#840: Genome Alberta: Preventing Pipeline Corrosion From Microbes

Dr. David Bailey

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INNOVATION ANTHOLOGY  #840

Environmental damage from pipeline spills is definitely a top of mind issue for the public.

Researchers funded by Genome Alberta are looking at what role microbes play in corroding pipelines.  Also, what can be done to prevent or mitigate this corrosion, thereby reducing the risk of pipeline spills in arctic or marine environments.

Dr. David Bailey is the President and CEO of Genome Alberta.

DR DAVID BAILEY:  One of the major problems in moving energy in the form oil or bitumen is the corrosion in the pipelines leading to spills.   And a big factor in that is the microbial community that is actually breaking down the material and allowing that seepage to happen. And this is a very interesting and timely project led by the University of Calgary but with involvement with the University of Alberta and Memorial University, because it is both on shore and off shore.  And that microbial induced corrosion is a huge topic globally, not just here.  But the expertise exists here in Canada, and principally in Alberta and Newfoundland.  

Dr. David Bailey says this research will help improve pipeline integrity and reduce the risk of spills.

Learn more at InnovationAnthology.com

I’M CHERYL CROUCHER


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Alberta Innovates

Alberta Innovates is a provincially funded Corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. We do this by building on our province’s research and technology development strengths in the core sectors of health, environment, energy, food and fibre and platforms such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and omics. We are working with our partners to diversify Alberta’s economy, improve our environmental performance and enhance our well-being through research and innovation. 

The Alberta Innovates system has roots stretching back almost 90 years

In March, 2016 the consolidation of Alberta Innovates was announced and on November 1, a single, integrated innovation powerhouse, Alberta Innovates, was formed. Two applied research subsidiaries – Innotech Alberta and C-Fer Technologies –  serve public and private sector interests.

The Alberta Innovates system was first created in January 2010, as part of an overall innovation framework developed within the Alberta Research and Innovation Act. At that time, four corporations were established:

  • Bio Solutions
  • Energy and Environment Solutions
  • Health Solutions
  • Technology Futures.

The Alberta Innovates system has a 90-year legacy. Our expertise is built on the successes of:

  • Alberta Institute for Agriculture
  • Forestry and the Environment
  • Alberta Agricultural Research Institute
  • Alberta Forestry Research Institute
  • Alberta Life Sciences Institute
  • Alberta Ingenuity
  • Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
  • Alberta Research Council
  • iCORE
  • nanoAlberta
  • Alberta Water Research Institute (AWRI)
  • Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI)
  • Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA).

 

Program Date: 2017-01-24