Author: Lambton College
SARNIA, September 20, 2018 – Lambton College’s Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies is officially opened for business.
The newly-renovated, world-class facility, was designed to bring together academic programing, industry-standard training, and research labs.
The official opening comes after a two-year, $14.2 million upgrade of the 34,000 sq. ft. facility, which also included the addition of 7,000 sq. ft. of training space.
Lambton College President & CEO Judith Morris told a large crowd of faculty, staff, students and industry partners that the Centre was established to meet the evolving needs of the energy and bio-industrial sector and solidifies the College’s position as a national leader in education, innovation, applied research and new development for process industries.
The Centre focuses on two major streams: Education and Training, and Applied Research.
At its core, the Centre provides superior post-secondary technology programming and training to domestic and international students, as well as industry partners in energy and bio-based sectors. Additionally, the facilities will support industry and businesses through applied research, development, commercialization, incubation, prototyping, automation, and pilot plant studies to develop new or improved technologies, products, and processes.
“Lambton College’s Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies has been a key contributor in our ability to provide the support required by the incoming bio-industry,” said Morris, at the opening. “We’ve always provided world-class technology programs, and now our evolving teaching methodologies coupled with industry-supported work integrated learning, and state-of-practice training will further result in the provision of highly qualified personnel for the future of these industries.”
In conjunction with educational programming, the College’s applied research initiatives have also been key in establishing the Centre, strengthening the ability for industry to gain access to skilled personnel, funding, and research infrastructure.
To mark the occasion, an 8 ft. robot was brought in to help Morris officially open the building. Guests were also treated to detailed tours of the new lab spaces.
Some highlights of the new facility include:
Water/Waste Water Pilot Lab: This lab is a dual Research/Post-Secondary space and home to Lambton College’s Environmental Technician – Water & Waste Water Operations program. This brand new pilot area was also designed to test and trial technology that has moved beyond the laboratory level. The water pilot area has been equipped with large ceilings, hot/cold water, compressed air, 600V electrical and an option for vacuum and steam if needed.
Steam Boiler Lab: One of the most exciting additions of the Centre’s upgrade is the new 3rd Class TSSA Boiler Lab and Gas Power Plant. This lab is solely for training 4th and 3rd Class Power Engineers on a Gas Cycle Power Plant. The electricity generated in this lab is applied to the College’s own electrical system.
Robotics and PLC Lab: This lab is the new home of Lambton College’s robotic fleet, and features brand new industry leading Fanuc robots. Used by students in the Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology – Industrial Automation and Electrical Techniques programs, these robots can be configured to accomplish various tasks, which were put on display for guests as they cut and served cake during the tour.
Nanotechnology Engineering Lab: This lab supports the Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Renewable Energy and is currently involved in 10 active projects. It features upwards of 25 pieces of equipment designed for energy testing, including XRD, surface analyzers, GC/TCD, battery stations, and much more.
Research Analyzer Lab: This lab contains 30 pieces of sophisticated scientific analysis equipment and supports two research centres: the Bioindustrial Process Research Centre and the Lambton Water Centre. There are currently more than 25 active research projects taking place within this space.
The renovation of the Centre was partially funded by the federal government’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, with additional support from the provincial government. Additional contributions from industry and community partners helped to bring the project to full completion.
“Modern learning spaces are key to helping students develop the skills they’ll need to succeed in tomorrow’s economy. This investment is a down payment on our government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. This means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes.” – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers now have access to world-class facilities designed to advance the country’s best research and provide real-world training for students and professionals.