Seminars

Simulation has become an important tool in understanding the process and getting insight. Process simulators such as Aspen (model based) and gPROMS (equation based) are designed to perform process simulations Fluent CFX and STAR-CD are designed to perform CFD simulations while modeFRONTIER is used for parameter estimation and optimization. Any industrial reactor which involves all three phases requires the knowledge of mass transfer reaction VLE and fluid dynamics etc. In this case where complex interactions between these phenomenons exist we need these simulators to perform calculations.

Spatial variations in the concentration of a reactive solute in solution are often encountered in a catalyst particle and this leads to variation in the freezing point of the solution. Depending on the operating temperature this can result in freezing of the solvent on a portion of catalyst rendering that part of the active area ineffective. Freezing can occur by formation of a sharp front or a mush that separates the solid and fluid phases.

Abstract: A high throughput photochemical microreactor setup was developed as part of MIT’s Center for Methodology and Library Development (CMLD). UV transparent pyrex incorporated into a silicon microreactor simplified UV microreactor fabrication as compared to earlier reports and enabled higher temperature and pressures to be used. The devices so formed were validated using low pressure (0.8 W) Hg vapor lamps to carry out benchmark intra and intermolecular addition reactions. To increase yields a setup incorporating high pressure Hg vapor lamps (1 kW) was developed.

Abstract: I will describe our recent work on polymerization and assembly of particles in surfactant hexagonal mesophases. We have demonstrated that synthesis of condensation polymers in a hexagonal mesophase results in the formation of rod-like colloidal objects. As the monomer polymerizes it swells the hexagonal phase and as the molecular weight increases it phase separates. This phase separated object is assembled into a hombohedral object and finally into a rod-like object by matrix mediated nteractions. I will also discuss assembly of particles in the hexagonal esophase.

Abstract Background: In recent years the number of diabetic patients all over the world is increasing rapidly and there is an urgent need to find out alternative sources for the management of diabetes mellitus. Exogenous insulin is used to control hyperglycemia in diabetic patients; however hypoglycemic episodes are unavoidable. Over the last several decades islet transplantation has been developed as a promising method to achieve stringent control of blood glucose and a potential cure for type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: Implementation of a system for Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) Disposal is in the interest of the well-being and safety of the Departmental community. A consolidated HSE document for the Department is now available at: http://www.che.iitb.ac.in/online/node/2473 The document purports to be a guide to the desirable practices relating to the protection of personnel health safety and environment (HSE) which may be adopted and adhered to in connection with all laboratory-based activities.

Abstract - Surfactants find a wide range of application in both academia and industry. In addition to their historical use in cleaning agents and personal care products like shampoos and conditioners surfactants have found use in several other applications which include areas like pollution remediation drug delivery and enhanced oil recovery. The talk focuses on the development of a molecular thermodynamic model to predict the micellization properties of surfactants namely the critical micelle concentration the micelle size shape and aggregation number.

Abstract: As chemical engineers we carry out processes by creating conditions so that change takes place in the desired direction. In an isolated system all changes eventually cease when the system attains equilibrium. In a non-adiabatic closed system driving force for change can be maintained using a source of energy that is outside the system. For the earth's biosphere the principal external source of energy is the sun. Energy from the sun is mainly responsible for maintaining driving forces for ecological processes.

Abstract: Suspensions of non-spherical particles such as fibers rods spheroids plates are commonly used in the material processing industries. The rheological properties of such suspension are influenced by the dynamics and orientation of the suspended particles which is affected by the hydrodynamic interactions. We present the Stokesian Dynamics simulation to study the dynamics of the suspension of anisometric particles by carrying out bounded simulation in homogeneous shear and pressure driven flow. The particles consisted of rigid spheres connected together by strong inter-particle forces.

ABSTRACT: Our group has been involved with the modeling of several polymerization systems: those associated with unequal (site) reactivity (ARB resoles etc.) industrial polymerizations (nylon-6 polyethylene terephthalate polymethy methacrylate polystyrene etc.) complex polymerizations (epoxies polyphenylene oxide polyimides the redistribution reaction in PET etc.).