Transport phenomena in multiphase processes play a major role in many industrial applications and scientific investigations. One of the most interesting aspects is the study of mass transfer and hydrodynamic behaviour in systems which often show complex mutual interactions. In addition, the experimental investigations in liquid/liquid and liquid/gas systems, phenomena such as drop/bubble breakage, drop/bubble coalescence or interfacial instabilities are also investigated in simplified systems. Optical in situ measurements provide local information pertaining to the volume fraction as well as drop-size distribution in such systems.

Experimental and numerical fluid dynamic investigations play a major role in the optimization of appartuses and processes. In recent years, fluid dynamic simulation tools (CFD) have played an important role in unravelling complex multi-phase transport phenomena in close co-ordination with experimental results.  Our group is involved in the application of both commercial as well as non-commercial CFD codes for research, development and technology optimisation.

The field of technical processes includes research activities with complex interactions of unit operations. The enhanced focus on “green” research activities in recent times has triggered interest in the use of biological processes for industrial applications. We deal with various aspects of biological processes, like improved nutrient removal and metabolite production. Membrane processes have been identified as a key technology in water treatment and for process intensification. Our research group investigates several aspects of membrane technology. These include membrane screening, module optimisation and mass transfer modelling, etc. As a natural consequence of our interest in biological and membrane processes, we also direct efforts at the development of membrane bioreactors (MBR) for wastewater treatment. Besides optimisation of MBR processes, we also investigate membrane fouling, nutrient removal and sludge characterisation.

Integrated Chemical Processes in Liquid Multiphase Systems.

more [3]