R&D; activities undertaken by the Industrial Systems Optimization team aim at developing methods and tools that optimise industrial processes. This includes enhancing the energy performance of existing equipment, such as dryers, or the optimization of energy and water consumption over an entire industrial site. R&D; activities that are ongoing or in development include:

• Developing analysis tools to optimize steam production and utilization in complex industrial sites;
• Developing methods to simultaneously optimize water and energy networks in industrial sites;
• Optimizing the planning and operation of cascade separation systems, particularly membrane systems for both liquid and gaseous separations;
• Performing opportunity analysis and technology assessment on the conversion of pulp and paper sludge into energy;
• Applying data mining techniques to improve wood processing performance and save energy in sawmills and other manufacturing sectors (PDF, 313 KB);
• Performing scoping study on the application of soft-sensors to improve process operation and energy performance;
• Specific projects: the Centre will assist businesses or research organizations wanting to solve specific questions related to the optimal management of industrial resources, mainly energy, water and hydrogen.

Undertaking R&D; projects requires the collaboration of multiple partners, including consultants, universities, research centres, and manufacturers. These partners represent the following industrial sectors: Pulp and Paper, Petrochemical, Oil Refining, Iron and Steel, Chemicals, and Food and Drink. We are constantly striving to develop our partnerships and to put our expertise at the service of Canadian industry.

Partnerships may take the form of research and development agreements, research consortiums, collaboration on demonstration projects, or setting up seminars or training sessions.