Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is requesting funding from the NSERC Applied Research Tools and Instruments program for a high speed centrifuge and an oxygen bomb calorimeter to allow SAIT's Environmental Technologies applied research and innovation group to significantly expand their capacity and technical support to industrial partners in the fuel assessment area. The proposed equipment will support a growing portfolio of applied research projects in green fuel, emulsion technology and physical separation technologies, such as filtration and sedimentation that would be used in environmental and manufacturing processes. These innovations are being developed in response to the new energy and environment regulations and the need to improve environmental performance of industry. The use of a high speed centrifuge and an oxygen bomb calorimeter will allow local small and medium-sized enterprises to measure fuel quality, assess the contaminant removal efficacy and product quality; and consequently further develop and commercialize the green fuel technologies and processes in Canada. The equipment will also contribute to the development of advanced infrastructure that will attract, retain and produce highly qualified and skilled personnel. Involving students will enable them to have real-world industry training and experience, which they can apply to their future professional endeavors. Through current and anticipated industry projects, SAIT staff, students and industry partners will gain hands-on training in the assessment of separation technologies and the assessment of fuels. *