| CLIENT | Suncor Energy |
| LOCATION | Sherwood Park, AB |
| CONTRACT VALUE | $2,200,000 |
| SCHEDULE | Start Date: April 2023 End Date: Present |
PROJECT PROFILE
Suncor’s process and storm water ponds at the Edmonton Refinery exceed Alberta’s Tier I guideline in mercury contamination (0.005μg/L) for aquatic life discharge. The analytical data suggests the mercury contamination is approximately 2 – 5 times this threshold; considering this relatively low concentration, the most suitable approach to filter the water using sand filtration, fine bag filters (5μm), followed by activated carbon to remove the residual mercury. Bench scale test results indicated that the mercury can be reduced to between 0.005 – 0.006 μg/L using activated coal carbon. KBL has been on location treating water since March 2024, and has proved the bench scale methodology and process to work.
SCOPE OF WORK
Two individual water treatment systems operate concurrently on-site, treating up to 4,500 m³ of mercury-contaminated water daily. Each system consists of four large carbon vessels, a high-pressure diesel pump, four sand pod filters, and three bag filter chambers. The systems run 24/7, with a single water treatment technician overseeing both at any given time. Carbon changeouts are required on a frequent basis and are carried out onsite by the KBL personnel.
This project was initially meant to operate throughout the warmer months of the year but was ultimately extended throughout the winter. When winter temperatures in Edmonton dropped to -30 °C unexpectedly in November, KBL with the help of Suncor had to act fast to winterize the system to prevent it from freezing over. The onsite crew worked diligently to keep the flow through the system and inhibit damage to the equipment.
PROJECT SUCCESS
The extensive bench scale testing carried out in KBL’s inhouse laboratory prior to the start of the project uncovered methods to optimize the system ahead of time, which allowed for a smooth transition to the full-scale water treatment operation without any surprises. The project has been running seamlessly since the mobilization and continues to reduce the mercury concentration in the water to below the guideline.
