RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

12 are continuing our detailed investigations on the intricate sorption behavior of CO 2 and H 2 O on potassium-promoted hydrotalcites for SEWGS and related applications, while various novel sorption-enhanced processes are being explored (e.g., for CO 2 hydrogenation and dimethyl carbonate formation). In particular, we will pursue direct air capture (and biogas cleaning) and the possibilities for process intensification via additive manufacturing, direct electrical heating and integration with CO 2 hydrogenation steps. We anticipate further studies into the effects of cohesive, attractive or repulsive particle behavior in fluidized beds; ongoing investigations include fouling and agglomeration, effects on heat transfer and phase transition, e.g., wet particle hydrodynamics, the effect of Van Der Waals forces and electrostatic forces (triboelectrification). For example, the hydrodynamic behavior of gas-solid fluidized beds (minimum fluidization velocity, solids circulation patterns and bubble behavior, etc.) is being investigated, including its influence on the mass and heat transfer processes. Using Euler-Lagrange simulations, the prevailing phenomena are being studied in detail on the small scale with the aim of improving closures for coarse-grained and phenomenological models. We are currently investigating the possibilities to reduce fouling in fluidized bed-drying equipment by means of anti-static agents and lubricant/anti-adherent powders. With an experimental setup developed in-house, we have already measured how the heat transfer from immersed heated surfaces suffers heavily from fouling layers and how the use of particular agents can significantly help in preventing this. A topic area integrating thegroup’s long-standingexpertise on chemical looping and fluidization engineering is the newly sparked research direction on metal fuels. The concept involves the storage of excess sustainable energy as reduced metal particles (e.g., iron), which provides a safer and more condensed way of storing energy compared to e.g., hydrogen. The energy can be recollected by burning the metal particles. The group is currently involved in various partnerships on research into the reduction and the oxidation steps. Here too, the inter-particle forces will play a significant role, strengthening the connection between these research lines. Our research on bubbly flows will be continued, employing both state-of-the-art direct numerical simulation models (front-tracking model) and a discrete bubble model. Our DBM has been developed with a unique model to simulate homogeneous and heterogeneous bubble nucleation and is particularly suited to enhancing the fundamental understanding of the performance of fermentation processes as well as electrochemical processes. This model has subsequently been used to develop improved Euler-Euler models using a population balance approach. Finally, we are currently working on extending our multiphase reactor models and experimental analysis techniques with machine-learning based components; these novel technologies are now relatively easy to train and integrate into our existing models and the sheer amount of research data we have stored in our group provides a good basis for training. Viability The emerging circular economy and electrification of the chemical industry offers many chances to process intensification; many processes are being redesigned or developed in this respect. Moreover, advances in machine learning and additive manufacturing provide a whole new perspective on what is possible in the development and analysis of experiments and numerical data. We are setting foot in the field of waste plastic recycling through pyrolysis and biomass conversion to novel circular products (e.g., thermosets); our expertise on fluidization,membrane reactors and chemical looping may provide the key ingredient to increasing conversions and steering desired and undesired reactions.