Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1019-7938
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Chemical and Life Science Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. James K. Ferri
Abstract
Complex unit operations and processes are ubiquitous throughout the chemical industry. A complex unit operation here is defined as a unit operation with many independent variables that have interconnected effects on the process. These interconnected effects give the unit operation an inherently high degree of complexity. This complexity makes performing tasks such as optimization and design difficult. Process intensification is a means of guiding unit operation and process design improvement. Process intensification contains four guiding principles; (1) maximization of the effectiveness of inter- and intra- molecular forces, (2) homogenize processing experience, (3) optimization of driving forces at all scales, and (4) maximization of the synergy between partial processes. These guiding principles can be more effectively implemented into complex unit operations and processes by adopting enabling technology. The complex unit operations highlighted in this work are continuous multi-phase reacting systems, specifically; continuous hydrogenation by palladium catalysts in the synthesis of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and continuous emulsion polymerization in the generation of polymeric particles. The enabling technologies leveraged are additive manufacturing and catalytic nanoparticles. This project navigated the process of applying these enabling technologies to continuous multiphase reactions in order to address their unique challenges.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-10-2024