. the bitumen is upgraded at scotford using both hydrotreating and hydroconversion processes to remove sulfur and break the heavy bitumen molecules into lighter products . blendstocks acquired from outside sources are utilized in the production of our saleable products . the upgrader produces synthetic crude oils and vacuum gas oil . the vacuum gas oil is sold to an affiliate of the operator under a long-term contract at market-related prices , and the other products are sold in the marketplace