Nova Scotia company develops ‘smart’ equipment for safer pipelines

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Turbulent Research to commercialize groundbreaking technology, improving pipeline efficiency and environmental safety

September 4, 2020 – Bedford, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency - ACOA

Successful offshore and onshore oil and gas operations require well maintained pipelines. Making effective use of available technology such as Pipeline Inspection Gauges (PIGs) that clean and inspect pipelines to prevent leaks and environmental damage is critical to the success of the sector. To this end Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovations like this, and businesses that are developing and commercializing technology to improve performance and protect the environment.

Federal support for new inspection tool means more efficient and safer pipelines

The Honourable Geoff Regan, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced an investment of $349,875 in Turbulent Research Incorporated. The funding, provided through ACOA, supports the commercialization of a new device to track PIGs technology and provide real-time data as they move through pipelines.

Location data is communicated to customers such as pipeline operators, inline inspection companies and oil field service businesses with internet-connected devices. This enables them to quickly and accurately determine the exact location of defects such as cracks, dents, deformities and corrosion, reducing the time and cost of finding and correcting defects, while protecting the environment.

With this support, Turbulent Research can increase its capacity to produce more PIGs detection devices at a lower cost and with shorter lead times. This is a critical requirement for the company’s commercial success as it pursues export opportunities.

Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to the development and commercialization of innovative technology products that promote sustainable economic growth. This support is needed now more than ever as businesses work to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quotes

“As our economy reopens, we’re taking action to ensure that Atlantic Canadian companies have what they need to support good, local jobs and succeed. This investment from ACOA will help Turbulent Research continue its cutting edge work, expand operations and create jobs. Our message is clear: we’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help Atlantic Canada’s economy come back strong.”
    -     The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Turbulent Research is yet another example of a made-in-Atlantic Canada innovation company creating intelligent products to address global problems. Safe and efficient pipelines are of critical importance in Canada and countries around the world. Support for companies like Turbulent Research will accelerate innovation, ignite real growth and create more well-paying jobs for Atlantic Canadians.”
    -      The Honourable Geoff Regan, Member of Parliament for Halifax West

“We are extremely happy to be receiving this assistance from ACOA. This project will allow us to produce this exciting new technology more efficiently, at lower cost, and at significantly higher volumes than we have been able to achieve in the past. The increased capacity gained through this endeavor will allow us to expand our workforce, improve our global competitiveness and significantly boost our export sales.”
     -      Chris Loadman, President, Turbulent Research

Quick facts

  • Turbulent Research has developed an autonomous device that detects PIGs as they move through pipelines and communicates location data via a cellular or satellite internet connection.

  • Web-based position information reduces the time and cost of finding and correcting defects.

  • The funding announced today includes a repayable contribution of $300,000 to support the production of the company’s PIGs detection devices and a non-repayable contribution of $49,875 to engage technical expertise to support software development.

  • Both contributions are provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Fund, which helps businesses adopt innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity and competitiveness.

Associated links

Contacts

Alexander Cohen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
alexander.cohen@canada.ca

Chris Brooks
Communication Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Chris Loadman
President
Turbulent Research
902-417-2015
chris@turbulentresearch.com

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