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Project

Surface modifications as a strategy to counteract fouling in process equipment

To date, large scale batch processes are still very common in the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The transition to small scale continuous processes can avoid batch-to-batch variability, reduce waste and increase efficiency. In addition, using small volumes and in situ production of hazardous chemicals increases safety and consequently allows a wider range of chemical reactions to be used. Production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals often requires handling solid-laden fluids. This can be problematic, particularly under supersaturated conditions. Particles are prone to deposition on the tube surface, which leads to clogging or blockage of the system. This interrupts the continues operation and requires unwanted cleaning steps. In this research project, surface modifications are investigated to change interactions between particles and tube surface. The goal is to reduce particle adhesion and heterogeneous nucleation in milliliter-scale continuous processes.

Date:28 Aug 2020 →  9 Mar 2023
Keywords:surface modification, clogging
Disciplines:Surface engineering, Surface and interface chemistry, Flow chemistry
Project type:PhD project