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Process Dynamics and Operations

Intensified processes

Objective of the research activities in this area is to develop, investigate, and improve intensified processes. These processes aim for energy savings, reduced demand in space and costs, and replacement of harmful or toxic compounds by deploying integrated and novel unit operations and materials. This incorporates thermal and physical separation processes with and without reaction, as well as tunable liquid multiphase systems. Key elements of the performed research are the systematic analysis of phenomena and operability on the lab scale and the subsequent transition to the mini-plant or pilot-plant scale, as well as the incorporation of model-based methods for process analysis and control.

Research Approach

  • Development and analysis of new intensified unit operations and their integration into process systems
  • Proof of concept for intensified processes in fully automated mini-plant systems, conducting long-term continuous operations
  • Screening and analysis of novel catalysts, membrane separation materials, and adsorbents
  • Reduce process development time through close feedback between lab scale and mini-plant scale
  • Improve understanding of process behavior using early stage model development based on first experimental results
  • Enabling robust and optimal control of complex process units applying advanced process control strategies
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Contact person

Markus Illner

markus.illner@tu-berlin.de

+49 30 314-26695

Organization name Process Dynamics and Operation
Building KWT-A
Room KWT-A 112

Intensified Separation Systems

Adsorption and absorption processes

Set up and operation of a multi-purpose mini-plant system for the fast track on-site testing of scrubbing fluids for CO2 and SO2 absorption under industrial conditions. Augmentation of process automation with underlying models to ensure fast and robust operability, as well as reduced experimental effort.

High Gravity Machines

Investigation of mass transfer of absorption and distillation processes in centrifugal fields using Rotating Packed Beds (RPBs). Application of RPBs enables space and CAPEX savings through enhanced micromixing and mass transfer, as well as possibility to use high specific surface area packing materials.

Integrated Reaction-Separation Systems

Tunable liquid multiphase systems

Switchable surfactant containing reaction media are investigated to enable the efficient and highly selective conversion of long-chained oleo-chemicals in a macroscopically homogeneous system. Quantitative catalyst recycling and product separation is then enabled by the distinct phase separation behavior of microemulsion systems.

Membrane reactors

Developing and utilizing membrane reactors and fluidized bed membrane reactor for catalytic oxidative processes to increase reaction selectivity and yield. This covers especially the integration of product separation, using dual-membrane reactor and dense-selective membrane concepts.