Honeywell selected as key automation provider for Canadian oil sands project

Honeywell Process Solutions will supply automation technology for a new Fort Hills Oil Sands project in Alberta, Canada, scheduled to begin operating in late 2017.  Honeywell will play a key role in helping the facility achieve its future productivity and operational efficiency goals.

Selected by Suncor Energy as the main automation contractor, Honeywell will integrate the site’s control and safety systems, manage alarms, and provide advanced simulation software that enables critical operations planning and operator training.

“Choosing an automation provider is a critical decision, one that you will live with for years to come,” said Frank Whitsura, vice president, Honeywell Process Solutions. “Honeywell has a proven track record of reducing risk on projects of this magnitude, delivering on time and on budget, and contributing to the ongoing safety, reliability and efficiency of the operation and lowering overall life-cycle costs.”

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers forecasts production from the Canadian oil sands to exceed five million barrels a day by 2030, up from 1.8 million barrels a day in 2012.

“As energy demand continues to grow, the Canadian oil sands have become an important resource,” said Whitsura. “Honeywell has the expertise to fully integrate this project’s assets, from monitors and sensors in the field, to system controls, to planning and logistics. Suncor will also be able to use our innovative technology to run a wide range of simulations that will help maximise the efficiency of the operations.”