Innovative Projects Realized

Techno-economic analysis of different SAF pathways

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will be urgently required to decarbonize the aviation sector and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Different production pathways are already well identified, but the technical and economic challenges and impacts of deploying these pathways are still poorly understood. This project aims at exploring different SAF pathways (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene, HEFA-SPK; Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene, FT-SPK, from biomass and waste; Power-to-Liquid). It will characterize the required production infrastructure and their cost and will identify the key possible obstacles to scaling up such supply chains. From key inputs to market access, economic and other challenges will be analyzed to help speed up the development of SAF supply chains.

Mathematical Modelling of Coke Formation in Thermal Cracking Units

Thermal cracking of ethane (from natural gas) is used to make ethylene, a chemical used for producing plastics. Thermal cracking occurs in metal tubes that pass through a furnace, where heat generated in the combustion chamber outside of the tubes makes the cracking reactions inside the tubes occur at high rates. Coke is an undesirable side product that deposits on the inner surface of the tubes during ethane cracking, influencing rates of chemical reactions and the distribution of chemical products that emerge from the reactor. Companies who operate thermal cracking furnaces want to have a thorough understanding of the chemical reactions and operating conditions that influence ethane cracking, coke formation and coke removal. The objective of this research is to develop and validate a model (i.e., a set of mathematical equations inside a computer program) that NOVA Chemicals will use to predict coke formation and removal in industrial cracking furnaces. The model will account for a detailed list of chemical reactions and will predict coke accumulation in response to changes in reactor operating conditions and furnace design.

Multilingual NowLLM – Benchmarking

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L2M – VisioConTech

The proposed project, VisioConTech, aims to revolutionize construction site monitoring through the implementation of automated, real-time systems designed to enhance safety, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency. Traditional monitoring methods, which rely heavily on human observation, are inherently prone to errors and delays, frequently resulting in significant budget overruns and heightened safety risks. VisioConTech leverages advanced computer vision technology to deliver continuous, objective surveillance, autonomously detecting, classifying, and tracking construction vehicles, equipment, tools, and personnel. This innovation substantially mitigates safety risks by identifying potential hazards before they result in accidents.

Moreover, VisioConTech’s system generates reliable data regarding the construction process, facilitating the estimation of costs and the identification of operational bottlenecks. This capability enhances operational efficiency by providing accurate, real-time information that supports informed decision-making and proactive resource management, leading to optimized project timelines and reduced delays.

The uniqueness of this project lies in its application of the latest advancements in AI and computer vision, specifically tailored to the complex and ever-changing environment of construction sites. VisioConTech ensures higher productivity and safety, directly addressing critical industry challenges. By minimizing accidents, reducing rework costs, and improving overall project management, VisioConTech provides a strategic advantage to construction companies. This comprehensive solution sets a new benchmark for technological integration in construction management, offering significant benefits to partner organizations and advancing the industry’s standards.

L2M –Optical emission spectroscopy for quality monitoring and controlling in wire-arc directed energy deposition process.

The project aims to improve the quality of 3D-printed parts by developing an in-situ nondestructive method that combines spectroscopy with Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). This involves using a spectrometer and developed algorithms to monitor the welding process, providing comprehensive material characterization during the 3D printing process. Implementing this in-situ sensor will improve process quality control and produce more reliable and efficient components with potential mechanical and microstructure properties.

L2M-3Dimension Thermal Imaging System

This project addresses the main problem in utilizing Additive Manufacturing (AM) in industries like oil and sands and aerospace, which is the assurance of the quality of the part. This project is a novel approach to providing 3-dimensional thermal data from the 3D printing process, which can provide valuable data and allow engineers to delve into the mechanical properties and microstructure of each point of as-built parts. Previously, 2D thermal data was provided for the process, but this device is providing the position-wise thermal data. During this internship, the entrepreneurial skills of the intern will improve. Also, by interviewing a group of experts the product will be polished for industrialization.

Hivelighter: Read Like Me

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Optimisation du réseau logistique d’une entreprise oeuvrant dans le domaine du textile médical

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Vers un modèle hybride économie-ingénierie des systèmes énergétiques

Vers un modèle hybride économie-ingénierie des systèmes énergétiques: comment améliorer l’évaluation des politiques énergétiques et climatiques dans le modèle d’équilibre général calculable NAGEM, notamment en améliorant le lien avec le modèle d’optimisation NATEM?

Quantitative Scanometry using Smartphones

The health care system in both developing and developed countries are strained by the need for expensive diagnostic instruments and techniques, as well as a lack of medically trained personnel. An inexpensive, easy-to-use technique is proposed to be studied for use in medical and/or point-of-care diagnositics by performing a test on a piece of plastic and analyzing the results of the test using a smartphone camera and app, and sent to a doctor remotely for further action or analysis. The study will focus on biological markers of diseases in humans, though no human samples will be tested at this point. We will assess the feasibility of using this detection platform and to determine how it compares to methods currently used by laboratories in hospitals to diagnose or monitor patient conditions.

Effect on the reaction kinetics and degree of conversion when dental resins are light cured for short (3 s) exposure times

When you go to the dentist and receive a white filling, this resin filling is hardened in the tooth using blue light from a dental curing light. Health Canada classifies curing lights as Class I Medical Devices, but they do not test if the manufacturer’s claims are correct. There are many different brands of lights and dental resin fillings on the market. The instructions for most dental resins recommend that the resin filling should be light cured for 10 or 20 seconds, but some brands of lights claim that they can successfully cure (harden) the resin filling in only 1 to 3 seconds. Dentists are confused about who to believe, which light they should buy, and how long they should it for. This is important because more undesirable chemicals are released from undercured resin fillings and these chemicals have been shown to have a detrimental effect on the reproductive functions in animals. This project will tell manufacturers and dentists if it is acceptable to light-cure dental fillings in the mouth in 1 to 3 seconds. The project will also determine if some filling materials can be acceptably hardened (light-cured) with the curing light faster than others.

Devant Platform User Experience Research

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