Editing Orimulsion (section)

==Decreasing usage==
Orimulsion is currently used as a commercial boiler fuel in power plants worldwide, including countries such as [[Japan]], [[Italy]]<ref>The ''Torrevaldaliga Nord'' plant in Civitavecchia</ref> and [[China]]. Its usage was previously more widespread, and there was an increasing demand for it. However, following the [[Venezuelan general strike of 2002–03]], many engineers from PDVSA were dismissed. Since Orimulsion had been highly regarded by these engineers, it lost favor among key political leaders.{{dubious|date=August 2014}} Consequently, the Venezuelan government has been attempting to gradually phase out the Orimulsion program, except for its sales to [[China]]. The Venezuelan government maintains close ties with China, similar to its relationship with [[Cuba]]. As a result, China continues to receive supplies of Orimulsion, while the rest of the world either had their supply terminated or is still in the process of winding down. Despite these developments, Orimulsion still holds great potential for domestic consumption.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}}

Another reason given by current PDVSA management is that with rising crude oil prices, it has been found that mixing or diluting Orinoco bitumen (extra-heavy oil) with a lighter crude oil can make this blend more profitable as a crude oil on the world market than by selling it as Orimulsion. An example of this is the popular Merey blend (Orinoco bitumen and Mesa crude oil). ConocoPhillips along with PDVSA operate the Merey Sweeny {{convert|58000|oilbbl/d|m3/d|sing=on}} (bpd) delayed coker, vacuum tower and related facilities at ConocoPhillips' refinery in Sweeny, Texas, U.S.A. for  processing and upgrading heavy sour Merey crude oil.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BNamericas - PDVSA, Phillips Open Sweeny Deep Conversion ... |url=https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/pdvsa-phillips-open-sweeny-deep-conversion-units |access-date=2023-11-17 |website=BNamericas.com |language=en}}</ref>

Air pollutant control technology that is commonly available can limit emissions from Orimulsion to levels considered "[[Best Available Control Technology]]", as defined by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tavel |first=Nelson |date=11 August 1999 |title=ORIMULSION® FACT SHEET: Air Emissions Overview |url=http://www.emfuel.com/elib/elib003.pdf |website=[[emfuel]]}}</ref>