Optical instruments maker gets R&D funding support

Burnaby, BC – Controls and sensors manufacturer Photon Control says it has received a $160,000 research and development contribution from the National Research Council industrial research assistance program. The funds are earmarked for development of optical products including a steam flow meter and sensors for gas analysis and for novel methods of measurement of pressure and temperature in heavy oil extraction.

Along with other controls and sensors, the company is also developing a range of optical gas flow meters. It says the benefits of light over electricity include immunity to electromagnetic and RF interference, absence of hazards from electrical arcing or sparking, and no susceptibility to corrosion and short-circuiting.

“We are very pleased to have the support of the NRC to accelerate development of these products which are of great interest to our industry partners," says Bob Blair, the company’s executive chair and president. "We appreciate the continued support and the additional resources of the IRAP program as they work with us on our strategy to complete commercialization with key partners.”