Since 2002, PTAC provided technical support to the Industrial Energy Audit Incentive funded by NRCan’s Office of Energy Efficiency. This effort concluded on March 31, 2007 with the end of funding for the Industrial Audit Incentive. In total PTAC facilitated over 110 energy audit applications for oil and gas producer facilities, with over $400k in NRCan audit support funds being leveraged about 5:1 with funds from producers and other sources. PTAC responded to over 350 inquiries for information on energy efficiency or support for conducting audits, developed a Knowledge Centre for Energy Efficiency on the PTAC website, and held twenty-two energy-efficiency-focused workshops, forums, courses, and information sessions in Calgary, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Regina, Estevan and Red Deer. Twenty information sheets were prepared for key energy efficiency areas in upstream oil and gas operations and posted on the PTAC website. Two major reports were also completed as part of this project.

. . . collaborating

Technical Steering Committees

The membership of PTAC Technical Steering Committees (TSC) is comprised of volunteer PTAC members representing various industry sectors, governments, and non-governmental associations. These technical steering committees help to identify opportunities for collaborative research and technology development, raise awareness of existing research and technology through planning events, find solutions to challenges through the process of soliciting proposals and launching new projects, and promote involvement by informing appropriate colleagues of TSC activities.

. . . communicating

Member Communications

PTAC is committed to ensuring effective communication with all members. The PTAC website provides members with access to the most up-to-date information on PTAC projects, events, and activities as well as an extensive archive. E-talk, the bi-weekly electronic newsletter, delivers all the latest information on upcoming events and opportunities.

. . . accounting and measuring

Financials

Auditor’s Report

To the Members of PTAC Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada,

We have audited the statement of financial position of PTAC Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada as at December 31, 2007 and the statements of operations and changes in net assets, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the organization’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

In common with many not-for-profit organizations, the organization derives revenue from events and other sources, the completeness of which is not susceptible to satisfactory audit verification. Accordingly, our verification of these revenues was limited to the amounts recorded in the records of the organization and we were not able to determine whether any adjustments might be necessary to revenue, excess of revenue over expenditures, assets and surplus.

In our opinion, except for the effects of adjustments, if any, which might have been determined to be necessary had we been able to satisfy ourselves concerning the completeness of the revenue referred to in the preceding paragraph, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as at December 31, 2007 and the results of its operations and its cash flow for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

Lo Porter Hetu
Certified General Accountants
Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
February 15, 2008

. . . collaborating to achieve innovative results

Technical Steering Committees

In 2007, PTAC facilitated fifteen active Technical Steering Committees,
and three Sub-committees:

Enhanced Environmental Management

• Air Issues Research Planning Committee
• Ecological Research Planning Committee
• Soil and Groundwater Research Committee
• Salinity Working Group
• Resource Access Technology Committee
• Technology for Emission Reduction and Eco-efficiency (TEREE) Steering Committee
  • TEREE Project Evaluation Sub-committee
  • TEREE Marketing Sub-committees
• Water Innovation Planning Committee

Improved Oil and Gas Recovery

• CO2 Enhanced Hydrocarbon
• Recovery Steering Committee
• Increased Recovery Steering Committee
• Unconventional Gas Technology Roadmap Technical Steering Committee
• Viscous Oil Recovery Steering Committee

Cost Reductions

• Alternative Energy
• Drilling Innovators Advisory Group
• Driving Safety Working Group

Upgrading, Refining, Petrochemical Technologies, and Transportation

• Upgrading, Refining, Petro-Chemicals and Hydrogen Steering Committee
• Heavy Oil Transportation Committee

Projects or New Project Phases Launched in 2007

PTAC facilitated nineteen research and development projects and three
new project phases during the course of 2007.

Alternative Energy

• Alternative Solutions to Replace Natural Gas for Oil Sands Development

Environment

• Assessment of “Species at Risk” Setback Distances Relative to Oil and Gas Activity (New Phase)
• Catalytic Combustion for the Elimination of Methane, BTEX and Other VOC
• Chemical and Isotopic Characterization of Water and Dissolved Gases in Shallow Aquifers in the Vicinity of Coalbed Methane Operations in Alberta
• Distinguishing Natural vs. Petroleum F3 Hydrocarbons in Oil Spill Impacted Muskeg Material
• Feasibility Study of SAGD Produced Water Treatment Test Facilities
• Guideline Derivation for Soil Salinity Below the Root Zone (Final Phase)
• Gaseous Fuel Mixture Effects on Total Soot Yield from Flares
• GHG Emissions and Reductions from Solution Gas Flares in Alberta
• Identifying Key Native Species and Efficient Strategies for Revegetating Sensitive Landscapes: Oil Sand Areas, Saline Areas, Boreal Forest and Foothills Regions
• Produced Water Management / Handling Scoping Document
• Putting Grizzly Bear Research Results into Today’s Land Management and Planning in Northwestern Alberta: Developing Food Based Maps and Models for Land Use Planners in Alberta
• Removing the Wellsite Footprint (New Phase)
• Validation of Subsoil Hydrocarbon Criteria for Stratified Remediation at Upstream Oil and Gas Facilities in Alberta: Field Study

Heavy Oil

• Novel Conventional Heavy Oil EOR and Direct Contact Steam Generation Innovation

Innovation

• Technical Contact Support, Oil and Gas Needs Information, and Communications Support to Canadian SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)

Reservoir Recovery

• PTAC Carbon Capture and Storage Study

Technology for Emission Reduction and Eco-Efficiency (TEREE)

• Development of an Interactive Web-Based Nodal Analysis of the Upstream
  Oil and Gas Industry for the Purpose of Identifying and Tracking Verifiable Methane Emission Reduction Opportunities and Projects
• Generation of Electric Power from Waste Heat in the Western Canadian Oil and Gas Industry
• Hydrogen Fuel Injection Unit (HFI) and Fuel Efficiency Data Collection and Measurement
• Ongoing Development of Internationally Transferable Facility Evaluation Protocols and Best Practices for Managing GHG and CAC Emissions at Oil and Gas Facilities
• Preliminary Scope of Work for a Third Party Test of Venturi Orifice
  Technology vs. Conventional Steam Traps

to top

For further information,
please contact:

Arlene Merling, PTAC
Director, Operations
phone: (403) 218-7702
email: amerling@ptac.org
fax: (403) 920-0054

2008 05 02 HM