Enhancing the fuel Orimulsion{reg{underscore}sign}-400, the next generation: Environmental fate and effects

Orimulsion First Generation commonly known as Orimulsion{reg{underscore}sign}-100, is a commercial boiler fuel presently used at power plants worldwide (e.g., Canada, Denmark, Japan, Italy, Lithuania, and China). This fuel is manufactured by PDVSA-BITOR from the vast bitumen reserves of the Orinoco Belt, Venezuela. Orimulsion{reg{underscore}sign} is a liquid fossil fuel made up of 70% bitumen, and 30% water. Orimulsion{reg{underscore}sign}-400 is part of the New Generation of Orimulsion-type fuels being developed by PDVSA-BITOR; this formulation includes modifications which enhance the fuels's combustion and transport, while continuing to improve its environmental and economic benefits. The characteristics of Orimulsion{reg{underscore}sign} fuels are conducive to this fuel in any kind of boiler designed to burn Fuel Oil No.6 or coal. The introduction of this fuel alternative for utility repowering will have a significant impact on power generation in North America. The environmental fate and effects of Orimulsion{reg{underscore}sign} in aquatic systems have been studied over the past 10 years by PDVSA-INTEVEP and PDVSA-BITOR; research in the US, Canada, and Europe has been carried out for the past 8 years. This presentation is a summary of recent Orimulsion{reg{underscore}sign} environmental fate and effects studies, including: chemical and physical properties; behavior of bitumen particles in freshwater and seawater; environmental toxicity studiesmore » using Orimulsion{reg{underscore}sign} and its surfactant package; and spill prevention and cleanup methods.« less