Abstract. Increasing oil demand is driving the development of the world’s large resources of heavy oil and
bitumen, more than 70% of which are located in Canada and Venezuela. Moving these heavy crudes and
bitumens to market will require alternative pipeline transportation methods. This paper discusses these trans-
portation systems, in particular those serving Venezuela’s heavy oil production areas. It also discusses the
problems in general which industry faces in transporting and marketing heavy crudes and the alternatives
currently available or dealing with them. Environmental aspects are also considered.
Light oil shortages will have a significant impact on the transportation of heavy oil. Methods for dealing with
this problem are evolving and include the use of diluents, crude upgrading prior to transportation, and the use
of other types of pipeline systems, such as hot oil pipelines, oil in water emulsion systems, oil/water core annular
flow and Orimulsion.
A comparative economical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the various technologies, and
how they might fit into the future of heavy oil in Venezuela, is presented.
The technologies and experiences reviewed here confirm that heavy oil and bitumen pipelines can be designed
and operated with a high degree of confidence. Economic aspects must be considered in the ranking of technical
options.