Grant: Industrial Research Chairs

This proposal is put forward for the renewal of the current NSERC-Industry Research Chair in Oil Sands Engineering at University of Alberta, in partnership with NSERC, Alberta Innovates-Energy and Environmental Solutions, Syncrude Canada, Suncor Energy, Shell Canada/Albian Sands, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Total E&P Canada, Statoil, Teck Metals, Baker Hughes, Nalco Canada/Champion Technologies, and Outotec. Built on the current strength in oil sands engineering research at the University of Alberta, this renewal of the chair focuses on interfacial sciences and molecular engineering as applied to bitumen production from oil sands using both mining-extraction and thermal in situ production, aiming to improve bitumen resource utilization and to minimize environmental impact of oil sands development by reducing energy intensity and water usage through innovative design and operation of processes. The program renewal will continue to provide a route to educate and train the next generation of scientists and engineers in the field of interfacial science, molecular engineering, mineral processing, environmental science and technology and chemical engineering; develop leaders of industry and academia; and forge an association with industry in which the chair program provides scientific leadership to help overcome present and future challenges.