Smoke formation dynamics observed from near-field wildland fire sensor deployment in prescribed burning & Automation of haul truck fleet in Alberta mining and the environmental benefits

We are pleased to invite you to our next CPANS Edmonton luncheon, which will feature two exciting topics.

About the presentations:

Topic 1: Smoke formation dynamics observed from near-field wildland fire sensor deployment in prescribed burning

This talk will present results from sensor deployment near fire-front in a prescribed wildfire in Alberta. The research was conducted through collaboration of Alberta Forestry, Environment and Protected Areas, Canadian Forest Services, and University of Alberta. A network of five low-footprint portable sensors were deployed at downwind locations within 500-1000 meters from active fire. Sharp increase of fire-generated pollutants including particulate matters (PM) were observed within few minutes of fire ignition. Rise of PM_2.5 concentration from ambient level to an order of 1000 µg/cm³ along the direction of plume propagation were recorded. Strong spatial variability of plume pattern was observed with two of the five sensors located in the close vicinity not observing apparent changes in air parameters. Sequence of smoke formation through flaming and smoldering phases of fire were identified through the characteristics of plume and propagation. Prospects of low-footprint sensors in wildfire monitoring will be discussed.

Topic 2: Automation of haul truck fleet in Alberta mining and the environmental benefits

There are interests in global mining industries towards automating the operations of extraction, processing, and transport. An anticipated cost reduction of $1 per barrel is expected from automation in Alberta oilsands mining. This seminar will present recent research initiatives taken by the Centre for Sensors and System Integration at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in automating the inspection process of an autonomous mining haul truck fleet. Technology overview on sensor, camera, and robotic integration towards an automated system for inspection and data-driven decision making through ML and AI based predictive analytics will be provided. Outcome of automation in reducing emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases will be discussed. Alignment of technology innovation, automation, and digitization with economic and environmental benefits will be highlighted.

About the Presenters:

Quamrul Huda, Ph.D., P.Eng.

Quamrul Huda is presently working as the JR Shaw Research Chair in Industrial Automation at the Centre for Sensors and System Integration in Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering under the Commonwealth Scholarship award in U.K. and had his post-doctoral research under the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship award. Quamrul has research accomplishments in electronic materials, nano devices, semiconductor processing, microelectromechanical systems, optoelectronics, and laser spectroscopy. He was a recipient of the Government of Alberta’s Innovation Fund Award for leading the development of IoT-based low-footprint air monitoring systems. Quamrul led projects on remote sensing technologies, automation & digitization, environmental monitoring, wildland fire, and quantification of large-area and fugitive greenhouse gases emissions.

When:

May 8th, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Venue:

University Club, University of Alberta
11435 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G9

The U of A campus is accessible via light rail transit and bus. Attendees are encouraged to use public transit or ride-share. *** New: Parking is available at the Windsor car park (Note: You cannot park at the V-parking lot) ***

Registration:

Please register by Tuesday, May 6 to secure your spot and ensure we order the correct number of lunches. Online registration and payment options, including credit card payments, are available through the links below:

In-Person Registration:

Member Registration ($40)

Non-member Registration ($50)

Student Registration ($15)

Webinar Registration:

Group Webinar Registration ($80)

Single Webinar Registration ($20)

Season Pass Option:

Member Seasonal Pass ($280)

Non-Member Seasonal Pass ($350)

Season Pass Registration grants access to all seven remaining Edmonton luncheons, offering a valuable opportunity to network and gain continuous professional insights throughout the season.