Research team
Expertise
In this position, the research activities are centered around optimizing gas-solid processes using small particles (< 30 µm) under centrifugal fields, with a specific focus on pharmaceutical applications such as drying active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). As a postdoctoral researcher, my concrete research activities will include: Simulation Studies and Computational Analysis: Conduct advanced simulations to optimize the design and performance of the fluidized bed system for small particle handling, building on the data and insights gained during the patent development. These simulations will focus on heat and mass transfer efficiencies, pressure drop, and the behavior of particles in centrifugal fields. Perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies to optimize the scale-up strategy for the fluidized bed system, ensuring it can handle both lab-scale and potential industrial-scale operations. Prototype Development: Collaborate in the design and construction of a lab-scale prototype for the fluidized bed apparatus. The goal is to build a system that can handle the unique challenges of small particle fluidization under centrifugal fields. Work on sourcing and integrating the necessary components for the prototype, ensuring that each component supports the desired operational conditions (temperature, pressure, particle velocity, etc.). Experimental Testing and Validation: Carry out real-life experiments to test the drying efficiency of the fluidized bed system on APIs. These experiments will focus on assessing how well the system removes residual solvents and compares with conventional drying methods. Benchmark the drying results with published data to validate the system’s performance in terms of heat transfer, solvent removal efficiency, and process scalability. Thermodynamic and Kinetic Analyses: Conduct studies on the thermodynamics and kinetics of solvent removal during the drying process, to optimize the operating parameters (temperature, airflow, centrifugal forces) for maximum efficiency. Analyze the energy consumption of the process to ensure that it is competitive with existing technologies. Market Application Analysis: Alongside technical development, assess the potential commercial applications, particularly in pharmaceutical drying. Explore fallback options in the chemical industry, focusing on applications such as extending the lifetime of FCC catalysts.