Oil Sands & SAGD Automation — Fort McMurray & Alberta

BP Automation builds custom automation systems for Alberta’s oil sands industry. From SAGD wellpad controls and separator automation to upgrader instrumentation and tailings pond monitoring, we engineer solutions for the extreme demands of in-situ and surface mining operations.

Talk to an Oil Sands Specialist

SAGD

Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage

CSS

Cyclic Steam Stimulation

Ex-Rated

Zone 1 & Zone 2 Environments

Fort McMurray

On-Site Project Experience

Oil Sands Automation Applications

SAGD Wellpad Controls

Custom PLC-based wellpad automation for SAGD operations — steam injection controls, production well monitoring, downhole pump VFDs, and wellhead safety shutdown systems. Designed for remote operation and SCADA integration.

Separator & Treater Automation

Three-phase separator controls, emulsion treater automation, and free-water knockout systems. Level, pressure, flow, and temperature control with PLC logic tuned for your production chemistry.

Steam Generation Controls

Once-through steam generator (OTSG) automation, boiler feedwater controls, and steam distribution systems. Integrated with plant DCS for full production visibility and optimization.

Pipeline & Injection Systems

Automated diluent injection, chemical injection skids, and pipeline pressure controls for bitumen transport. Remote monitoring and control via satellite SCADA for pipeline integrity management.

Tailings & Water Management

Tailings pond level monitoring, water recycle pump controls, and disposal well automation. Real-time SCADA dashboards for regulatory compliance and operational visibility.

Mining & Extraction Equipment

Custom automation for surface mining equipment — conveyor systems, crusher controls, froth treatment, and bitumen extraction process automation for mining operations.

Why Oil Sands Automation Is Different

The oil sands environment imposes unique demands on automation systems that standard industrial equipment isn’t designed for:

Classified areas: Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous locations require Ex-rated equipment and strict installation practices
Extreme temperatures: Systems must operate reliably from -40°C winter to +40°C summer
Remote locations: Equipment must be reliable with minimal maintenance access and satellite communications
Bitumen chemistry: Abrasive, high-viscosity fluids require specialized instrumentation selection
Regulatory compliance: AER, AEP, and pipeline regulations require documentation and audit trails

Serving the Athabasca Oil Sands Region

BP Automation has delivered custom automation systems to oil sands operators in the Fort McMurray region including SAGD producers, upgrader facilities, and in-situ operations. Our team travels to site for commissioning and can support ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

Fort McMurray and surrounding wellfields
Cold Lake in-situ operations
Peace River SAGD operations
Lloydminster heavy oil producers

Fort McMurray Automation Services