Pipeline Operations

Husky's pipelines are designed, constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards for oil and gas pipeline systems.

The pipeline system is divided into sections that can be isolated by remotely controlled block valves, which are tested annually. The majority of the system is designed and licensed to operate at up to 9,930 kilopascals (1,440 pounds per square inch).

Pipelines are monitored and controlled from a 24-hour per day control centre located in Lloydminster. The computer control system monitors pressures, temperatures and flow rates. The control system monitors the operating characteristics of the pipeline and will automatically alert the control centre operator should a leak be suspected.

The system is set to check for leaks every minute. The leak-detection software and operator response is tested annually on each segment of the network by simulating conditions that resemble an actual leak.

Control centre operators are required to investigate all alarms, and if unexplained, to immediately shut down the pipeline and initiate investigative and corrective measures.

Husky has a comprehensive pipeline integrity program that includes cathodic protection of the entire pipeline system, internal inspection surveys on a three-to-seven year cycle, corrosion chemical injection, pipeline cleaning, and aerial surveillance of all pipeline right-of-ways every two weeks.

Heavy Crude Pipelines

Husky's heavy crude oil pipeline systems accommodate increased heavy oil production from the Lloydminster area and the production of bitumen from its oil sands projects.

The system carries production from the Tucker oil sands project and shipments from third parties. Husky's Hardisty terminal currently handles product ranging from light and synthetic to blended heavy crude oil, and accounts for approximately 25 percent of the total volume of crude oil exports from Western Canada.

Alberta Heavy Oil Pipeline

Husky's Alberta heavy oil pipeline system consists of approximately 1,445 kilometres of pipeline, extending from 180 kilometres northwest of Lloydminster to approximately 120 kilometres southwest of Lloydminster.

The Cold Lake System has six pumping stations and two booster stations that ship heavy crude blend into the Lloydminster Terminal.

At the Lloydminster Terminal, the heavy crude product is delivered to Husky's upgrader and asphalt refinery or transferred to the Hardisty Terminal for external markets. Diluent products are received from the upgrader, refinery and Hardisty and are used to blend the heavy crude received from the Cold Lake System and Saskatchewan Gathering System.

The Mainline Pipeline System moves products between the Lloydminster and Hardisty terminals with one booster station. This system moves two segregated heavy crude blends as well as synthetic crude from the upgrader to Hardisty. It also transports diluent from Hardisty to Lloydminster.

Three smaller gathering systems - Battle River, Wainwright and Kinsella - with a total of fourteen oil batteries, tie into the Mainline system to deliver lighter-density heavy crude blends.

Husky's Hardisty Terminal can receive crude products from the Mainline system, the Talisman Chauvin Pipeline and trucked-in volumes. These products are then shipped by batches in the Enbridge, Express, IPF, and Keystone pipeline systems for transport to market. Diluent can be received at the terminal from the Enbridge Pipeline and by truck.

Husky's Alberta System handles products that include three grades of crude, diluent, and synthetic crude from the upgrader.

Saskatchewan Heavy Oil Pipeline

Husky's Saskatchewan heavy oil pipeline system consists of approximately 580 kilometres of pipeline extending approximately 70 kilometres east of Lloydminster. This infrastructure is known as the Saskatchewan Gathering System (SGS), and consists of 17 pumping stations and two booster stations that deliver heavy crude oil blend to the Lloydminster Terminal. Diluent from the Lloydminster Terminal is received at the pumping stations and is used to blend the heavy crude oil prior to it being pumped to the terminal.

The Husky Border Pipeline handles products that include crude oil, diluent, distillates and synthetic crude oil from Husky's heavy oil upgrader.

Community Awareness

The pipeline system is marked along its length with warning signs identifying the pipeline owner and the emergency numbers.

Husky actively participates in organizations engaged in encouraging and promoting safety around buried pipelines.

Major additions or expansions that have public impact undergo a public consultation process prior to permit application and construction.