Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Oil companies currently use pneumatically-powered chemical injection pumps at most of their well sites. Use of compressed gases sourced directly from the wells to drive the pumps provides a convenient power supply; however, this type of gas driven pneumatic pumps releases significant levels of methane. With increasing environmental concerns, the oil and gas companies will need to explore alternative solutions to maintain their oil extraction levels without compromising the environment. Solar-powered systems can be an alternative solution. However, currently available solar pumps have not been able to meet the industry needs as they are limited by their low reliability and high cost. LCO Technologies developed an initial prototype with a cam-wheel yoke mechanism for its patent-pending pump system which addresses the issues with the existing solar pumps. The design of the LCO pump eliminates the need for high in-rush current during pump start-up operations which will minimize the wear on batteries and the reduce the frequency of battery replacements. It also has an extended autonomy of operation. The design also allows a lower, affordable market price than the products in the market. This Engage Grant-funded project will build a new and improved prototype of the cam-wheel yoke mechanism and housing that addresses limitations of the initial design of the LCO pump. LCO Technologies will use the project results to continue to develop and build the complete pump system, and commercialize it. The proposed project will enhance the expertise and competitiveness of LCO Technologies in the development of solar powered pump systems. It will also enable SAIT to gain unique applied research experience in the design, simulation and modelling of solar powered pumping mechanisms and technologies.