Interface Fluidics Company Profile

Background

Overview

Interface Fluidics is a Calgary-based technology company specializing in advanced fluid analysis solutions for the energy sector. Established in 2015, the company leverages microfluidic technology to provide rapid, cost-effective, and repeatable fluid testing services under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. This innovative approach enables energy companies to gain critical insights into fluid behavior at the pore scale, facilitating more informed decision-making and optimized resource management.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to revolutionize fluid testing in the energy industry by offering accessible and efficient solutions that enhance operational performance and environmental sustainability. Its vision is to empower energy companies with precise fluid property data, thereby improving financial outcomes, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring the responsible development of oil and gas assets.

Primary Area of Focus

Interface Fluidics focuses on providing comprehensive fluid analysis services, including fluid screening, compatibility analysis, and property measurement. These services are crucial for applications such as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) programs, hydraulic fracturing, pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) testing, and flow assurance projects. By delivering insights into fluid behavior under actual reservoir conditions, the company supports energy operators in optimizing production strategies and mitigating operational challenges.

Industry Significance

In an industry where efficient resource extraction and environmental stewardship are paramount, Interface Fluidics stands out by offering a technology-driven solution that addresses traditional testing inefficiencies. Its services contribute to reducing chemical usage, minimizing freshwater consumption, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the global shift towards more sustainable energy practices.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Innovation in Fluid Analysis: Develop and deploy cutting-edge microfluidic technologies to enhance the accuracy and speed of fluid property testing.

Operational Efficiency: Provide energy companies with tools that streamline testing processes, reduce costs, and improve decision-making timelines.

Environmental Responsibility: Support the energy sector in minimizing environmental impact through optimized resource utilization and emission reductions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Assess and optimize chemical interactions to improve oil recovery rates.

Hydraulic Fracturing: Evaluate fluid compatibility and performance to enhance fracturing efficiency.

PVT Testing: Conduct rapid and accurate pressure-volume-temperature analyses to inform reservoir modeling.

Flow Assurance: Identify and mitigate issues related to fluid flow in pipelines and production systems.

Key Technologies Utilized

Microfluidics: Employ microfluidic platforms to simulate reservoir conditions and analyze fluid behavior at the pore scale.

Nanotechnology: Utilize nanofluidic systems to conduct precise fluid measurements under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.

Optical Visualization: Implement optical-access technologies to provide real-time visual insights into fluid interactions and phase behavior.

Primary Markets Targeted

Oil and Gas Operators: Provide services to upstream companies involved in exploration and production activities.

Energy Service Providers: Collaborate with service companies offering drilling, completion, and production services.

Research Institutions: Partner with academic and research organizations focused on energy and fluid dynamics studies.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Since its inception, Interface Fluidics has secured multiple rounds of funding to support its technological advancements and market expansion:

Series A Funding (August 2019): Raised $4.5 million USD from Equinor Technology Ventures and Techstars. This investment aimed to expand the company's capacity to meet growing market demand and accelerate the development of its nanotechnology platform.

Series B Funding (November 2021): Secured $6.7 million CAD ($5.4 million USD) from five investors, including Equinor Ventures. The capital was intended to accelerate the deployment of the company's compact, rapid fluid testing technology, reducing the need for hazardous chemical shipments and expediting test results.

Total Funds Raised

To date, Interface Fluidics has raised over $11 million USD across its funding rounds, underscoring strong investor confidence in its innovative approach to fluid analysis in the energy sector.

Utilization of Capital

The funds have been allocated towards:

Technology Development: Enhancing and scaling the microfluidic and nanofluidic platforms to improve testing capabilities.

Operational Expansion: Increasing production capacity and operational efficiency to meet the needs of a growing customer base.

Market Penetration: Expanding the company's presence in key markets and establishing strategic partnerships to drive growth.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Interface Fluidics is actively developing several innovative solutions to address specific challenges in the energy sector:

SapphireLab® Pro+: A compact system designed to replace traditional PVT cells, slim tubes, and rising bubble apparatus. It offers full heat tracing of the fluid path, live sample handling, and optional sour service capabilities.

Stages of Development

The SapphireLab® Pro+ is in the advanced stages of development, with successful demonstrations and pilot programs conducted in partnership with industry leaders.

Target Conditions

The technology is tailored for high-pressure and high-temperature environments, accurately simulating reservoir conditions to provide reliable fluid property data.

Anticipated Milestones

Commercial Deployment: Expected to be available for widespread use in the near future, offering a modern alternative to traditional fluid testing methods.

Industry Adoption: Anticipated rapid adoption by energy operators seeking efficient and accurate fluid analysis solutions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

SapphireLab® Pro+ System: An advanced microfluidic platform that enables rapid and accurate fluid testing under reservoir conditions, providing visual insights into fluid behavior.

Significant Scientific Methods

Microfluidic Testing: Utilizes microfluidic chips to simulate reservoir conditions, allowing for precise measurement of fluid properties with minimal sample volumes.

Optical Visualization: Employs optical-access technology to observe and analyze fluid interactions in real-time, enhancing the understanding of phase behavior and fluid dynamics.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Tom de Haas: Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. With a background in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in microfluidics from the University of Toronto, Tom has led the company's growth from inception to a global customer base. He is a frequent speaker on innovation in energy and fluid science.

Stuart Kinnear: Executive Advisor and Co-Founder. Serving as CEO from 2015 to 2025, Stuart has over a decade of experience leading teams in the oil and gas industry. He now provides strategic guidance and leadership in developing and managing the company's initiatives.

David Sinton: Executive Technology Advisor and Co-Founder. A professor in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto, David holds the Tier I Canada Research Chair in Microfluidics and Energy. He has published over 300 academic papers and has over 49,000 citations, contributing significantly to the field of microfluidics.

Ali Abedini: Chief Operating Officer. With over 15 years of experience in subsurface engineering, microfluidics, and technology commercialization, Ali oversees strategic management, technical execution, R&D, business development, and product commercialization. He has authored over 75 peer-reviewed publications and holds multiple patents in microfluidics for subsurface energy and storage.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The fluid analysis market within the energy sector is evolving, with increasing emphasis on efficiency, accuracy, and environmental responsibility. Companies are seeking innovative solutions to optimize resource extraction and reduce operational costs.

Competitor Analysis

While specific competitors are not detailed in the available information, companies offering traditional fluid testing services and emerging technologies in microfluidics and nanotechnology represent the competitive landscape. Interface Fluidics differentiates itself through its proprietary SapphireLab® Pro+ system, which offers rapid, accurate, and cost-effective fluid analysis under reservoir conditions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

Equinor Ventures: Led the Series B funding round in November 2021, demonstrating confidence in Interface Fluidics' technology and its potential applications in carbon emissions reduction.

Techstars Energy Accelerator: Partnered with Interface Fluidics in 2018, providing mentorship and resources to accelerate the company's growth and technological development.