Refining and upgrading involves removing the "impurities", most of which become valuable by-products in their own right, and breaking down the complex hydro-carbon molecules, which characterize heavy oil, into simpler hydrocarbon molecules.

Fractionating towers break down molecules but some resist the process.   Then the opposite tack is taken in the Hydrotreater which forces carbon atoms to accept more hydrogen atoms, also forming lighter, more useable molecules.  These, and many other processes, are introduced in this section. 

In the old days, Heavy Oil was considered a disappointment and a problem.
Now it is an increasingly important part of the world's energy reserves.
Part of the difference is the improvements
in refining and the presence of the
Husky Lloydminster Upgrader.

Learn more about the refining process ...

Learn more about our world famous Upgrader ...