Ilmenite ore as an oxygen carrier for pressurized chemical looping reforming: Characterization and process simulation

•PCLR appears to be a promising option for the production of diluent at SAGD facilities.•Partial reduction of ilmenite ore to Fe2.5+ and Fe2+ containing species is required to avoid the production of CO2.•Steam and diluent requirements can be met, with excess power generation, at lower costs than traditional syngas technologies.•CO2 emissions targets can be met, while reducing boiler feed water (BFW) make-up.