Innovative Projects Realized

Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers Reinforcement in Precast Segmental Tunnel Linings

With the development of tunnel construction techniques, precast segmental tunnel linings (PCTLs) have begun to play a crucial role in preserving ground surfaces and solving traffic problems in metropolitan areas. In parallel with growing interest in PCTLs, engineers are in the search of solutions that improve precast production efficiency and obtain higher structural performance. The application of glass fiber-reinforced-polymer (GFRP) reinforcement as a substitute for the traditional steel rebars in PCTL segments, could represent a suitable solution to the challenges of underground construction in terms of maintenance cost and durability. In this project, three phases including a series of structural tests on novel PCTL segments reinforced with GFRP reinforcement are proposed. The three phases include characterization of curvilinear GFRP rebars to be used in segments; structural testing of PCTL segments in the structural laboratory, University of Sherbrooke; and finite element analysis to optimize the design parameters for different load scenarios. Different parameters will be considered including size and grade strength of GFRP bars, longitudinal reinforcement ratio configuration of transverse reinforcement (closed and U-shape stirrups), and concrete type. A validated finite-element model will be used to extend the parameters and to minimize the project cost in a design-oriented parametric study.

Mechanical design of prototype down hole products, test rigs and manufacturing equipment for oil and gas sector

Down hole tools in the oil and gas (O&G) industry has long been used to increase the oil recovery and limit unwanted products like water, sand and steam. RGL is a world leader on both Sand control and Flow control products, with a focus on technology driven solutions. Various sand screens, slotted liner designs, flow control devices and shifting tools are in development in the engineering and research group. A critical understanding of the science behind the measured phenomena is pursued with fundamental research in partnership with the UofA. Applied research is conducted in house through the proLAB team, and once the research is taking shape in the form of a product, the Engineering services team engage to design and develop the product, the manufacturing methods and equipment and the process documentation.
The aim of this project is to engage students, skilled with drafting and design capabilities, to grab hold of a specific product or research area and develop the opportunity into a commercialized product, or improve the equipment and process through design changes, under the supervision of the lead Mechanical Engineer.

Determinants of Successful Public and Private Financing in the Rare Earth Sector

This research project will examine the key factors contributing to the financing success of Canadian rare earth producers from both private and public markets, including Initial Public Offerings on Toronto Stock Exchange and Mergers and Acquisitions transactions. The results from the research will be used to provide an analysis tool for Byron Capital Markets investment banking division to improve their clients’ access to the capital markets in order to support their growth optimally at different stages. In the short run, the result will help the client to achieve successful IPO financing, and in the long run, it will benefit the firm to discover the field of potential strategic alliance (Mergers and Acquisitions) and increase the firm’s deal flow.

Characterization and Techno-economic Feasibility of Physical Separation of Rare Earth Elements in Coals from East Kootenay Coalfields, British Columbia

Rare Earth Elements (REE) are a group of 17 elements in the periodic table including 15 lanthanides and two transition metals: Scandium and Yttrium. These elements are used in a wide variety of products including light-emitting diodes, wind turbines, fiber optics, lasers, batteries, guidance systems, and superconductors. Due to supply restrictions, the elements are classified as critical elements. Coal deposits with enriched concentrations of valuable trace elements are referred to as metalliferous coals or coal-hosted metal deposits. These metalliferous coal deposits or coal-hosted metal deposits are viewed as a potential source of metals, and attempts have been made to extract aluminum, gold, platinum group metals, vanadium, and zinc. Further, coal deposits with enriched concentrations of REE are identified across the world. With critical supplies of REE, these coal deposits are currently being assessed as secondary sources for exploitation. This study focuses on understanding the presence of REE in BC coalfields and study the potential enrichment using physical separation processes.

The potential of utilizing existing oil refineries to produce low carbon fuels via co-processing

Mitigating climate change will need to decrease the demand on fossil fuels and developing low carbon fuels. Co-processing biogenic feedstocks in existing oil refineries could provide significant amount of low carbon fuels as well as displacing the demand on fossil fuels. The proposed research work with an oil refinery who is commercialising co-processing oleochemical feedstocks in their facility. The work is expected to help to gain a better understanding of the impacts of adding biogenic feedstocks and building a “predictive” model, which could help the refinery to further optimize its process and be more energy efficient. The results will also motivates other refineries to adopt co-processing as a way to decarbonise and transform into a low carbon economy.

Network security and machine learning development projects

The main objectives of this one-year study are to enhance systems in data management and integration in three ways: 1) create secure networks that can support BYOD; 2) create a data pipeline system for ETL; and 3) integrate ML content generation into a content management system. An Agile methodology will be used to plan and implement the projects on which the interns will work. This approach is widely used in software development and is based on collaboration, continual improvement and adaptation.

A Dynamic Predictive Lead Scoring System for Inside Sales

Lead scoring is essential for lead management. The result of lead scoring is a list consists of leads with scores assigned indicating how likely each lead can be converted into the next stage of sales process. The Lamb or Spam and the Rule-Based are the two lead scoring methods that have been discussed in the literature. As various machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence started to reemerge, predictive lead scoring models seem to be the next promising solution for lead scoring activity. This research project aims to develop a dynamic predictive lead scoring system that leverages on predictive analytics to automate lead scoring process based on historical customer data for a more accurate and reliable result. The outcome of this research project will demonstrate the value of application of data-driven predictive analytics in inside sales by offering business practitioners a model that can help optimize resource allocation and ultimately improve company success.

Game Metrics for Physiology-Based Health Games

In this proposed internship project, a new methodology towards the use of game metrical data to rate

player’s behavior and motivate behavioural change will be explored. Together with the Ayogo Games

(a game development company which takes special interest in the development of serious and health

games, see http://ayogo.com/), a concept for an adaptable game based on different data sources should

be developed. Ayogo Games offers a unique possibility to work in a company with experience in both,

health and social game development. The internship brings complementary expertise and experience in

game metric collection and analysis to the collaborative project.

Investigating the affect of chlorine carbides on fracture toughness in zirconium alloys used for nuclear applications – Year two

Zirconium alloys are used extensively in nuclear reactor cores for key components such as fuel assemblies and pressure tubes. It is extremely important that the in-service behavior of these components is well characterized to ensure they remain fit-for-service. This work will investigate the relationship between harmful impurity elements, specifically chlorine, and the fracture toughness of a zirconium alloy, Zr-2.5Nb. It is known that chlorine results in the formation of tiny precipitates, which are particularly damaging because they tend to cluster and form elongated voids, termed fissures. Despite there significance there is a lack of mechanistic understanding concerning the formation of fissures, which this fellowship aims to remedy. The work is a collaboration with Canadian Nuclear Laboratory (CNL) who support the Canadian nuclear industry through their expertise on the in-reactor behavior of core components. This fellowship will be mutually beneficial to Queen’s University and CNL as Queen’s University is home to a new state-of-the-art nuclear materials characterization suite; and will be the centre of the bulk of the research carried out as part of this work. This will allow for high-impact publications and a more thorough understanding of the effect of chlorine on the fracture toughness Zr-2.5Nb

Investigating the affect of chlorine carbides on fracture toughness in zirconium alloys used for nuclear applications

Zirconium alloys are used extensively in nuclear reactor cores for key components such as fuel assemblies and pressure tubes. It is extremely important that the in-service behavior of these components is well characterized to ensure they remain fit-for-service. This work will investigate the relationship between harmful impurity elements, specifically chlorine, and the fracture toughness of a zirconium alloy, Zr-2.5Nb. It is known that chlorine results in the formation of tiny precipitates, which are particularly damaging because they tend to cluster and form elongated voids, termed fissures. Despite there significance there is a lack of mechanistic understanding concerning the formation of fissures, which this fellowship aims to remedy. The work is a collaboration with Canadian Nuclear Laboratory (CNL) who support the Canadian nuclear industry through their expertise on the in-reactor behavior of core components. This fellowship will be mutually beneficial to Queen’s University and CNL as Queen’s University is home to a new state-of-the-art nuclear materials characterization suite; and will be the centre of the bulk of the research carried out as part of this work. This will allow for high-impact publications and a more thorough understanding of the effect of chlorine on the fracture toughness Zr-2.5Nb

Shipping Container Code Classification and Prediction

BlueNode is a SaaS company focused on the sanitation and analysis of marine shipping data. The research project is focused on increasing the precision and accuracy of shipped goods processed through Canadian ports. Should the research prove the be successful, the technical methods used with be directly incorporated into the BlueNode system.

Smart Atlantic Buoy Redundancy Model

This research will provide a prediction of sea conditions at a given location based on measurements from meteorlogic and oceanographic ‘smart’ buoys in the general area. The motivation is to provide redundancy in the measurement of sea conditions for safe navigation within the Halifax Harbour when the main smart buoy in Halifax Harbour fails or is unavailable.
The current Halifax Harbour Smart buoy provides real-time wind and wave data that is used to determine if levels are within acceptable thresholds in order to move vessels within the harbour. Two additional buoys are operated in the harbour by other entities (Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). This research project will determine if a model can be derived from the additional two buoys to make a prediction about the expected measures from the Halifax Smart buoy.