Discover Quarry Park Energy Solutions, SAIT's independent hub for industry that focuses on laboratory-scale physical modelling and research.
Under the technical leadership of Dr. Ehsan Aminfar, our team of researchers build on the 50+ year legacy of research conducted by Dr. R.G. Moore and Dr. S.R. Mehta and provide internationally recognized expertise in hybrid thermal and non-thermal processes.
Our research lab
At Quarry Park Energy Solutions, we work as a trusted innovation partner to deliver industry-aligned applied research for:
- optimizing oil recovery performance and efficiency
- improving thermal performance
- reducing operation uncertainty
- driving data-driven decision-making.
The lab’s research produces independent data backed by trust in the industry. Our operations have been developed in collaboration with major industry partners. Research here is future-oriented and cross-disciplinary, covering topics in thermal recovery, combustion science, boiler chemistry, water treatment and energy storage.
What we do
The work done at Quarry Park Energy Solutions focuses on optimizing enhanced oil recovery (EOR) through advanced approaches such as polymers, steam, air and CO2 injection under realistic reservoir conditions.
We provide actionable insights that bridge lab research and field deployment so you can evaluate next generation recovery strategies that improve recovery efficiency, lower emission intensity and extend the productive life of existing reservoirs.
We help address experimental needs for physical modelling, ranging from light to heavy to extra heavy crude, as well as research challenges companies face while working with thermal and non-thermal reservoirs.
As an independent validation facility, we offer:
- access to unique infrastructure, including combustion tubes, advanced PVT analysis, experimental technologies and physical modelling infrastructure that replicates a range of conditions, including pressure and temperature
- controlled 1-D, 2-D and 3-D physical modelling that simulates various EOR processes
- OTSG testing rigs and expertise beyond surface-level testing
- industry-validated methodologies
- a high temperature/high pressure sandbox for physical modelling
- an array of non-thermal and thermal processes, including in-situ combustion studies, steam-assisted recovery simulations, thermal efficiency analysis, reaction kinetics evaluation, gas production characterization and fuel deposition and coke formation analysis.
Working with industry
As a client, you can expect strict data segregation protocols, NDA-driven research engagement and an independent testing environment. With a track record of working in interdisciplinary, multi-partner projects, we ensure that our processes are transparent and documented.
The foundation of our lab remains in thermal excellence. We’re building on the ISCRG’s 50+ year legacy through expanded scope, stronger industry integration, enhanced modelling and accommodating experimental needs for emerging technologies.
How to get started
We begin our research with an initial project inquiry, where together, we can begin to define your needs.
Tell us about your production challenge
Initial technical consultation with our team
Define scope of work associated with effort and costs
Define experimental protocol
Testing and data generation
Technical reporting workshop
Dr. Ehsan Aminfar, PhD
Dr. Ehsan Aminfar is the Scientific Director at Quarry Park Energy Solutions. With over 20 years of applied research and industry experience, Dr. Aminfar’s work bridges laboratory precision with field-scale realities, enabling credible performance forecasting for advanced EOR and emerging technologies.
His experience includes:
- a Masters and PhD in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from University of Calgary’s ISCRG
- developer of a novel 3-D physical model for hybrid SAGD and ISC simulation
- worked as Chair, Oil Sands Leadership Initiative (OSLI) ISC Subcommittee where he led an industry-backed hybrid air/steam injection study
- published at SPE and presented at international conferences
- managing Once Through Steam Generation (OTSG) research, including experience leading SAIT’s OTSG multi-partner research partnership with Pathways Alliance
- application and grant receiver on multiple NSERC Applied Research and Development projects.
Dr. Aminfar’s leadership and research supervision experience, established network within local and international industry and mentorship of reservoir engineering teams reinforce the lab’s training mandate.
Academic relations
Through academic collaboration, the lab works with graduate students from SAIT and other post-secondary institutions in Calgary, creating an applied research training environment. Acting as a bridge between academic and energy operations, the lab is a venue for disseminating research outcomes in thermal and non-thermal fields/disciplines including SAGD and ISC.
Get in touch
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.