
NRC — Refrigerated material test laboratory (Cold test labs) Research Facility
Last Update: January 24, 2025
NL, Canada
Cold test lab in St. John's, Newfoundland
NRC — Refrigerated material test laboratory (Cold test labs) Research Facility at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Researchers And Facilities
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Grant Providers
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
- Government of Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the NRC — Refrigerated material test laboratory (Cold test labs) Research Facility program
Fee-for-service material testing at cold temperatures, with a variety of equipment for ice preparation, video recording and data acquisition.
Eligible projects & activities
The NRC's Refrigerated Material Test Laboratory is suited for projects that require precise material testing at low temperatures for the marine industry. These activities are supported by state-of-the-art equipment and testing facilities, advancing research and innovation in harsh, cold environments.
- Conducting uni-axial compressive and tensile strength tests using force measurement load cells.
- Performing tests with linear variable differential transformers, extensometers, and accelerometers.
- Utilizing triaxial cells for material testing under confining pressure.
- Employing video recording and data acquisition to analyze test results.
- Preparing and handling ice samples using specialized ice preparation equipment such as manual-3 axis milling machines and lathes.
- Testing materials in a variety of conditions using a 1 MN load frame and a 100 kN load frame with adjustable variables.
- Engaging in general laboratory work requiring temperature-controlled environments.
- Facilitating long-term storage of ice and other materials in temperature-maintained conditions.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 60,000
Ice preparation and testing for Arctic supply chain logistics
$ 90,000
Uni-axial compressive and tensile strength testing for marine coatings
$ 75,000
Material testing for offshore wind turbine components in cold temperatures
$ 100,000
Material testing for submarine cables in icy conditions
$ 90,000
Testing and analysis of ice-resistant coatings for shipping containers
$ 85,000
Data acquisition and analysis of ice behavior for polar research
Eligibility criteria of the NRC — Refrigerated material test laboratory (Cold test labs) Research Facility program
Eligibility criteria for this grant:
- Applicants must be involved in material testing for the marine industry.
Who is eligible?
This grant targets companies or industries involved in material testing, particularly within the marine industry, and those looking for precise measurement and analysis capabilities at low temperatures.
- Organizations in the marine industry requiring specialized equipment for material testing in low-temperature environments.
- Companies involved in research and development seeking to de-risk and demonstrate innovative technologies.
- Industries looking for support in bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization.
- Entities involved in advanced engineering for complex water environments.
Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Companies outside the marine industry.
- Companies not involved in material testing.
- Companies that do not require low temperature testing.
Eligible expenses
The NRC laboratory provides essential testing capabilities that support industry efforts in the marine sector. The projects and activities that could benefit from these facilities include material testing under low temperatures and using various specialized equipment.
- Material testing for uni-axial compressive and tensile strength in marine industry applications.
- Ice preparation and testing using advanced milling machines, lathes, and ice growth tanks.
- Development of testing protocols using force measurement load cells and extensometers.
- Utilization of triaxial cells for testing material behavior under confining pressures.
Eligibility criteria of the NRC — Refrigerated material test laboratory (Cold test labs) Research Facility program
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Technical merit of the proposed research
- Relevance and potential impact on the marine industry
- Innovation and technical feasibility of the project
- Capability of the research team to carry out the proposed work
- Potential for knowledge transfer and commercialization
How to apply to the NRC — Refrigerated material test laboratory (Cold test labs) Research Facility program
1
Review the grant eligibility criteria
- Content: Understand the specific requirements and focus areas of the grant.
- Implications: Ensures that the project aligns with the grant's objectives and increases the chances of a successful application.
2
Prepare the application documents
- Content: Gather all necessary information and documentation for the application, such as project details, budget estimates, and supporting materials.
- Implications: Proper documentation is essential for a complete and well-rounded submission.
3
Submit the application
- Content: Follow the specified guidelines for submitting the application, including deadlines and required format.
- Implications: Timely and accurate submission is crucial to be considered for the grant.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for potential grant applicants working with the NRC laboratory:
- The facility is highly specialized for ice and material testing in marine environments, providing a unique opportunity for applicants needing such services.
- Applicants can leverage the laboratory's comprehensive range of equipment for both testing and data acquisition purposes.
- The NRC's experienced research staff are an asset, bringing extensive expertise in handling advanced engineering projects within marine settings.
- Collaboration with the NRC can aid in bridging the gap between technological innovation and market commercialization, providing de-risking opportunities.
Contact National Research Council Canada (NRC)
nrc.contactocre-contactezgocf.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Apply to this program

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