New approaches are required to secure our food supply in response to the growing world population, rapid diversification of pests, and accelerating weather-related impacts of climate change. Suncor has recently developed a new category of plant immune aids that activate a plant?s native immune system to induce a range of beneficial responses, including greater resistance to both pest-based and weather-based environmental stresses, while avoiding some of the downstream challenges associated with existing pesticide and fertilizer use. Through this collaboration with Dr.

Sound localization involves the triangulation of the location of a sound source by recording it on multiple microphones. One potential application of sound localization technology is to monitor the movements of vocalizing animals passively, without the need for a human observer. This project aims to further develop and test sound localization technology, then to apply the technology to monitor the movements and behaviours of birds in Alberta’s oilsands region in the vicinity of inactive well pads in burned and unburned areas.

Annually, large number of tailings samples are collected by operators and sent to laboratories for measurement of Methylene Blue Index (MBI). This procedure is costly, time-consuming, and results are a function of the methods used and personnel expertise. In prior research we developed predictive models for the quick and consistent estimation of tailings MBI from hyperspectral measurements using a limited number of dry samples.

Increasing the productivity of agricultural fields is essential to secure our existing food supplies and provide for the growing world population. In this context, pesticides and fertilizers play an essential role in both increasing crop yields, as well as enhancing crop defenses against environmental stresses such as drought, pests, or diseases. However, the application of existing chemical pesticides and fertilizers can lead to potential downstream environmental issues.

In 2009 the Government of Ontario enacted the Green Energy Act (GEA) to promote the development of renewable energy projects. Subsequently, the importance of wind generation both for electricity generation and in public debate has grown dramatically in Ontario. While the GEA simplified the regulatory process for developing renewable energy projects, wing turbine siting has become increasingly contentious in many Ontario communities.

Direct Contact Steam Generators (DCSGs) for use in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage generate flue gas containing steam and C02 which can be injected into reservoirs to aid bitumen recovery with part of the C02 remaining underground. The objectives of this project are to understand mechanisms of C02-stearn bitumen rate enhancement and determine the amount of C02 stored during the recovery process. Reservoir simulation modeling of C02 and steam injection will be done in parallel to Suncor's steam-C02 co-injection field pilot.

Delayed coking is an integral process in upgrading heavy, unusable crude oil to lighter, usable products such as gasoline. Coke drums are insulated, vertically oriented cylindrical pressure vessels that facilitate such a process. Due to the process of delayed coking, these drums are subjected to cyclic thermal-mechanical loading and episodes of thermal shock. One of the potential areas of failure is the shell-to-skirt junction. A skirt assembly is used to support the vessel while allowing for the drum to transition from cylindrical to conical in geometry at the bottom of the coke drum.

The process of an oil and gas reservoir being “soured” by hydrogen sulphide is complex due to the many operations (e.g. changing production methods and waterflooding). The phenomena of souring occurs in most reservoirs were secondary or enhanced oil/gas recovery takes place. Hydrogen sulphide casues a number of operational and safety problems such as scaling, air quality issues, and corrosion. Due to the reactivity of sulphur, the process that produces the hydrogen sulphide and related sulphur compunds is a complex chemical and biological process.

Suncor Energy Inc. and Memorial University will collaborate on a research program for three Master’s student interns to study the crustal structure and geological history of the petroleum-bearing Flemish Pass Basin and adjoining Central Ridge, offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.