Chairholders
Profile
Vita Martez
Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS)
Department of Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS)
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Chair title
NSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in In-Situ Steam Generation and Clean Technologies
Chair program
Industrial Research Chair for Colleges
Role
Senior Chairholder since 2016
Summary
This two-fold Chair program is focused on conducting multi-disciplinary applied-research in: (a) Steam Generation with once-through-steam-generators (OTSGs) for problem-solving steam-tube fouling challenges in-situ energy-production, and, (b) Clean Technologies for accelerating prototype development and demonstration in energy and environmental solutions.
Steam Generation: In the in-situ energy sector, OTSGs effectively produce steam from non-potable, very poor-quality boiler feed water, generating about 80% steam and 20% blowdown waste to prevent dissolved salts and organic-species in the water from tube-fouling and causing failures. Boosting steam generation to 92% will reduce blowdown waste by 8%, increase water recycle rates, reduce make-up water, disposal and GHG emissions. OTSGs are operated at high temperatures and at pressures and their tube heat-exchangers are susceptible to fouling, corrosion, pitting, scale formation and carbon deposition. Preventing tube-fouling in the OTSGs, managing blowdown, increasing water and energy efficiency is one core stream of this program’s Steam Generation research goal.
Clean Technologies: The other core stream of this program’s research goal is to develop prototypes and demonstrate Clean Technologies. Specifically, the key focus is to assist the deployment of innovative low-carbon solutions and carbon management in order to advance cleantech and break-through technologies by using alternative energy (power) and environment (water innovation) to address climate resiliency in relevant energy and environmental sectors.
With industry support, the Chair program, will continue to build upon the underpinning applied-research efforts undertaken during the first-term to successfully launch, build and operate first of their kind OTSGs in Canada that mimic a 1/1000th scale of industrial in-situ OTSG. In the second-term the major areas of research identified in Steam Generation are to:
- Study the tube-fouling factors in the OTSGs, conduct focused investigations and treatment regimes for the prevention and control of deposits and corrosion,
- Assess the steam generation thermodynamics, physical and chemical results and contribute to the best available solutions, best practices and the ESG value-chain,
- Assess conditions and new technologies or treatments for durable operational reliability, reducing GHGs, managing carbon and maximizing energy efficiency.
The major areas of research identified in Clean Technologies are to:
- Investigate GHG reduction, carbon management, alternative and renewable energy tie-in strategies in collaboration with the campus District-Energy living lab,
- Conduct Alternative energy (power) research in cogeneration CHP and energy storage batteries with novel electro-chemical technologies for micro-grids,
- Develop and test novel prototypes to assist small-to-medium-enterprises; assist durable drinking water solutions to remote, rural and indigenous communities.
Dr. Vita Martez is a recognized leader in chemical technology and environmental engineering and brings over 20 years of solution-oriented expertise, and award-winning applied-research experience to the two Steam Generation and Clean Technology streams of this program. She established the Environmental Technologies research group in 2008 which has made significant industry relevant research contributions, trained students and developed HQPs. At CERCUTS she leads and/or participates in industry and non-industry collaborations, consultations and partnerships in both research streams, practices EDI, and contributes to the innovation continuum and the empowerment of next-gen professionals.
Outcomes of this program continue to be significant because it is home to a truly multi-disciplinary science, technology and engineering research team. This is catalyzed through the transfer of the OTSG intellectual property to CERCUTS through COSIA, by top-notch scientists and engineers from the ConocoPhillips R&D facility, and Suncor Energy via the GE Global Research Centre, USA. The multi-disciplinary research interactions with the industry and government advisory, COSIA stakeholders (9 corporations), 6 professors from two AB universities, technology experts, and consultants help to seek, exchange and disseminate new information and provide knowledge, real-world experiential learning and training to students and HQPs. The ongoing Steam Generation research outcomes will continue to contribute to solutions in energy efficiency, water and GHG reduction for our energy sector. Clean Technology research outcomes in CHP, microgrids and water applications, will assist small-to-medium-sized-enterprises to bring their novel technologies to market quickly. Clean Technologies will also help indigenous communities to adopt appropriate, location specific sustainable solutions to address climate resiliency.
Partners
- Clean Resources Innovation Network (CRIN)
- Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA)
- Alberta Innovates Water Innovation
Contact information
Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS)
Department of Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS)
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Fax: -4032104373
Email: Vita.Martez@sait.ca
