Projects
Influence of plasma on mixing behaviour and reaction kinetics in a slag cleaning reactor KU Leuven
This project focuses on a thorough understanding of the plasma-controlled fuming process. The aim is to achieve a thorough understanding of the multi-phase flow behavior and process kinetics, to improve energy efficiency and operational parameters in the plasma fumer.
Mechanistic insight into hard-to-cook development in common beans: Integrating reaction kinetics and state diagrams KU Leuven
In recent years, the shift toward plant-based foods has largely increased the global awareness of the nutritional importance of legumes and their potential role in sustainable food systems. Common beans are and have been a staple source of affordable proteins and micronutrients for many people in developing nations and the increasing demand for healthy and sustainable foods in developed nations has seen a revival of interest in legumes ...
Optimization of thermal waste processing: CFD study on aspects of flow, heat and mass transfer, chemical kinetics and thermodynamics KU Leuven
The general aim of this dissertation is to study the flow, heat and mass transfer, kinetics, and thermodynamics of thermal waste processing using a numerical approach. More specifically, this thesis seeks to provide tools that assist engineers of Waste to energy (WtE) plants in determining optimal operation in terms of burnout and energy recovery with a minimum risk of corrosion. To this end, two specific objectives are defined. The primary ...
Software Enhanced Research iN Transient kinetics Ghent University
The microKinetic Engine (μKE), an existing user-friendly software for steady-state simulation purposes which is ready for commercialization, will find a totally new application area by incorporating the ability to account for important transient occurrences commonly encountered in industry, e.g., startup, shutdown and perturbations of the continuous flow reactor operation. The implementation of a transient solution strategy will also render ...
Graphene as a sensing platform for the adsorption and desorption kinetics of gas molecules on few-atom clusters KU Leuven
Few-atom clusters show great promise as catalysts for a number of industrially relevant chemical reactions due to their high reactivity and size-dependent physical properties. To fully exploit their catalytic properties, a detailed understanding of the adsorption and desorption reaction of gas molecules on the clusters is of paramount importance. In this regard, graphene offers interesting possibilities. Graphene, a two-dimensional material ...
Observations and Modeling of the Solar wind Kinetics KU Leuven
Observations are crucial for expanding our knowledge of solar wind physics, but their impact can be dramatically enhanced if they are complemented by theoretical and numerical modelling built on the base of the plasma conditions encountered by satellites. The aim of this work is to produce numerical support for the interpretation, but also anticipation, of in situ measurements carried out in the inner heliosphere. Our focus is on the ...
Accurate Computational Studies of Catalytic Reaction Mechanisms and Kinetics KU Leuven
The aim of the work will be to gain quantitative insight into catalytic reaction mechanisms using computation. One possible target system will be the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of boronates with aryl halides. Many existing experimental and computational studies have considered this reaction, but there still remain insignificant areas where improved understanding would be highly beneficial. After an extensive literature review, the ...
Intensified production of renewable fuels based on fundamental thermodynamics and elementary kinetics Ghent University
As fossil resources are depleting fast due to the increasing world population and associated energy
and chemicals demand, it is of strategic importance to search for renewable alternatives.
Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising renewable resource which can be converted into jet and
diesel fuels as well as chemicals via routes that include aldol condensation and hydrogenation
reactions. At present, ...
Kinetics of the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane n Ni based materials at high pressures and moderate temperatures Ghent University
Ethane oxidative dehydrogenation is a reaction characterized by high desired product selectivities at low reactant conversions. Performing such reactions at higher pressures and moderate temperatures has promising perspectives. Aiming at proposing a commercially relevant reactor design, CeO2 modified Ni based catalysts will be synthesized, characterized and tested. A microkinetic model will be developed and embedded in a multiscale reactor ...