While at Harvard University in the 1970s and early 1980s, Jonathan Tyler developed instrumentation for the nascent field of molecular biology. At the time, techniques for handling genes at the molecular level were in their infancy. As a biochemist actively involved in research, Dr. Tyler created instrumentation for the manipulation of DNA and proteins in his own lab. Publications arising from his work encouraged other scientists to seek his assistance in designing and developing equipment for their labs as well. As the demand for this service grew, he established the engineering firm Tyler Research Corporation in the United States.
Drawing from an experienced team of molecular biologists, biochemists, physicists and engineers, Tyler Research created proof-of-principle and research prototypes, investigated production methodologies through commercial prototype development, and performed limited run manufacturing of advanced technology instrumentation.
Dr. Tyler joined the faculty of the Department of Genetics at the University of Alberta as an Alberta Heritage Medical Research Scholar in 1981. In 1986, he incorporated Tyler Research in Canada, and concurrently founded the Center for Biomedical Design in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta. He served as Director of Biomedical Design and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta until 1996.
Shortly after leaving the University of Alberta to manage Tyler Research full time, Dr. Tyler was approached by contractors of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to adapt some of his targeted biomedical technologies to the problems of corrosion and fouling in fuel lines of the space shuttle. This marked the beginning of a period of industrial development that eventually encompassed water treatment plants, pulp and paper mills, and the oil and gas sector.
Although much of Tyler Research’s industrial success can be attributed to its underpinning as a biomedical engineering firm, Tyler felt that it could better meet the needs of its clients by spinning off a division dedicated specifically to the industrial sector. This occurred in 2012 with the incorporation of Tyler Advanced Corrosion Technologies (TACT).
TACT Engineering is a full service corrosion and biofouling management company, applying the precision of medical technologies to address the problems of industry.
Environmental Responsibility
Our commitment to helping prolong plant and pipeline life is both cost effective for our clients and beneficial for the environment. While the advantage of preventing spills from corroded and leaking pipelines is clear, titration and continuous monitoring permits the restrained and responsible use of toxic biocides to control biofilms. For established biofilm colonies we strive to purge and maintain control of biofilm growth without excessive use of potentially damaging chemicals. In new installations, the use of TACT Tools from the beginning to monitor and maintain pipeline health can significantly reduce the need for biocides.
