Federal funding supports critical pipeline research

Published on September 07, 2016

A one-time federal grant is helping NAIT – and its industry partners – develop new nanotechnology that could strengthen critical pipelines, reduce the risk of oil and gas spills, and save industry billions of dollars.

NAIT’s Centre for Sensors and System Integration (CSSI; formerly nanoCARTS) today received $369,940 through the Government of Canada’s College-Industry Innovation Fund. The funding supports applied research – currently underway – that is improving the reliability and integrity of micro- and nano-coated pipelines. These coated pipelines can increase the flow of liquid and reduce the likelihood of a failure.

The new technology could save oil and gas companies billions of dollars in downtime and replacement costs.

QUICK FACTS

  • NAIT’s CSSI provides industry with prototyping, product enhancement, testing, and characterization services related to nano- and micro-technology.
  • The facility also helps to expand the range of service available to small and medium enterprises.
  • CSSI was created in the spring of 2012 with $1.75 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Resource Council (NSERC), a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians.

QUOTES
Robert Franz, Director, CSSI
“This funding will enable us to purchase high-level equipment to help address challenging technical issues such as improving the reliability and integrity of pipeline infrastructure within Canada. This will also allow us to attract top talent and train students and faculty on the latest technology that is available.”