Generally, we accept that our lives are governed by chemistry, that series of seemingly random reactions and elemental collisions make up most of our lived experiences. Adding organization and optimization to these processes are catalysts. In addition, these substances are often necessary for chemical processes to occur smoothly and effectively by reducing the initial energy required to kick-start the reaction.
“When it comes to chemistry and process engineering innovation, we often like to talk about chemical reactions as the solution. However, what we really should be focusing on is optimizing the catalysts of these reactions,” explains Pedro Pereira Almao, Ph.D. and Chief Technology Officer of NanosTech.
This is where NanosTech has carved out a unique and competitive niche for itself in the world of chemistry by specializing in the production of catalysts that can be introduced into existing technologies to help them occur more efficiently and cost-effectively.
A prime example of this is NanosTech hallmark In-situ Upgrading Technology (ISUT), which enables energy producers to achieve a more environmentally friendly, higher quality oil via the injection of a nanocatalyst directly into operating reservoirs. These catalysts subsequently speed up a series of naturally occurring reactions, eventually forming a fixed-bed reactor on-site, resulting in the production of high-quality, low-API oil, which is partially upgraded. Thus, reducing the need for extensive amounts of steam for extraction, which in turn reduces net greenhouse gas emissions of the recovery process.
NanosTech plans to expand this technology beyond the oil sands, with the potential of transforming its home base of Calgary, AB, into a catalytic hub that can provide innovative solutions to an array of companies operating in Canada’s emerging cleantech sector.
This ideology has led to the development of Nova, a broadly applicable oil refining technology rooted in catalytic technology that can convert any oil of any origin, be it bitumen to low-cost renewables, into a high-value commercial product with minimal capital investment.
What underpins all NanosTech’s emerging technologies is their one-of-a-kind proprietary catalysts and processes with creativity being the only limitation on how and where they can be applied.
Contact us for more information. www.nanos.tech
