Research

Interests

Preamble

... started with Biochemical Engineering, narrowed down to Environmental Biotechnology and gradually became interested in the broad field of Environmental Engineering.

In this journey, what I learned that Core of Chemical (Process) Engineering like: Transport (Phenomena), Reaction (Engineering) & Thermodynamics (TRT), cuts across other disciplines as well, say Biochemical (Bioprocess) and Environmental Engineering to name a few! My research interests lie at this seamless interface: appreciating and understanding the beauty of these aspects (TRT) in various Environmental and Bioprocess systems for the design of (their) sustainable applications.

Broadly

Environmental Engineering | Environmental Biotechnology | Biochemical Engineering

Specifically

·         Water & Wastewater Treatment
·         Adsorption
·         Fluidization
·         Hydrodynamics
·         Bioreactor Analysis & Design
·         Reaction Mechanism & Kinetics
·         Modeling & Simulation

Interests | Nurturing

Reactor Analysis & Design | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Statistical Thermodynamics

Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought.

.... Albert Szent-Gyorgyi | 1937 Nobel Prize for Medicine

Problems | Addressed

Kinetic Modelling and Simulation of Metallocene Catalyzed Olefin Polymerization
Colour Removal using Fluidized Bed Adsorption with Activated Carbon
Studies on Reversed Jet Loop Reactor for Wastewater Treatment
Generation of Biogas from Industrial Wastewater – Tannery Waste

Work | Exploring

Motivation

In 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th research problems stated above, wastewaters (Liquid) from Dye & Textile Industries, Sago Mill and Tanneries were treated in Fluidized Bed [Liquid-Solid | dye-activated carbon | Physical Adsorption], Loop Reactor [Gas-Liquid | Biological (suspended growth) | Aerobic System] and Contact Filters (Packed Bed) [Liquid-Solid | Biological (attached growth) | Anaerobic System], respectively.

Such 2/3 (multi) phase systems are commonly used for physical, chemical and biological processes. Understanding their (underlying) hydrodynamic and mass transfer (separation) characteristics, helps one to explore their potential in (many) diverse fields of applications. Driven by these ideas, we are focusing on developing an insight into these aspects of many such systems, for instance: first 2 of the following.

Hydrodynamic and Mass Transfer Aspects of Fluidized Beds (FB) : FBs are characterized by good mixing and less resistance to transport between 2- or among 3-phases. This work focuses on understanding, describing and predicting various hydrodynamic and mass transfer aspects of single and multistage L-S fluidized Beds.
Flow Pattern and Transport of Mass in Loop Reactors (LRs) : LRs provide efficient mixing and very high interfacial area for transport between phases. They have simple geometry with very few mechanical mountings & accessories. For instance, they help in avoiding shearing of cells in Biochemical (Bio) Rectors because of characteristic absence of mechanical agitation. Experimentally observed Residence Time Distribution (RTD) curves clearly show internal circulations. This work aims at understanding, describing and predicting flow pattern and various aspects related to transport of mass in loop reactor(s).

Behavior of Non-ideal Vapour and Liquid Mixtures : Activity Coefficient (Excess Gibbs Energy) and Equation of State Models are used for thermodynamic analysis of Liquid and Vapour Mixtures. This work is aimed at developing a comprehensive approach for describing and predicting the behavior of chosen system(s) of vapour and / or liquid mixtures.

Supervision | Guidance

PhD

Kinetic Modelling and Simulation of Metallocene Catalyzed Olefin Polymerization | Nikhil (July 2014) | Co-Supervisor: Dr Sushil Kumar

ME

Flow Pattern and Transport of Mass in Loop Reactors | Karthik (pursuing)
Flow Pattern in Loop Reactors | Lata (May 2017)
Experimental Study and Simulation of the Re-circulating Fluidized Bed Reactor for Chemical Looping Combustion | Abhishek (May 2017) | Co-Guide : Dr. Raman Sharma
Modeling Adsorption Kinetics in Liquid-Solid Fluidized Bed | Sowmya (May 2016)
Removal of Heavy Metal from Industry Grade Wastewater using Bioremediation Process | Snehal (May 2016) | Co-Guide (with) Dr. Suresh Gupta
Study of Coke Calcination Process in Rotary Calciner | Ashwath (May 2015) | Off-Campus | Co-Guide
CFD Simulation of Hydrodynamics in Packed Bed Column | Ashish (Dec 2007)
Adsorption of As (III) on Activated Alumina: Batch & Continuous Studies | Ravichandra (Dec 2006)
30+ Professional & Research Practice and Research Methodology students

BE

Double-Diffusive and Settling-Driven Instabilities in Particle-Laden Flows | Devang Falor (Dec 2017) | Off-Campus FDTS at Univ. of California at Santa Barbara, USA | Co-Supervisor.
Reducing Specific Power Consumption by Modification in V Separator (Static Separator) Bypass Duct | BS | Paresh Kumar (Jan 16) | Co-Guide
A Study on Particle Dynamics in 2-Dimensional Rotating Flow | Roshan (Dec 2014) | Off-Campus | Co-Guide
Simulation and Optimization of Steam Reforming of Natural Gas for the Production of Hydrogen using Aspen Plus | Dhiraj (May 2014) | Co-Supervisor: Dr. Ashish M Gujarathi
Treatment of Ground Water in Pilani | Griffy Angel (May 2009)
Defluoridation of Water | Kalyan (May 2008)
70+ BE Projects | Orientation : Study, Lab, Computer, Design ...

Evaluation | Examiner

PhD : IGCAR Kalpakkam - Feb 2016 | Anna University Chennai - May 2015 | VNIT Nagpur - May 2014. BITS Pilani: Qualifying Examinations, Research Proposals, Draft PhD Theses and Viva-Voce.
ME : MTech: HBTU Kanpur - Oct 2017 | HBTI Kanpur - April 2013. BITS Pilani: ME Dissertations, Research Methodology, Research Practice, PP-II, PP-I.
BE : BTech: MNIT Jaipur - June 2014 | BTech: Banasthali Univ - Jan 2013 & 2012. BITS Pilani: BE Theses, PS-II Projects and BE Projects.

Review

Research paper submitted to Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series A.
Research papers for CURIE Journal (Journal of Cooperation among University, Research and Industrial Enterprises).
Paper/proposal for 2^nd National Convention on Energizing Entrepreneurship through Innovation, 2-3 Nov. 2007, Pilani, India.
Research Papers submitted for seeking financial assistance for attending National and International Conferences (BITS Pilani).
Research Proposals to be submitted to various funding agencies (BITS Pilani).
Proof Reading and its co-ordination of 25 review / research papers for the special issues of J. of Energy, Heat and Mass Transfer - Dec. ’96 and March ’97 issues, viz., FESTSCHRIFT ISSUES in honour of Prof. Y. B. G. VARMA [Dept. of Chemical Engg., IIT Madras], who retired in Dec. ’96 [25.12.1996].

Conferences | Seminars | Organization

Workshop on Analytical Instruments for Chemical and Environmental Engineers (WAICEE-2017), 2017, Pilani, India [Member Organizing Committee (Registration)].
Symposium on Sustainable Technology Development in Polymer (SSTDP-2016), Pilani, India [Member Organizing Committee (Registration)].
Workshop on Analytical Instruments for Chemical and Environmental Engineers (WAICEE- 2015), February 27-28, 2015, Pilani, India [Member Organizing Committee (Registration)].
Workshop on Analytical Instruments for Chemical and Environmental Engineers (WAICEE-2013), March 22-23, 2013, Pilani, India [Member Organizing Committee (Registration)].
8th Annual Session of Students’ Chemical Engineering Congress (SCHEMCON-2012), September 21-22, 2012, an annual event of Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE), Pilani, India. [Chairperson - Organizing Committee].
Technological Advancements in Chemical and Environmental Engineering (TACEE-2012), March 23-24, 2012, Pilani, India [Chairperson - Organizing Committee].
National Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry, Feb 19-21, 2010, Pilani, India. [Member, Local Advisory Committee].
National Conference on Environmental Conservation (NCEC-2006), Sept 1-3, 2006, Pilani, India [Member, Local Organizing Committee (Registration)].
Indian Chemical Engineering Congress (CHEMCON–2001), Dec 19-22, 2001, Chennai, India [Student Member of Registration Committee].
International Conference on Advances in Chemical Engineering (ICAChE–1996), organized by the Dept. of Chemical Engg, IIT Madras, Dec 11-13, 1996, Chennai, India [Student Member of Technical Programme Committee].

Short Term Courses | Seminars | Conferences | Symposiums | Workshops | Conventions | Attended

Workshop on Achieving High Quality in Education at the Tertiary Level (Resource persons : Prof. K. P. Mohanan & Mr. Sriram Nagnathan), organized by Teaching Learning Centre, BITS Pilani-Pilani Campus, 9-10 January 2017, Pilani, India.
Indo – German Workshop on “Green Manufacturing”, BITS Pilani, 21 Sept. 2009, Pilani, India.
National Conference on “Issues Related to IPRs: Opportunities and Challenges and National Workshop on Patent Search, Documentation, Drafting and Infringement Analysis”, BITS Pilani, 3-4 March 2006, Pilani, India.
Seminar on "Industrial Wastewater Recycle and Reuse", organized by Indian Environmental Association, Chennai Chapter and Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, 9 May 2000, Chennai, India. This was addresses by PROF. (Dr.) G. TCHOBANOGLOUS, Principal Writer of All-Time-Favourite Book by Metcalf and Eddy, Inc. entitled "Wastewater Engineering: Treatment, Disposal and Reuse" published by The McGraw-Hill, New York.
Seminar on "Environmental Management Systems", organized by the Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Chennai along with other organizers like Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and others, 18 Feb. 2000, Chennai, India.
Seminar under the Auspices of 40th Anniversary Celebration of IIT Madras, Organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering, on "World Environment Day" [June 5 1999], IIT Madras, 2 June 1999, Chennai, India.
Symposium on "Mathematical Methods and Applications [OSMMA - 98]", organized by the Department of Mathematics, IIT Madras, 22 Dec. 1998, Chennai, India.
Short course on "Mathematical Methods in Engineering" organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras, 14-18 Dec. 1998, Chennai, India.
Short Term Course on "Industrial Wastewater Management", organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras, 8-10 July 1998, Chennai, India.
Awareness Workshop cum Questionshop on "Recyclability", organized by Solid Waste Recycle and Management Group at IIT Madras, 25 April 1998, Chennai, India.
Symposium on “Recent Trends in Design and Control [RTDC - 98]", organized by the Dept. of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras, 3 April 1998, Chennai, India.
International Conference on "Advances in Chemical Engineering, ICAChE – 96", organized by the Dept. of Chemical Engg., IIT Madras, 11–13 Dec. 1996, Chennai, India.
Short-term course on “Sensors and Monitors in Biological and Biochemical Reactions” organized by the Biochemical Engineering Research Centre (BERC) and sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Gov. of India, at IIT Delhi, 14–26 Dec. 1987, Delhi, India.

Research Projects

As a Research Associate

This project, sponsored by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), focused on developing an experimental facility for multistage liquid – sold fluidized bed adsorption for the removal of pollutants from wastewater. Experimental and theoretical studies were carried out for understanding the said system for the removal of colour from wastewater.

As a Senior Project Officer

I worked on a DNES, Department of Non Conventional Energy Sources, Ministery of Energy (MoE), sponsored project on “Generation of Biogas from Industrial Wastewater – Tannery Waste”. Three contact filters were designed and constructed. Studies were focused on anaerobic degradation / treatment of Tannery wastewater with the main aim of biogas – generation.

As a Junior Research Fellow

Project work was planned and aimed at Computer Aided Design (CAD) of solvent extraction plant.

BITS Pilani