WCS (Western Canadian Select) is a benchmark heavy oil blend from Western Canada comprised of 20 heavy oil streams, bitumen, and upgraded synthetic crude. It was created in 2004 to standardize the marketing of heavy oil from the region. WCS is a high-sulfur, heavy crude that is well-suited for high-conversion refineries which can process the heavy bottoms into valuable fuels. Most of Canada's heavy oil, including WCS, is exported to the US by pipeline where it is refined primarily in the Midwest. However, transporting WCS to the US Gulf Coast refineries would increase its price due to proximity to larger, complex refineries optimized for heavy crude.
PBF Energy snaps up oil cargo from western canadaGE 94
[INDEED WCS/WTI DEPRESSED BECAUSE IMPERIAL'S EDMONDTON 187K/D WAS RUNNING <75% CAPACITY DURING MID-JUL AND VERY CHEAP C$].
KEARL LAKE HAS A VERY GOOD DISTILLATE, VGO YIELD FOR THE WINTER]
[500,000K BUT STILL INTERESTING MOVE THAT YOU WOULD NORMALLY EXPECT FROM GUYS LIKE FREEPOINT COMMODITIES NOT PBF !]
Fuels refining is an integral component of Canada's oil and gas value chain. Refineries are the crucial manufacturing intermediary between crude oil and refined products.
View this to understand the business of processing crude oil into fuels and other value added products.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.canadianfuels.ca
PBF Energy snaps up oil cargo from western canadaGE 94
[INDEED WCS/WTI DEPRESSED BECAUSE IMPERIAL'S EDMONDTON 187K/D WAS RUNNING <75% CAPACITY DURING MID-JUL AND VERY CHEAP C$].
KEARL LAKE HAS A VERY GOOD DISTILLATE, VGO YIELD FOR THE WINTER]
[500,000K BUT STILL INTERESTING MOVE THAT YOU WOULD NORMALLY EXPECT FROM GUYS LIKE FREEPOINT COMMODITIES NOT PBF !]
Fuels refining is an integral component of Canada's oil and gas value chain. Refineries are the crucial manufacturing intermediary between crude oil and refined products.
View this to understand the business of processing crude oil into fuels and other value added products.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.canadianfuels.ca
Canadian Fuels Association - The voice of Canada’s transportation fuels industryCanadian Fuels Association
From crude oil to useful products. The Canadian Fuels Association represents the industry that produces, distributes and markets petroleum products in Canada.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.canadianfuels.ca
This presentation will provide insight into market conditions for the Canadian Energy market.
The areas of emphasis will be the following:
Oil Rigs
Oil Pricing
Imports and Exports
Refineries
Proven Reserves
Exports
Capital Expenditures
Pipelines
Government Policies
What's the difference between WTI and Brent Crude Oil? [PPT] Arne Pohlman
If you are not too familiar with traded commodities, odds are that crude oil is one you know a little about. Oil, the magical elixir that much of our lives run on, even if we are not aware of it, is being consumed at a higher rate globally every year. But did you know that there are different kinds of crude oil? If you did, you may have heard of Brent and WTI Crude Oil. Do you know what the difference is between Brent and WTI Crude oil? Did you know there was a difference between the crude oils extracted around the world? If you didn’t, you’re not alone – most people likely don’t know the difference between the two. If you are curious as to what sets various crude oils apart, especially Brent and WTI, this blog post will shed some light on the differences as well as explain a bit about the Crude Oil futures markets and what role Brent and WTI play in the global oil commodity trade. But, before getting into the specifics of Brent and WTI, it might be helpful to first go through what quality metrics differentiate crude oils from one another.
Download a FREE sample of
Commodities FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast
http://www.focus-economics.com/commodities2016
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...Scintica Instrumentation
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful tool utilized to study cellular behavior over time and space in vivo. Much of our understanding of cell biology has been accomplished using various in vitro and ex vivo methods; however, these studies do not necessarily reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes. Unlike traditional cell culture or fixed tissue imaging, IVM allows for the ultra-fast high-resolution imaging of cellular processes over time and space and were studied in its natural environment. Real-time visualization of biological processes in the context of an intact organism helps maintain physiological relevance and provide insights into the progression of disease, response to treatments or developmental processes.
In this webinar we give an overview of advanced applications of the IVM system in preclinical research. IVIM technology is a provider of all-in-one intravital microscopy systems and solutions optimized for in vivo imaging of live animal models at sub-micron resolution. The system’s unique features and user-friendly software enables researchers to probe fast dynamic biological processes such as immune cell tracking, cell-cell interaction as well as vascularization and tumor metastasis with exceptional detail. This webinar will also give an overview of IVM being utilized in drug development, offering a view into the intricate interaction between drugs/nanoparticles and tissues in vivo and allows for the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in a variety of tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary collaboration continues to drive the advancements of novel therapeutic strategies.
Richard's aventures in two entangled wonderlandsRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
Nutraceutical market, scope and growth: Herbal drug technologyLokesh Patil
As consumer awareness of health and wellness rises, the nutraceutical market—which includes goods like functional meals, drinks, and dietary supplements that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition—is growing significantly. As healthcare expenses rise, the population ages, and people want natural and preventative health solutions more and more, this industry is increasing quickly. Further driving market expansion are product formulation innovations and the use of cutting-edge technology for customized nutrition. With its worldwide reach, the nutraceutical industry is expected to keep growing and provide significant chances for research and investment in a number of categories, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
This pdf is about the Schizophrenia.
For more details visit on YouTube; @SELF-EXPLANATORY;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiarMZDNhe1A3Rnpr_WkzA/videos
Thanks...!
Earliest Galaxies in the JADES Origins Field: Luminosity Function and Cosmic ...Sérgio Sacani
We characterize the earliest galaxy population in the JADES Origins Field (JOF), the deepest
imaging field observed with JWST. We make use of the ancillary Hubble optical images (5 filters
spanning 0.4−0.9µm) and novel JWST images with 14 filters spanning 0.8−5µm, including 7 mediumband filters, and reaching total exposure times of up to 46 hours per filter. We combine all our data
at > 2.3µm to construct an ultradeep image, reaching as deep as ≈ 31.4 AB mag in the stack and
30.3-31.0 AB mag (5σ, r = 0.1” circular aperture) in individual filters. We measure photometric
redshifts and use robust selection criteria to identify a sample of eight galaxy candidates at redshifts
z = 11.5 − 15. These objects show compact half-light radii of R1/2 ∼ 50 − 200pc, stellar masses of
M⋆ ∼ 107−108M⊙, and star-formation rates of SFR ∼ 0.1−1 M⊙ yr−1
. Our search finds no candidates
at 15 < z < 20, placing upper limits at these redshifts. We develop a forward modeling approach to
infer the properties of the evolving luminosity function without binning in redshift or luminosity that
marginalizes over the photometric redshift uncertainty of our candidate galaxies and incorporates the
impact of non-detections. We find a z = 12 luminosity function in good agreement with prior results,
and that the luminosity function normalization and UV luminosity density decline by a factor of ∼ 2.5
from z = 12 to z = 14. We discuss the possible implications of our results in the context of theoretical
models for evolution of the dark matter halo mass function.
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...Sérgio Sacani
The ambient solar wind that flls the heliosphere originates from multiple
sources in the solar corona and is highly structured. It is often described
as high-speed, relatively homogeneous, plasma streams from coronal
holes and slow-speed, highly variable, streams whose source regions are
under debate. A key goal of ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter mission is to identify
solar wind sources and understand what drives the complexity seen in the
heliosphere. By combining magnetic feld modelling and spectroscopic
techniques with high-resolution observations and measurements, we show
that the solar wind variability detected in situ by Solar Orbiter in March
2022 is driven by spatio-temporal changes in the magnetic connectivity to
multiple sources in the solar atmosphere. The magnetic feld footpoints
connected to the spacecraft moved from the boundaries of a coronal hole
to one active region (12961) and then across to another region (12957). This
is refected in the in situ measurements, which show the transition from fast
to highly Alfvénic then to slow solar wind that is disrupted by the arrival of
a coronal mass ejection. Our results describe solar wind variability at 0.5 au
but are applicable to near-Earth observatories.
A brief information about the SCOP protein database used in bioinformatics.
The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for the structural and evolutionary relationships of proteins. It provides a detailed and curated classification of protein structures, grouping them into families, superfamilies, and folds based on their structural and sequence similarities.
Observation of Io’s Resurfacing via Plume Deposition Using Ground-based Adapt...Sérgio Sacani
Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes
on Io’s surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes.
Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a groundbased telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large
Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io’s trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK-VIS images
show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part
of the long-lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth-based telescopes. The SHARK-VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io’s surface using adaptive
optics at visible wavelengths.
Introduction:
RNA interference (RNAi) or Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) is an important biological process for modulating eukaryotic gene expression.
It is highly conserved process of posttranscriptional gene silencing by which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) causes sequence-specific degradation of mRNA sequences.
dsRNA-induced gene silencing (RNAi) is reported in a wide range of eukaryotes ranging from worms, insects, mammals and plants.
This process mediates resistance to both endogenous parasitic and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids, and regulates the expression of protein-coding genes.
What are small ncRNAs?
micro RNA (miRNA)
short interfering RNA (siRNA)
Properties of small non-coding RNA:
Involved in silencing mRNA transcripts.
Called “small” because they are usually only about 21-24 nucleotides long.
Synthesized by first cutting up longer precursor sequences (like the 61nt one that Lee discovered).
Silence an mRNA by base pairing with some sequence on the mRNA.
Discovery of siRNA?
The first small RNA:
In 1993 Rosalind Lee (Victor Ambros lab) was studying a non- coding gene in C. elegans, lin-4, that was involved in silencing of another gene, lin-14, at the appropriate time in the
development of the worm C. elegans.
Two small transcripts of lin-4 (22nt and 61nt) were found to be complementary to a sequence in the 3' UTR of lin-14.
Because lin-4 encoded no protein, she deduced that it must be these transcripts that are causing the silencing by RNA-RNA interactions.
Types of RNAi ( non coding RNA)
MiRNA
Length (23-25 nt)
Trans acting
Binds with target MRNA in mismatch
Translation inhibition
Si RNA
Length 21 nt.
Cis acting
Bind with target Mrna in perfect complementary sequence
Piwi-RNA
Length ; 25 to 36 nt.
Expressed in Germ Cells
Regulates trnasposomes activity
MECHANISM OF RNAI:
First the double-stranded RNA teams up with a protein complex named Dicer, which cuts the long RNA into short pieces.
Then another protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) discards one of the two RNA strands.
The RISC-docked, single-stranded RNA then pairs with the homologous mRNA and destroys it.
THE RISC COMPLEX:
RISC is large(>500kD) RNA multi- protein Binding complex which triggers MRNA degradation in response to MRNA
Unwinding of double stranded Si RNA by ATP independent Helicase
Active component of RISC is Ago proteins( ENDONUCLEASE) which cleave target MRNA.
DICER: endonuclease (RNase Family III)
Argonaute: Central Component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)
One strand of the dsRNA produced by Dicer is retained in the RISC complex in association with Argonaute
ARGONAUTE PROTEIN :
1.PAZ(PIWI/Argonaute/ Zwille)- Recognition of target MRNA
2.PIWI (p-element induced wimpy Testis)- breaks Phosphodiester bond of mRNA.)RNAse H activity.
MiRNA:
The Double-stranded RNAs are naturally produced in eukaryotic cells during development, and they have a key role in regulating gene expression .
1. WESTERN CANADIAN
SELECT EXPLAINED
Oil Sands Magazine • February 20, 2016
Western Canadian Select is often advertised as Canada's
discounted heavy oil produced exclusively for the US
market. But there's a lot more to that story ...
2. What is Western Canadian Select?
WCS is North America's largest heavy oil
benchmark comprised of:
20 heavy conventional oil streams
Athabasca bitumen from the Alberta oil sands
upgraded bitumen, or light synthetic crude oil (SCO)
condensate, added to reduce pipeline viscosity.
3. What is a benchmark?
A benchmark is a specific grade of crude oil
priced out of a specific location:
West Texas Int.
• 39.6° API
• 0.25% sulphur
• Cushing, OK
North Sea Brent
• 38.3° API
• 0.37% sulphur
• Sullom Voe, UK
W. Cdn Select
• 21° API
• 3.3% sulphur
• Hardisty, AB
4. Why was WCS created?
There are dozens of different heavy oil streams produced
in Western Canada, each with varying degrees of quality.
Each grade of oil requires separate pipeline and storage
space, creating a marketing and distribution nightmare.
In order to fix this problem, 4 oil producers - Suncor,
Cenovus, CNRL and the former Talisman Energy, created
the WCS heavy oil blend in 2004.
5. What are the specs for WCS and
how "heavy" is this crude?
WCS is heavy (bordering on
medium) on the API scale and
quite sour, having a sulphur
content well above 0.5%.
20.5 to 21.5° API
3.0 to 3.5% sulphur
925 to 935 kg/m³
6. How does WCS compare to other
benchmark crudes?
US refineries balance out light domestic oil with heavy
foreign imports, such as WCS. WCS is closest in quality
to Mexican Mayan crude.
Average API US produced crude: 40 to 45°
Average API US oil imports: 20 to 25°
Average API US refinery input: 32°
7. Why is heavy oil so desireable?
High-conversion refineries make more money by
processing heavy sour crude, such as WCS. These
refineries crack and coke the heavy crude "bottoms" and
remove all traces of sulphur to produce value-added
low-sulphur gasoline and diesel fuels.
8. How much heavy oil does
Canada produce?
Canada produces about 4 million bbl/day of crude oil.
Western Canada produces 2.8 million bbl/day of heavy
oil, much of it from the oil sands.
Western Canada also produces 400,000 bbl/day of
conventional heavy oil.
9. How much of
Canada's heavy oil
is upgraded into
light sweet crude?
35% of Alberta's heavy oil
is upgraded into light
synthetic sweet crude oil.
The remaining 65% is
blended and sold to market
as heavy sour crude oil,
including WCS, diluted
bitumen and conventional
heavy oil.
Canadian heavy oil sales to
market by type:
10. Where does all this Canadian oil go?
Production: 4 Mbbl/day
Consumption: 2 Mbbl/day
Exports: 3 Mbbl/day
Imports: 1 Mbbl/day
Canadian crude oil ... 95% of Canada's heavy oil is
exported to the US. Most of
Canada's conventional light oil is
processed in Canadian refineries.
East Coast refineries import
foreign oil due to pipeline
constraints.
11. Where is Canadian
heavy oil consumed?
Only 14% of Canada's oil is
exported to the Gulf Coast due
to pipeline constraints. Gulf
Coast (PADD III) refineries rely
heavily on crude-by-rail and
would have benefited greatly
from the Keystone XL pipeline.
Destination for Canadian
oil exports to US:
64% of Canada's oil is exported
to PADD II refineries, centred
around Chicago, IL. PADD II has
a refining capacity of 3.8 million
bbl/day.
PADD III has triple the refining
capacity of PADD II.
12. How is WCS priced?
Unlike other benchmark crudes, WCS Crude Oil
Futures Contracts reflect the differential to WTI and
not the actual WCS price. WCS contracts trade on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Monthly average
settlement prices are also posted on the National
Energy Board (NEB) website.
13. Is WCS cheap because it's heavy & sour?
Sale price is a function of transportation costs, not
quality. For example:
California Kern is the heaviest N. American crude, much
heavier than WCS but sells on par with WTI. The Kern blend
is processed directly in California refineries with minimal
transportation costs.
Mexican Mayan crude is identical in quality to WCS but sells
for $10/bbl more due to easy access to Gulf Coast refineries.
US refinery feedstock price at point of discharge, USD/bbl (Sep. 2015 average from EIA & NEB )
14. Who pays the transport costs?
Benchmark prices reflect the sale price at the point of delivery,
commonly termed FOB (free on board). The refinery has to
factor in crude shipment to its facility. A refinery will always
pick the cheapest crude, so high shipping costs will drive down
the selling price. Therefore, the same stream of crude will
have a different selling price at different locations.
15. What's the best way to increase
the sale price of WCS?
LOWEST
WCS
DISCOUNT
CLOSEST
BIGGEST
CUSTOMER
CHEAPEST
SHIPPING
METHOD
KEYSTONE
XL PPL
US GULF
COAST
HIGHER
WCS PRICE
+ =
16. The End!
For more information on Canadian heavy oil,
be sure the check out our website:
www.OilSandsMagazine.com