Micropatterned Surfaces for Fouling-Resistant Oil Sands Instrumentation

The Canadian oil sands industry has undertaken substantial research and development efforts aimed at improving oil sands tailings treatment processes, with the goal of reclaiming tailings deposits and returning the environment to its natural state. Instrumentation plays a key role in optimizing tailings processing, but implementation of new technology has been hampered by issues related to fouling due to residual levels of bitumen present in tailings streams. The proposed research will investigate surface engineering techniques aimed at reducing or eliminating fouling. In particular, microscopic patterns inspired by natural materials such as shark skin will be laser-etched into materials commonly used in tailings instruments, such as stainless steel or sapphire. Successes in this area would improve process reliability, reduce maintenance requirements, and allow commercial application of promising new instruments. The knowledge gained through this project will increase the understanding of the utility of surface patterning for processes in the oil sands and other industries.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anne-Marie Kietzig

Student:

Partner:

Coanda Research & Development Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: