2025 Project Achievement Award Recipient

This Alberta-based project led by Ahmad Raza Khan Rana, P.Eng., has set a new standard in pipeline safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Faced with critical challenges, such as corrosion under insulation, stress-corrosion cracking, and thermal losses in moisture-saturated thermal insulation, the project developed groundbreaking solutions that are reshaping the oil and gas industry.

The most pivotal solutions were a multi-layered insulation system and insulation ventilation system, enabling the drying of moisture-saturated insulation without needing to remove it. These advancements help prevent corrosion under insulation and stress-corrosion cracking while preserving thermal efficiency. By reducing insulation waste, the project prevents tons of landfill per kilometre of pipeline and significantly decreases carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in a profound environmental impact.

The project’s success has garnered regulatory approvals from the Alberta Energy Regulator and adoption from Canadian and international oil and gas operators. Intellectual property generated by the project includes peer-reviewed publications and Canadian and U.S. utility patents. These achievements have sparked economic growth, creating multi-million-dollar projects, generating local jobs, and supporting 10 graduate students at Canadian universities over five years. Rana explains that the most rewarding part of his career so far is to work on these innovations that have created hundreds of jobs for the local workforce.

“Being a professional engineer means to think and act to make the world better and more livable. We can change the communities around us through sustainable projects and innovations with care for the public and environment.”

Rana’s leadership and innovation reflect his technical expertise and commitment to Alberta’s engineering excellence. The project’s lab and field tests at the University of Alberta, Dalhousie University, and the steam-assisted gravity drainage facilities in northern Alberta have advanced materials science and set a benchmark for sustainable practices.

This initiative addresses immediate industry challenges and contributes to a more sustainable and efficient future for Alberta’s energy sector, setting a global example.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

• Non-Metallics Innovation Award, Middle East Metallurgy Corrosion and Coatings Expo (2025)
• Emerging Professional, ASTM (2024)
• Engineering Award, Engineers Nova Scotia (2024)
• Member, APEGA (2024)
• MP Innovation Award, The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (2023)
• Most Impactful Publication Award, The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (2021)
• NACE Graduate Student Book Award (2019)