OSPE - The Voice - June 2017 - 9

news

nanoflotation technology for oil sands water
treatment

spearheading pacemaker technology
John Hopps, P.Eng., is considered the Father
of Biomedical Engineering in Canada. Hopps
produced an electrode that could stimulate
the lining of the heart and shock irregular heart
contractions into a normal rhythm, without opening
a patient's chest. The early pacemaker was too large
for implantation, but in 1958, the pacemaker was
implanted into a human for the first time.

David Bromley, P.Eng., invented a cost effective "Nanoflotation"
technology that reduces the energy required to filter water involved
in oil sands mining operations by up to 65%. The technology uses
a concentrated ionically charged environment to separate colloidal
solids from the fluid medium for removal. The process reduces
carbon emissions during water treatment, and reduces the number
of chemicals required to treat process water by 86%. Nanoflotation
allows oil sands operators to reuse all process water, thereby reducing
the size of tailings ponds and amount of offsite disposal from oil
sands mining operations.

Pre-eminent advocate for the advancement
of women in engineering
Improving locomotive safety
and efficiency
Elijah McCoy was an African-Canadian
mechanical engineer who patented over 50
inventions, including the portable ironing board
and lawn sprinkler. McCoy is best known for
his self-regulating drip-cup lubricator, which
drastically improved efficiency and safety
aboard locomotives and in factories and mines
in the early 1870s.

Dr. Monique Frize, P.Eng., was the first woman to graduate from
the University of Ottawa with a degree in electrical engineering. A
renowned researcher in the field of biomedical engineering, Dr. Frize
has more than 250 peer-reviewed publications on subjects like medical
imaging, biomedical instrumentation and ethics. Throughout her
career, she also worked in developing countries like Bangladesh and
Haiti, helping manage their medical devices. Dr. Frize, who wrote a
book about the experiences of pioneering women in engineering, has
always championed the advancement of women in the profession.
In 1993, she was inducted as an Officer of the Order of Canada, the
country's highest civilian honour.

The COunTdOwn COnTInues!
OSPE aspires to create a list that reflects the diversity of our members and the industries within which
Ontario's engineers work. Share your favourite examples of Canadian engineering with OSPE by:

@O_s_P_e

* Sending articles about Canadian engineering innovations
* Submitting photos that showcase Canadian engineering in action
* Explaining how your engineering-related research or work impacts society and how we live
Contribute your ideas to OSPE's Canada 150 list by emailing stories@ospe.on.ca or by reaching out to
@O_S_P_E on social media (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook) with the hashtag #OSPECan150.
You can also check in with OSPE's social media channels for engineering-themed Canada 150 facts and
informative posts.

#OsPeCan150

We look forward to working together to elevate the understanding and appreciation of the engineering
profession!
June 2017

The VOICe

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of OSPE - The Voice - June 2017