Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

Lambton College's Bio-Industrial Process Research Centre (BPRC) has been instrumental in bridging a crucial gap in practical research and development (R&D), providing valuable assistance for the advancement and refinement of bio-industrial technologies. Establishing its operations in 2015, the centre obtained a Technology Access Centre (TAC) designation in 2019 and has since emerged as a leader in collaborative R&D. With a robust network of 434 partners, predominately small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), BPRC has actively participated in 333 projects within five years as a TAC. Distinguished by its commitment to supporting the biotechnology sector, the BPRC has established specialized infrastructure. While the current laboratory-scale equipment has proven effective for demonstrating concepts and facilitating in-process development, there is a recognized need for scaling up to validate technologies at larger volumes to achieve successful commercialization. The proposed "Thermal Biomass Conversion Pilot Facility" at Lambton College's BPRC is set to become an advanced facility dedicated to pilot-scale experiments and tests aimed at advancing and validating thermochemical processes for biomass and bio-based materials. The facility will be equipped with upscaled versions of crucial equipment and technology for thermochemical bioprocessing, including reactors, furnaces, gasifiers, and various technologies for grinding, filtration, and ion exchange. This state-of-the-art equipment will strategically position the BPRC to address current and future challenges in the local and national biotechnology sectors, enabling Lambton to meet the industry's needs effectively. Lambton has confirmed an initial six collaborative projects that will use the requested infrastructure with more projects under development. The requested infrastructure underscores Lambton's commitment to advancing energy and bio-industrial technology through practical research and education. It specifically meets the needs of SMEs with promising small-scale technologies, providing essential resources for scaling up towards commercialization. This facility addresses a key Canadian innovation challenge by bridging the gap between lab-scale research and full-scale commercial applications, allowing for the evaluation of the practicality, effectiveness, and scalability of thermochemical bio-processing methods in a real-world setting.