Pipeline expansions for the transportation of Canadian crude to refining markets in the United States has caused a considerable amount of environmental concern. A key debating point is the potential of corrosion in pipelines transporting diluted bitumen (or dilbit). As a result, Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES) sought an independent fact-based analysis to address the pipeline safety issues. AI-EES commissioned a corrosion specialist, Dr. Jenny Been, P.Eng. of Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures to perform an in-depth review of the corrosivity of dilbit in pipelines in comparison to conventional or 'non-oil sands derived' crude oil. Based on chemical and physical characteristics of dilbit, Dr. Been concludes that the characteristics of dilbit are not unique and are comparable to conventional crude oils during pipeline flow. Analysis of historic data shows that the internal corrosion related pipeline failure rate of dilbit is statistically comparable to the conventional oil in the US.
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