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MSc Project Descriptions 2017

1. Modelling – molecular level, rheology
2. Modelling – Process level, design: APID ONLY
2. Modelling – Process level, design: ACE students
3, Experiment – Biological/bio-technological
4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment – engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering

1. Modelling – molecular level, rheology

Project no. 1.1

Category 1. Modelling – molecular level, rheology

Supervisor’s Masoud Babaei, Paola Carbone, Claudio Fonte, Andrew Masters, Alessandro Patti, Tom
name Rodgers, Flor Siperstein
Research topic Accurate prediction of diffusivities of gases in liquids
Description Diffusivities of gases in hydrocarbons are important for correctly describing mass
transfer processes in various unit operations, from absorption separations to
multiphase reactors. They are also important when describing the behaviour of fluids in
oil reservoirs, and for carbon storage applications. Traditionally, correlations available
in the literature are used to estimate the diffusivities needed, but in some cases, the
accuracy is low and the error in these correlations may be significant to render the
design inadequate for real applications.

Molecular simulations have proven to be a reliable approach for the prediction of

physical properties of fluids, and in particular of hydrocarbons. They can provide insight
into how the molecular structures relate to observable properties, and are commonly
used for predicting properties that cannot be measured experimentally (due to
extreme pressures and temperatures, toxicity, etc). They can also be used to test the
accuracy of correlations or models when validated descriptions of the molecular
systems are available.

The aim of this project is to test the validity of commonly used correlations for
diffusivities using molecular simulations. The students will have freedom to choose the
system of interest, which can be applicable to oil and gas, carbon capture,
bioprocessing, chemical, petrochemical, or pharmaceutical industries, where some
experimental data is available in the literature to validate the simulation results (see
for example references 1-2). Molecular simulations will then be used to calculate the
diffusivities of the selected gas in the liquid of interest following the methodology
available in the literature [3]. The results will be used to validate the accuracy of the
simulation parameters when comparing the results to experimental data, and to test
the accuracy of the correlations available in the literature when exploring a wide range
of conditions (concentration, pressure and temperature).

What is expected of the student

These are computational/theoretical projects with no experimental work. The student
should have a reasonable background in thermodynamics. He/she must be willing to
run computer programs and be able to do spreadsheet analysis. He/she will also be
expected to do comprehensive literature surveys to obtain data for the systems under
study.

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References
1. Shane P. Cadogan, Bhavik Mistry, Yat Wong, Geoffrey C. Maitland, and J. P. Martin
Trusler “Diffusion Coefficients of Carbon Dioxide in Eight Hydrocarbon Liquids at
Temperatures between (298.15 and 423.15) K at Pressures up to 69 MPa” Journal
of Chemical & Engineering Data 2016 61 (11), 3922-3932. DOI:
10.1021/acs.jced.6b00691
2. Erwin D. Snijder, Marcel J. M. te Riele, Geert F. Versteeg, and Wim P. M. van Swaaij
“Diffusion Coefficients of CO, CO2, N2O, and N2 in Ethanol and Toluene” Journal of
Chemical & Engineering Data 1995 40 (1), 37-39. DOI: 10.1021/je00017a010
3. Othonas A. Moultos, Ioannis N. Tsimpanogiannis, Athanassios Z. Panagiotopoulos,
J. P. Martin Trusler, and Ioannis G. Economou, “Atomistic Molecular Dynamics
Simulations of Carbon Dioxide Diffusivity in n-Hexane, n-Decane, n-Hexadecane,
Cyclohexane, and Squalane” The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2016 120 (50),
12890-12900. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b04651

Skills developed Experience of running modern, simulation programs on high performance computers.
An increased depth of understanding of simulation methods, thermodynamics and
modern theory. The development of time-management skills, group working and
communicating results in the form of scientific reports as well as in regular meetings
with fellow students and supervisor.
Required unit(s) CHEN60232
No. of students All students assigned to the above supervisors will work on this topic. The multi-scale
modelling group is offering a themed project on the modelling and theory of
hydrocarbons. Students will be allocated to the multi-scale modelling group as a
whole, not to individual supervisors.

The theming offers the following benefits:

1) You will receive lectures in Semester 2 by the staff members to provide necessary
background. These will be part of the CHEN60232 Unit, Molecular modelling &
simulation in chemical engineering. If allocated to this project, you are strongly
encouraged to take this unit.
2) Tutorial material will be made available to help you with the computational aspects
of the projects.
3) Demonstrators will be available to give advice on technical computational issues.
4) While the projects will all be different, there is sufficient overlap that all students
assigned to this theme will be able to support one another and work as a group to
solve common problems.
5) The theming will allow staff-members to cover for one another when they are
away over the summer.

Project no. 1.2

Category 1. Modelling – molecular level, rheology
Supervisor’s Aurora Cruz-Cabeza
name
Research topic Data mining of the Cambridge Structural Database
Description The student will learn to code in python and do complex analysis of the Cambridge
Structural Database. This is the largest repository of experimentally known crystal
structures. The aim is to derive novel statistics on crystals.
Please contact the supervisor for further information
aurora.cruzcabeza@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed Computational Skills: python programming and some basics of molecular simulations.
Required unit(s) Crystallisation Module
No. of students 2

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Project no. 1.3

Category 1. Modelling – molecular level, rheology
2. Modelling - process level, design.
3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s Prof. C. Theodoropoulos
name
Research topic Techno-economic and sustainability analysis of high temperature fermentations
Description Most fermentation processes take place at temperatures from 30-37oC as these are
temperatures that maximise microbial productivity. Nevertheless, high temperature
fermentations using thermophilic bacteria provide an attractive alternative for efficient
downstream processing. The project aims to analyse such processes and establish their
techno-economic and environmental benefits using existing experimental data and a
number of computational tools. The project has the potential of a scientific publication
if performed at an appropriate level. In addition, a limited number of experiments
might be possible, if additional data are needed, although the vast majority of the work
is expected to be computational.
Skills developed Process design, programming, techno-economic analysis, sustainability analysis.
Required unit(s) CAPD.
No. of students 1

Project no. 1.4

Category 1. Modelling – molecular level, rheology
Supervisor’s Sam de Visser
name
Research topic Reaction mechanisms in biotechnology related to biofuel synthesis and drug
metabolism by enzymes.
Description Nature uses large groups of enzymes to convert common molecules into useful
products or alternatively biodegrades compounds. Many of the mechanisms in nature
are still poorly understood and as the reactions proceed very fast, they are difficult to
follow with experimental techniques. In my group we use molecular modelling
(quantum mechanics) on catalytic reaction mechanisms and try to understand how
enzymes convert reactants into products. Often enzymatic reactions are regio- and/or
stereo-selective and the modelling can give insight how products are formed. Thus, we
focus the work on identifying the rate determining step in the reaction mechanism, the
rate constant and the full reaction mechanism. These studies can then be used to
predict and design novel bioengineered proteins with functions useful in
biotechnology.
Please contact the supervisor for further information sam.devisser@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed
Required unit(s)
No. of students 3+

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2. Modelling – Process level, design: APID ONLY

Project no. 2.1 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Anton A. Kiss
name
Research topic Modelling and simulation of Pass-Through Distillation (PTD)
Description Pass-through distillation (PTD) is an emerging hybrid separation technology that
efficiently combines distillation with a sorption cycle. The basic idea of PTD involves the
decoupling of the evaporation and condensation steps of a distillation process, by
means of an absorption-desorption loop that passes through the component to be
separated and thus allows the use of different pressures and types of heating/cooling
utilities. Its main applications are in areas where conventional distillation does not
work, and other methods are either too costly or prone to fouling.

This MSc project will develop a suitable process modelling approach for PTD processes,
based on models available in the literature and knowledge and understanding of both
distillation and absorption/desorption processes. The model will be applied to several
industrially relevant separation processes to help assess the potential benefits of PTD.

References
1. A. A. Kiss, I. R. McGregor, C. H. Belchers, S. Furlong, Pass-through distillation - A
new player in separation technology, NPT Procestechnologie, 1404, 16-17, 2014.
2. A. A. Kiss, Advanced distillation technologies - Design, control and applications,
Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-1199-9361-2, 416 pages, 2013.
Skills developed Modelling, process development, process simulation, Aspen Plus and/or MatLab
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
Distillation Systems Design
Process simulation (experience with e.g. Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD, gPROMS, etc)
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.2 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Anton A. Kiss
name
Research topic Modelling and simulation of internally heat-integrated distillation column (HIDiC)
Description Internally heat-integrated distillation column (HIDiC) is the most radical approach of a
heat pump design, making efficient use of internal heat-integration: the rectifying
section of a distillation column operating at a higher pressure is the heat source, while
the stripping part of the column acts as a heat sink. A HIDiC can bring up to 70% energy
savings compared to conventional distillation columns. This is highly appealing taken
into account that distillation is one of the most energy intensive operations in the
chemical process industry accounting for over 40% of the energy usage.

This MSc project has the following objectives:

• Identify industrially relevant mixtures of close boiling components, and select one.
• Design and simulate separation processes based on HIDiC and SuperHIDiC technology
• Evaluate the eco-efficiency of the systems compared to conventional alternatives
• Optimize by sensitivity analysis, the energy and economic key performance indicators

References
1. A. A. Kiss, Z. Olujic, A review on process intensification in internally heat-integrated
distillation columns, Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification,

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86, 125-144, 2014.

2. A. A. Kiss, Advanced distillation technologies - Design, control and applications,
Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-1199-9361-2, 416 pages, 2013.
Skills developed Modelling, process development, process simulation, Aspen Plus and/or MatLab
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
Distillation Systems Design
Process simulation (experience with e.g. Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD, gPROMS, etc)
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.3 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s Prof. C. Theodoropoulos
name
Research topic Integrated biorefinery design for the pulp and paper industry
Description The pulp and paper industry is well established all over the world with a large number
of medium to large-sized plants. There is a need to valorise waste effluents from such
plants in order to (a) decrease costs and enhance profitability (b) decrease the carbon
footprint and hence improve sustainability of these plants. The project aims to
construct novel integrated biorefineries linked to pulp & paper plants that will produce
fuels energy and chemicals through chemical and biochemical routes. An exciting
combination of simulator-based plant design, techno-economic analysis, heat
integration and life cycle analysis is envisaged.
Skills developed Process design
Plant simulator (ASPEN PLUS)
Programming (MATLAB)
LCA
Required unit(s) CAPD, Reaction Systems design
No. of students 1 maximum 2

Project no. 2.4 (APID ONLY)

Category 1. Modelling – molecular level, rheology
2. Modelling - process level, design.
3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s Prof. C. Theodoropoulos
name
Research topic Techno-economic and sustainability analysis of high temperature fermentations
Description Most fermentation processes take place at temperatures from 30-37oC as these are
temperatures that maximise microbial productivity. Nevertheless, high temperature
fermentations using thermophilic bacteria provide an attractive alternative for efficient
downstream processing. The project aims to analyse such processes and establish their
techno-economic and environmental benefits using existing experimental data and a
number of computational tools. The project has the potential of a scientific publication
if performed at an appropriate level. In addition, a limited number of experiments
might be possible, if additional data are needed, although the vast majority of the work
is expected to be computational.
Skills developed Process design, programming, techno-economic analysis, sustainability analysis.
Required unit(s) CAPD.
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.5 (APID ONLY)

Category Modelling - process level, design
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Supervisor’s Jie Li
name
Research topic Planning and scheduling for process industries
Description Nowadays process industries are facing great challenges to increase their profit, reduce
operating cost, and improve customer satisfaction. They have to seek advanced
techniques to improve their planning and scheduling operations. Advanced mixed-
integer techniques provide such opportunities for process industries. This project will
investigate different state-of-the-art modelling approaches such as global event and
unit-specific event modelling approaches to develop more efficient mathematical
models for process planning and scheduling in order to generate maximum profit. The
models will also incorporate realistic operational features if required such as operating
modes, unit maintenance, storage policies, and resources limitations.
Skills developed GAMS
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.6 (APID ONLY)

Category Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Jie Li
name
Research topic Robust scheduling for process industries under uncertainty
Description During process scheduling operations, many uncertainties often take place such as
demand fluctuation, product prices uncertainty, and raw material cost uncertainty.
When these uncertainties happen, an optimal schedule based on deterministic
parameters are often suboptimal or infeasible. The aim of this project is to use robust
optimization approach to quantify those uncertainties and generate robust schedules
that do not differ too much arising from uncertainties, while maintaining a high level of
solution performance. Different types of uncertainties with different distributions will
be modelled using robust optimization approach. Efficient solution algorithms will be
proposed to solve the developed robust counterpart models.
Skills developed GAMS
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.7 (APID ONLY)

Category Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Jie Li
name
Research topic Global optimization framework for integrated petroleum planning operation
Description In the last twenty years, the petrochemical industry has succeeded by creating markets
and supplying them with suitable products used to create goods such as plastics,
cosmetics, lubricants, and paints. Nowadays, tighter competition, strict environmental
regulations, and lower-margin profits, drive the petrochemical industry to apply new
technologies to improve their planning operations. Optimal planning and scheduling of
various operations in a petrochemical plant through mathematical modeling and global
optimization offers significant opportunities for saving costs, increasing profit margins,
and improving energy efficiency and demand satisfaction. The aim of this project is to
investigate different models for yield and property predictions in some key processing
units such as distillation column, hydro-cracking units, catalytic cracking units, aromatic
extraction units, and blending units. Those different models will be incorporated into
the global optimization framework that has been established for evaluation. The
prediction results using different models will be compared with the real production
data and the best suitable models will be identified. Finally, globally optimal plan for
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the integrated petrochemical operations will be generated and compared with the real
operation.
Skills developed GAMS
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.8 (APID ONLY)

Category Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Jie Li
name
Research topic Systematic design of integrated reaction-separation processes for sustainable
production of chemicals
Description Nowadays chemical engineers are faced with great challenging task of designing
sustainable chemical processes that are not only technically viable and economically
attractive, but also environmentally benign and socially acceptable. Design of such
sustainable chemical processes are often decomposed into reactor network design and
separation network synthesis. Existing efforts have been made for either obtaining the
optimal reaction-separation routes and unit parameters based on simplified models, or
optimizing all unit parameters of a fixed flowsheet based on rigorous models.
Therefore, optimal synthesis and design of sustainable reaction-separation processes
using rigorous models is highly desirable. This research project aims to develop a global
optimization framework for rigorous design of sustainable reaction-separation
processes simultaneously by using the state-of-the-art mathematical and computer
tools. The framework will propose a superstructure for reaction-separation processes.
Rigorous models for the superstructure will be developed, which is supposed to be
large-scale nonconvex mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model. A global
optimization algorithm will be developed to obtain optimal flowsheet structure and
optimal design and operating parameters for reactors and separators simultaneously.
Skills developed GAMS, Aspen Hysys
Required unit(s) Process synthesis, Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.9 (APID ONLY)

Category Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Jie Li
name
Research topic Efficient modelling and global optimization approach for petroleum supply chain
management
Description Petroleum industry holds critical role in satisfying world energy demand. Since fossil
fuel has negative impact to the environment, the awareness of the society about
environmental issues has brought an authorisation to more stringent environmental
regulations. This project aims to develop an efficient mixed-integer nonlinear
programming (MINLP) model for design of comprehensive petroleum supply chain
which includes upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. The entities include oil
wells, production platforms, refineries, petrochemical and downstream chemical plants
as well as an external market in each segment. The decisions include the selection of
potential facilities, technologies, locations, refinery products and transportation
modes, including the establishment time of each entity. Nonlinear feature arises by
incorporating nonlinear behaviour of oil reservoir. More important, environmental
impact based on Eco-indicator 99 method is introduced as an objective function in
addition to economic performance. Environmental impact assessment will be
conducted based on the standard Eco-indicator 99 value. The decision results with and
without consideration of environmental impact will be thoroughly investigated.

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Skills developed GAMS

Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.10 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Dr Li Sun
name
Research topic Flow and heat transfer performance of a plate exchanger
Description Plate heat exchangers have been more and more widely applied in industries because
of their low-cost, higher heat transfer efficiency and operational flexibility. A new plate
heat exchanger with compound corrugation flow channels can improve the heat
transfer coefficient and reduce the pressure drop greatly. This project will analysis the
flow and heat transfer performance of the plate exchanger with composite channels,
and develop the models of the heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop for the
plate exchanger with complex configuration of the plate.
Skills developed Simulation and optimization
Required unit(s) CHEN64291 - Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 1

Project no 2.11 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Dr Li Sun
name
Research topic Analysis on the techno-economic performance of Gas Turbine cycles
Description Gas turbines are used for power generation and /or mechanical drive. This project will
identify the factors that affect thermal efficiency, part load performance, and limit
waste gas emission of the gas turbine cycles, and optimize the operating conditions to
improve power generation and thermodynamic performance of different gas turbine
cycles.
Skills developed Simulation and optimization
Required unit(s) CHEN64351 - Utility Systems
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.12 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Dr Li Sun
name
Research topic Thermal performance and flow analysis in ORV
Description Open-Rack Vaporizer (ORV) used in the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) evaporating
process consists of vaporizing and heating sections. It has characters of complex
structure, low temperature (-143 C -158 C), high pressure (ca. 10 MPa), high
flowrates (LNG: ca. 200 t/hr), large heat load (ca. 38 MW), and flexible sea water
temperature (if T<5 C, icing on the ORV). This project will analyse the thermal and flow
performance of the ORV and develop the models for the heat transfer with the
considerations of icing and supercritical fluid of the natural gas.
Skills developed Simulation and optimization
Required unit(s) CHEN64291 - Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.13 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.

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Supervisor’s name Megan Jobson

Research topic Optimisation of natural gas liquefaction cycles
Description Natural gas liquefaction is highly energy intensive but the costs of equipment are also
high. For smaller scales of production, a balance needs to be found between operating
and capital costs. This project aims to develop or extend and apply process simulation
models to support evaluation, optimisation and selection of alternative refrigeration
cycle designs, accounting for energy consumption and equipment requirements and
other considerations relevant to small-scale liquefaction cycles.

References: Nguyen, Rothuizen, Markussen and Elmegaard, 2018, Thermodynamic

comparison of three small-scale gas liquefaction systems, Applied Thermal Engineering,
128: 712-724, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.09.055;
He and Ju, 2015, Optimal synthesis of expansion liquefaction cycle for distributed-scale
LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant, Energy, 8: 268-280,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2015.05.046
Skills developed Process modelling and simulation using Aspen HYSYS; process optimisation using Aspen
HYSYS and/or Matlab; process analysis.
Required unit(s) Distillation System Design or Oil and Gas Processing; Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.14 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s name Megan Jobson
Research topic Modelling of multistream heat exchangers for natural gas liquefaction
Description Modelling the performance of the heat exchangers is important for design, simulation,
evaluation and optimisation of low-temperature processes.
This project to apply models for these heat exchangers in order to facilitate simulation,
evaluation and optimisation of natural gas liquefaction processes. The possibility and
potential benefits of using regressed or surrogate models of the heat exchangers will
be investigated for the purposes of flowsheet development, design and optimisation.

References: Watson and Barton, 2017, Modeling phase changes in multistream heat
exchangers, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 105: 207-219,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2016.09.081;
Arsenyeva, Tovazhnyansky, Kapustenko and Khavin, 2011, Optimal design of plate-and-
frame heat exchangers for efficient heat recovery in process industries, Energy, 36 (8):
4588-4598, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2011.03.022
Mota, Ravagnani and Carvalho, 2014, Optimal design of plate heat exchangers, Applied
Thermal Engineering, 63 (1): 33-39,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2013.09.046
Cao, Liu, Li, Huang, Zhang and Xu, 2016, Experimental study on the mixed refrigerant
heat transfer performance in a plate-fin heat exchanger during a single-stage cryogenic
cycle, Applied Thermal Engineering, 93: 1074-1090,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.10.026
Skills developed Process modelling using Aspen HYSYS; Heat exchanger modelling and simulation using
Matlab or GAMS; process optimisation using Aspen HYSYS, Matlab and/or GAMS.
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.15 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s name Megan Jobson
Research topic Application and validation of a methodology for screening adsorbents
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Description A current research project is investigating the potential for using novel adsorbents in
hybrid adsorption–distillation process flowsheets to separate similar components in
the gas phase. The research is applying a highly simplified model for comparing
alternative adsorbents and for assessing the energy demand associated with simplified
adsorption–desorption cycles. This project will apply this published modelling approach
to explore its application to industrially relevant gas separation processes (possibly CO2
capture) and to extend its capabilities, e.g. to account for more realistic cycles or
adsorbent formulation.

Reference: Maring and Webley, 2013, A new simplified pressure/vacuum swing

adsorption model for rapid adsorbent screening for CO2 capture applications,
International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 15: 16-31,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2013.01.009 (see also corrections “Corrigendum”
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2014.08.005)
Skills developed Modelling, process development, process simulation using Aspen HYSYS and/or
MatLab.
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.16 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s name Megan Jobson
Research topic Process development, design and modelling: Mixed matrix membranes for gas
separation
Description This project will evaluate flowsheet options for post-combustion carbon capture where
mixed matrix membranes are applied. The research will require selection and
application of a suitable model for simulating the membrane separation process.
The student will obtain data relating to membrane performance from the literature
and will model the membrane separation process. Key design degrees of freedom and
process limitations will be identified through process analysis. This project will use
Aspen HYSYS and/or Aspen Plus simulations, as well as Excel or MATLAB for membrane
modelling. The performance of the membrane-based process will be compared to a
suitable benchmark process (absorption using amines).

References: Davey, Leak and Patterson, 2016, Hybrid and mixed matrix membranes for
separations from fermentations, Membranes, 6(1): 17, http://www.mdpi.com/2077-
0375/6/1/17 ;
Vinh-Thang and Kaliaguine, 2013, Predictive models for mixed-matrix membrane
performance: A review, Chemical Reviews, 113 (7): 4980–5028,
https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cr3003888 ;
Seaone, Coronas et al., Metal–organic framework based mixed matrix membranes: a
solution for highly efficient CO2 capture?, Chem. Soc. Rev., 44(8): 2421–2454,
https://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c4cs00437j
Skills developed Modelling, process development, process simulation using Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS
and VBA or Matlab.
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.17 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s name Megan Jobson
Research topic Modelling and evaluation of membrane contactors for post-combustion CO2 capture
Description This project will select and evaluate a membrane contactor process for post-

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combustion carbon capture, and will evaluate consider the advantages of this
technology, compared to the conventional absorption flowsheet. This project will
develop a model for simulating membrane gas separation processes (where the gas
first permeates a membrane before being absorbed by a liquid absorbent), considering
also absorbent regeneration. The student will obtain data relating to membrane
performance from the literature and model the membrane and the overall process for
one or more conventional solvents (MEA, DEA, etc.) using suitable physical property
models and unit operation models. Key design degrees of freedom and process
limitations will be identified through process analysis. This project will use Aspen HYSYS
and/or Aspen Plus simulations, as well as Excel or MATLAB for membrane modelling.

Reference: Simons, Nijmeijer, Wessling, 2009, Gas–liquid membrane contactors for CO2
removal, J. Membrane Science, 340 (1–2): 214-220
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2009.05.035
Skills developed Modelling, process development, process simulation, Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS and
VBA or Matlab.
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.18 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s name Megan Jobson
Research topic Paraffin/olefin separations using hybrid membrane–distillation processes
Description Separation of ethane from ethylene, and propane from propylene, using distillation is
very energy intensive. This research explores the potential benefits of using hybrid
processes that apply selective membranes, together with distillation. The focus will be
on introducing a membrane separation step into an existing distillation facility, aiming
to reduce energy demand and/or increase operating capacity.
The research will explore alternative configurations, alternative membranes and
corresponding operating conditions, in order to design, evaluate and optimise hybrid
processes. A key research output will be to extend or enhance existing design
methodologies.

References: Park et al., 2017, Performance study of multistage membrane and hybrid
distillation processes for propylene/propane separation, Can. J. Chem. Eng., 95: 2390–
2397; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cjce.22914/epdf;
Motelica et al., 2012, Membrane retrofit option for paraffin/olefin separation – A
technoeconomic evaluation, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 51: 6977−6986
https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ie300587u
Xu et al., 2012, Olefins-selective asymmetric carbon molecular sieve hollow fiber
membranes for hybrid membrane-distillation processes for olefin/paraffin separations,
J. Membr. Sci., 423–424: 314-323; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2012.08.028
Skills developed Modelling, process development, process simulation using Aspen HYSYS and Matlab.
Required unit(s) Distillation System Design; Computer Aided Process Design
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.19 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s name Megan Jobson
Research topic Microwave plasma reaction process engineering
Description The emerging technology of microwave plasma is showing considerable potential for
chemical reaction processes. This project aims to develop, extend and validate models
representing microwave plasma reactions and apply these to design, evaluate and

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optimise reaction processes or process systems. The approach will be applied to

demonstrate the potential advantages of microwave plasma technology for one or
more relevant case studies.

References: de la Fuente, Kiss, Radoiud and Stefanidis, 2017, Microwave plasma

emerging technologies for chemical processes, J. Chem Technol Biotechnol, 92: 2495–
2505, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jctb.5205
Skills developed Modelling, process development, process simulation using Aspen HYSYS and Matlab.
Required unit(s) Computer Aided Process Design; Reaction Systems Design
No. of students 2

Project no. 2.20 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Nan Zhang
name
Research topic Analysis of fuel flexibility and ambient conditions in gas turbines and heat recovery
steam generators (HRSG)
Description – Improve existing gas turbine models to account for impacts from fuel types,
environmental conditions, and part load on gas turbine and HRSG performance.
– Joint project with Process Integration Limited (PIL)
Skills developed Mathematical modelling, optimisation, knowledges in industrial gas turbines and utility
systems
Required unit(s) CAPD, Utility Systems
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.21 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Nan Zhang
name
Research topic Molecular modelling for diesel hydrotreating processes
Description Kinetic models for diesel hydrotreating have been developed in previous research. This
project aims at improving the existing model using industrial data, with special
emphasis on estimating catalyst activity during operation.
Skills developed Mathematical modelling, optimisation, knowledges in diesel hydrotreating processes
Required unit(s) CAPD, Oil and Gas Processing
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.22 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Nan Zhang
name
Research topic Optimisation of heat exchanger sizing with heat transfer enhancement
Description Design of heat exchangers is a very common engineering activity. Even though there
are widely accepted commercial software packages being used in heat exchanger
design, such as HTRI and Aspen EDR, the design procedure still requires extensive user
manipulation and fine tuning, which not only is time consuming but also leads to
various quality due to human factors. This project will be based on an optimization
model that has already been developed for very basic shell and tube heat exchangers.
The objective is to extend the mathematical model to cover a wider range of heat
transfer techniques, with a more detailed scope to be defined during the initial
investigation of the project.
Skills developed better understanding of engineering design and application for heat exchangers;
mathematical programming; computer programming
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Required unit(s) CAPD

No. of students 1

Project no. 2.23 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Robin Smith
name
Research topic Development of Simplified Models for Distillation Reboilers
Description The optimization of distillations systems requires simplified models to be used for both
the distillation and the heat exchange units. A particular challenge is the modelling of
reboilers. Models tend to be too detailed for use in the conceptual design and
optimization of distillation systems. This project will develop a new simplified model
for distillation reboilers suitable for conceptual design optimization of distillation
systems.
Skills developed Modelling, optimization, heat transfer, distillation
Required unit(s) -
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.24 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Robin Smith
name
Research topic Modelling Efficiency and Flooding for Different Designs of Distillation Trays
Description The optimisation of distillation systems often requires the column internals to be
manipulated. This affects both the hydraulic design and the efficiency of separation.
Changing the design requires simple models of the efficiency and flooding of different
designs of distillation trays. Moreover, flooding and tray efficiency are both connected
and the models need to capture the interactions between the two. The project will
explore the effect of changing the column internals of distillation during optimisation.
Skills developed Distillation, modelling, optimization
Required unit(s) -
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.25 (APID ONLY)

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Simon Perry
name
Research topic Exhaust Gas Recirculation effects on Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power plants.
Description Exhaust or flue gas recirculation has been forwarded as a method to reduce the energy
penalty associated with carbon capture. This project will investigate how this can be
integrated into an existing CCGT power plant (based on a CCGT power plant in the UK),
and the implications of this integration on the configuration of the plant and its power
outputs. This project involves the modelling and simulation with either HYSYS or Aspen
Plus.
Skills developed Design, simulation, evaluation
Required unit(s) Energy Systems, Utility Systems, knowledge of process simulation
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.26 (APID ONLY)

Category
2. Modelling - process level, design.

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Supervisor’s Simon Perry

name
Research topic Integration potential of Waste to Energy plants with conventional power plants
Description Waste to Energy plants are increasingly being used to reduce the volume of non-
recyclable wastes and in doing so produce a valuable economic output in the form of
power and also heat. Realising the full potential of the energy contained in the waste is
limited by emission control factors, and consequently power efficiency is low. This
project will investigate configurations modifications, including integration with other
energy sources, in order to increase overall efficiency. The project will involve the
design and modelling of Waste to Energy plants, design and integration of additional
energy sources, and the integration of designs with conventional power plant
simulation. Modelling and simulation will make use of Aspen HYSYS.

Skills developed Proposing, planning, undertaking research. Design, simulation, evaluation, oral/written
communication.
Required unit(s) Heat transfer and Process Integration/Energy Systems, Utility Systems (Year 4),
knowledge of process simulation

No. of students 1

Project no. 2.27 (APID ONLY)

Category
2. Modelling - process level, design.

Supervisor’s Simon Perry

name
Research topic The potential of Bridge Analysis in Heat Exchanger Network Retrofit

Description Many methods, graphical, mathematical, and a combination of graphical and

mathematical methods, have been put forward to re-design existing Heat Exchangers
Networks in order to increase heat recovery, reduce utility demands, or to incorporate
new features in a process. These methods have been used extensively in industry with
varying success. Bridge Analysis has recently been put forward as another method of
HEN design and HEN retrofit design. This project will examine the potential of this form
of HEN design methodology, and compare its effectiveness with existing methods
(Pinch Design method and Automated methods). This project involves modelling and
simulation with SPRINT software, and the possible use of Aspen HYSYS.

Skills developed Proposing, planning, undertaking research. Design, simulation, evaluation, oral/written
communication.
Required unit(s) Heat transfer and Process Integration/Energy Systems, Utility Systems (Year 4),
knowledge of process simulation

No. of students 2

Project no. 2.28 (APID ONLY)

Category
2. Modelling - process level, design.

Supervisor’s Simon Perry

name

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Research topic Alternative working fluids for heat recovery and power generation
Description The exhaust from gas turbines provides the opportunity of generating steam which has a
multitude of uses in chemical processes and power plants. However, steam generators
are large and are not suited for all locations. Other grades of heat are also frequently
available in chemical processes and steam generation is often not an option. Recent
research has shown that alternative working fluids may be more appropriate. This
project will investigate the use of CO2 as a working fluid for heat recovery and power
generation. The project will make use of HYSYS modelling/simulation software.

Skills developed Proposing, planning, undertaking research. Design, simulation, evaluation, oral/written
communication.
Required unit(s) Heat transfer and Process Integration/Energy Systems, Utility Systems (Year 4),
knowledge of process simulation

No. of students 1

Project no. 2.29 (APID ONLY)

Category
2. Modelling - process level, design.

Supervisor’s Simon Perry

name
Research topic The design of heat pump systems for the recovery of low grade heat
Description Low grade heat is frequently available in chemical processes and elsewhere
(geothermal etc). Heat pumps and the selection of appropriate working fluids are a
possible solution to the use of these low grade heat sources. Recent research has
shown that alternative working fluids may have appeal. This project will investigate the
use of CO2 as a working fluid for heat recovery, and how this can be integrated into a
heat pump system. The project will make use of HYSYS modelling/simulation software.

Skills developed Proposing, planning, undertaking research. Design, simulation, evaluation, oral/written
communication.
Required unit(s) Heat transfer and Process Integration/Energy Systems, Utility Systems (Year 4),
knowledge of process simulation

No. of students 1

Project no. 2.30 (APID ONLY)

Category
2. Modelling - process level, design.

Supervisor’s Simon Perry

name
Research topic The integration of anaerobic digesters with small scale CHP systems
Description Anaerobic digesters are increasingly being used to produce fuels from agricultural or
other bio waste. The gaseous products have a composition that may not be suitable for
all uses, but are frequently coupled to gas engines. In turn, gas engines can form part of
a CHP system that can also benefit the production of gases from the digesters.This
project will investigate the integration of anaerobic digesters with gas engines in small
scale CHP systems. Design optimisation will be considered, and ideally gas engine
design will be based on market availability.The project will make use of HYSYS
modelling/simulation software.

Skills developed Proposing, planning, undertaking research. Design, simulation, evaluation, oral/written

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communication.
Required unit(s) Heat transfer and Process Integration/Energy Systems, Utility Systems (Year 4),
knowledge of process simulation

No. of students 2

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2. Modelling – Process level, design: ACE students

Project no. 2.31

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Dr Li Sun
name
Research topic Sustainable systems for CO2 utilization
Description It is widely recognized that the development of low carbon technologies will require
effective utilization of CO2. Several novel technologies are being developed to CO2 into
value-added chemicals and fuel, including plasma technology, Electrochemical
conversion, Solar thermochemical conversion, Photochemical conversion, Biochemical
conversion, etc. This project will evaluate the sustainability of CO2 utilization
technology integration with other technologies to provide a cost effective and low
energy processes.
Skills developed Simulation, optimization, and evaluation of the sustainability of the proposed process
Required unit(s) CHEN61191 - Sustainable Development & Industry
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.32

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Dr Rosa Cuéllar-Franca
name
Research topic Identification of incentives for the effective deployment of carbon capture and
utilisation technologies
Description The project will aim at identifying the various economic incentives necessary for
deploying different carbon capture and utilisation technologies. The conclusions from
this research project should help to make recommendations to policy makers. The
project will require extensive modelling of chemical processes at various technology
readiness levels using process simulation tools such as Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus,
and previous experience in process modelling is required.
Skills developed  Techno-economic analysis of technologies at early technology readiness levels
 Identification of key parameters needed for process scaling up
 Effective translation of technical results into policy recommendations
Required unit(s) It is mandatory that students applying to this project have undertaken the “Sustainable
Development & Industry” course in Semester 1.
No. of students 3

Project no. 2.33

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Prof Philip Martin
name
Research topic Design of a technological plasma system for waste gas treatment and energy efficiency
Description Non- thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas can be used for waste gas treatment or
CO2 utilisation. One of the advantages is that the gas does not require heating as the
energy for destruction comes from the electrons. The project will be both experimental
and design.
Please contact the supervisor for further information Philip.Martin@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

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Project no. 2.34

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Rossmary Villegas
name
Research topic Numerical Simulation of CO2 capture and storage
Description The student will use the commercial software, Eclipse by Schlumberger, for the
numerical simulation of fluid flow in porous media linked to Hysys (capture process)
Skills developed Numerical analysis, data science, process design.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.35

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Rossmary Villegas
name
Research topic Numerical Simulation of fluid flow in porous media using Dumux
Description The student should use the open source simulator (Dumux) for the numerical
simulation of fluid flow in porous media focused on thermodynamics. Compare the
results with the commercial software, Eclipse by Schlumberger, using synthetic data.
Skills developed Numerical analysis, data science.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.36

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Rossmary Villegas
name
Research topic Integrated simulation of oil production, surface and subsurface analysis.
Description The student should link the outcome of the commercial simulator of fluid flow in
porous media Eclipse by Schlumberger, with the surface fluid flow cases and constrains.
Skills developed Numerical analysis, data science.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.37

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Ferda Mavituna
name
Research topic Economic analysis of a bioprocess for the production of heterologous proteins by plant
cell cultures
Description This will involve the use of our own experimental data as well as literature based data
for the design and economic analysis of a bioprocess for the production of
heterologous proteins by plant cell cultures. The calculation aspects will involve the use
of Excel and or PROII or HYSYS.
Skills developed Understanding of plant cell cultures and their applications, bioprocess design and
economics
Required unit(s) CHEN60241 Advanced Biotechnology
No. of students 1

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Project no. 2.38

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design
Supervisor’s Ferda Mavituna
name
Research topic Intra- and inter-species cell communication
Description This will involve a critical literature review on intra- and inter-species cell
communication. It will focus on the molecular mechanisms either available or proposed
in this research based on the literature review.
Skills developed Understanding of the biological cell-to-cell signalling/communication. Critical literature
review and development of models for mechanisms for such biological phenomena.
Required unit(s) CHEN60241 Advanced Biotechnology
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.39

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Ferda Mavituna
name
Research topic Modelling for the integration of mass transfer effects with cell kinetics
Description This will involve the use of our own experimental data as well as literature based data
for the modelling and computational solution of the integration of mass transfer such
as dissolved oxygen with cell activity kinetics in biofilms.
Skills developed Understanding of the coupling of physical and biological phenomena and the effects on
cell metabolism, use of software such as Mathcad, Matlab or FORTRAN.
Required unit(s) CHEN60241, Chemical Engineering Degree (BEng)
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.40

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Laurence Stamford
name
Research topic Small Modular Reactor sustainability: a life cycle approach
Description The energy ‘trilemma’ – security of supply, environmental sustainability and
affordability – describes the main drivers for the future of energy supply and demand.
There is a strong requirement for the development of reliable low carbon technologies
to fulfil the decarbonisation strategies of many nations, including the UK. Global
deployment of nuclear power remains focused upon building light water reactors
which would use the same fundamental technologies as existing reactors. However,
experience from recent years shows that the costs of these reactors are very high. This
problem, among others, has prompted increased interest in small modular reactors
(SMRs) with designs based on prefabrication and a different approach to economies of
scale. SMRs also provide a potential opportunity to introduce new fuel cycles not
necessarily based upon light water reactors.

Despite this – and despite environmental impacts being part of the energy trilemma –
there are no existing life cycle assessments of SMRs. This project aims to establish
some preliminary LCA work on SMRs, drawing on current designs and existing LCAs of
conventional reactors (for an overview see Warner & Heath 2012, Life Cycle
Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Nuclear Electricity Generation). The project will receive
additional support from Prof. Anthony Banford, National Nuclear Laboratory.
Skills developed This is a purely computational and investigative project with no laboratory work. Skills
gained will include life cycle assessment; application of sustainability assessment to
disruptive technologies; knowledge of the nuclear and overall energy sectors;
understanding of the challenges faced within energy policy.
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Required unit(s) CHEN 61191 Sustainable Development & Industry

No. of students 1

Project no. 2.41

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Prof. C. Theodoropoulos
name
Research topic Model reduction based MPC of large-scale processes
Description Large-scale processes described by systems of partial differential equations (PDEs) are
traditionally difficult to control in real time as they are computationally intensive. In
addition, nonlinear processes would require nonlinear MPC approaches which are
complex and not openly used in the industry. The project aims to use the wealth of
model reduction techniques developed in my group over the past years in order to
develop efficient methods for MPC of complex large-scale processes at real time.
Skills developed Computational programming (MATLAB-based), MPC control design
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.42

Category 2 - Modelling - process level, design.
5 - Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr Thomas Vetter
name
Research topic Crystallization and particle technology as it relates to pharmaceuticals
Description Crystallization processes are ubiquitous in the manufacture of high value products, as it
represents a means to achieve purification even from the most complex mixtures,
typically can be run at low temperature (suitable for products that are thermally labile)
and yields solids as a product, which are often desired. It is estimated that more than
90% of all chemicals sold in solid form undergo a crystallization step at least once
during their production. It is therefore widely applicable and is one of the major
separation processes used in an industrial setting.

In this project, students will conduct independent research on a topic of current

interest in the area of particle technology and or crystallization of pharmaceuticals. The
student will form part of the Crystal Chemistry and Particle Process Engineering
(CCAPPE) research group and will conduct his or her project under the guidance of a
PhD student who is in turn supervised by Dr Thomas Vetter. The exact topic of the
MEng or MSc dissertation project will be adapted based on the current interest of the
PhD students and academics in the CCAPPE research group and will be subject to
further discussion.

Students are expected to acquire mastery both in experimental work, as well as

process simulation work.
Skills developed Student will learn how to model particulate processes and how to conduct experiments
related to crystallization and/or particle technology. Equipments and techniques
typically used are crystal size measurement (Malvern mastersizer), powder x-ray
diffraction (pXRD), infrared and Raman spectroscopy, as well as thermal
characterization techniques (DSC, TGA).
Required unit(s) Colloid and Interface Science highly recommended
No. of students Several specific topics available on request.

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Project no. 2.43

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Dr. Vahid J Niasar
name
Research topic Pore-scale modelling two-phase flow in porous media
Description Student required having knowledge of MATLAB to develop numerical model to
simulate two-phase flow in porous media.
Please contact the supervisor for further information vahid.niasar@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed Numerical modelling, porous media physics
Required unit(s) MATALB
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.44

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Dr. Vahid J Niasar
name
Research topic Numerical modelling of transport in membranes
Description Student required having knowledge of MATLAB to develop numerical model to
simulate two-phase flow in porous media.
Please contact the supervisor for further information vahid.niasar@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed Numerical modelling, membrane technology
Required unit(s) MATALB
No. of students 1

Project no. 2.45

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Prof. Adisa Azapagic (Co-supervised by Dr Ximena Schmidt Rivera)
name
Research topic Environmental Impacts of Industrial Food Waste Valorisation Technologies in the UK:
Sustainability assessment of technologies and options for utilisation of food waste
Description Reducing food waste and increasing its value (“valorisation”) are important aspects for
sustainable development. Significant efforts are being made towards developing
techniques and technologies to valorise waste and produce competitive bio-based
products such as bioplastic and biodiesel. Although it is claimed that these new bio-
based products are environmentally sustainable, there is little quantitative information
to support these claims and to encourage the uptake of these new waste valorisation
routes.

Hence, this project aims to evaluate the environmental sustainability of different food-
waste valorisation routes to help with decision-making towards sustainable use of food
waste and its valorisation. The specific objectives are:
1. To identify key industrial food waste streams in the UK;
2. To explore current trends and innovative options of valorisation routes for the
most important industrial food waste streams in the UK;
3. To select key routes based on criteria such as feasibility, technology readiness level
and data availability and perform life cycle assessment to estimate the
environmental impacts of these technologies/pathways.
4. To compare different methods on environmental sustainability and draw
recommendations to industry and government for the best options for valorisation
of the food waste streams explored in the study.
Skills developed Technology assessment, life cycle assessment
Required unit(s) Sustainable Development and Industry
No. of students 1
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Project no. 2.46

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
Supervisor’s Prof. Adisa Azapagic (Co-supervised by Dr Alejandro Gallego Schmid)
name
Research topic Economic and environmental assessment of low-investment wastewater treatment
technologies in developing countries: Sustainability assessment of technologies for
wastewater treatment
Description Lack of sanitation affect billions of people worldwide. For example, an estimated 580
people in India die of water pollution-related illnesses every day. One of the reasons
for the lack of sanitation is that wastewater treatment technologies are not affordable
in developing countries. It is also not known which of the technologies would be most
environmentally sustainable for such countries. Therefore, the main objective of this
project is to identify low-investment wastewater treatment technologies suitable for
developing countries and to determine their environmental sustainability. The specific
objectives are:
- to identify the most promising low-investment wastewater treatment
technologies;
- to carry out their techno- economic analysis and identify the least expensive
options;
- to evaluate the least expensive options on environmental sustainability using
life cycle assessment;
- to compare the best technologies on costs and environmental impacts and
select the most sustainable option; and
- to identify the cost and environmental hotspots for the selected option and
make recommendations for improvements.
Skills developed Technology assessment, wastewater treatment, life cycle assessment
Required unit(s) Sustainable Development and Industry; knowledge of CCaLC
No. of students 1

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3. Experiment – Biological/bio-technological

Project no. 3.1

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s Aline Miller
name
Research topic Processability of Biopharmaceuticals
Description A biopharmaceutical is any pharmaceutical drug product manufactured in, extracted
from, or synthesized from biological sources. Proteins are one class of materials that
can be made in this way. They are also essential for life and as such have been deemed
useful as therapeutic agents. However, the complexity of proteins that make them
important for biological processes can also make their behaviour complicated. Such
behaviour can make production, processing and formulation of protein
pharmaceuticals problematic. Here we will examine an industrially relevant protein
using a variety of physical characterisation techniques to examine the influence of
different processing steps, including heating, shaking, elongational flow, foaming and
the addition of denaturants and surfactants. Changes in secondary, tertiary and
quaternatry structure will be monitored and correlated with the activity of the protein
pharmaceutical as well as aggregation propensity of the protein therapeutic. A range of
experimental techniques will be used including UV-spectroscopy, attenuated infra-red
spectroscopy and turbidity measurements.

This is a purely experimental project. The student will be working predominantly in the
laboratory preparing samples and using various pieces of characterization kit and
subsequently doing some data analysis. The student will need to make use of his/her
knowledge of molecular behavior, thermodynamics, experimental design and
mathematics. There is scope for the development of independent thinking, material
development and mathematical analysis.
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to the materials and pharmaceutical industry. General
lab skills will be gained, along with experience of materials fabrication and
characterisation.
Required unit(s) Interface and Colloids
No. of students 2

Project no. 3.2

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s James Winterburn
name
Research topic Biorefining: Production of Bio-based Chemicals from Waste (Fermentation Feedstock
Production via Rapeseed Meal Hydrolysis)
Description Rapeseed Meal (RSM) can be valorised by using hydrolysis to convert the
polysaccharides present (cellulose and hemicellulose) into simple sugars which can be
used as a carbon source by microorganisms in the production of bio-based chemicals.
The aim of this project is to understand the effect of the type of hydrolysis used on
both the sugar yield and the formation of undesirable inhibitory compounds, such as
furfural. A range of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis methods will be tested and the sugar
content of the resulting hydrolysates quantified by HPLC, leading to the identification
of the preferable hydrolysis process.
Skills developed General laboratory skills; analytical skills such as HPLC, NREL
https://www.nrel.gov/docs/gen/fy13/42618.pdf
Required unit(s) CHEN60241 - Advanced Biotechnology
No. of students 2

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Project no. 3.3

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s James Winterburn
name
Research topic Biorefining: Production of Bio-based Chemicals from Waste (Biopolymer Production
from Spent Coffee Grounds)
Description Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are abundant and can be used as a feedstock for
fermentation processes. In this project oils will be extracted from SCG, characterised
and subsequently used as a source of carbon for the production of
polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The aim of this project is to understand the effect of
solvent selection on oil and, ultimately on PHA yield.
Skills developed General lab skills; shake flask fermentation; solvent extraction; analytical techniques
such as HPLC and GC.
Required unit(s) CHEN60241 - Advanced Biotechnology
No. of students 2

Project no. 3.4

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s Prof. C. Theodoropoulos
name
Research topic Integrated biorefinery design for the pulp and paper industry
Description The pulp and paper industry is well established all over the world with a large number
of medium to large-sized plants. There is a need to valorise waste effluents from such
plants in order to (a) decrease costs and enhance profitability (b) decrease the carbon
footprint and hence improve sustainability of these plants. The project aims to
construct novel integrated biorefineries linked to pulp & paper plants that will produce
fuels energy and chemicals through chemical and biochemical routes. An exciting
combination of simulator-based plant design, techno-economic analysis, heat
integration and life cycle analysis is envisaged.
Skills developed Process design
Plant simulator (ASPEN PLUS)
Programming (MATLAB)
LCA
Required unit(s) CAPD, Reaction Systems design
No. of students 1 or 2

Project no. 3.5

Category 1. Modelling – molecular level, rheology
2. Modelling - process level, design.
3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s Prof. C. Theodoropoulos
name
Research topic Techno-economic and sustainability analysis of high temperature fermentations
Description Most fermentation processes take place at temperatures from 30-37oC as these are
temperatures that maximise microbial productivity. Nevertheless, high temperature
fermentations using thermophilic bacteria provide an attractive alternative for efficient
downstream processing. The project aims to analyse such processes and establish their
techno-economic and environmental benefits using existing experimental data and a
number of computational tools. The project has the potential of a scientific publication
if performed at an appropriate level. In addition, a limited number of experiments
might be possible, if additional data are needed, although the vast majority of the work
is expected to be computational.
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Skills developed Process design, programming, techno-economic analysis, sustainability analysis.

Required unit(s) CAPD.
No. of students 1

Project no. 3.6

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Peter Gardner
name
Research topic The influence of substrate in the infrared analysis of binary mixtures
Description Infrared spectroscopy is used extensively in the analysis and study of biological
systems. Normally the sample under investigation has to be placed on an infrared
transmitting substrate. However and alternative method is to place the sample on an
infrared reflecting substrate and do a reflection measurement. This sampling
methodology is often termed transflection since the infrared beam is transmitted
through the sample, reflected off the substrate and back through the sample a second
time. Both transmission and transflection measurements should give the same results
but it has been suggested that the transflection method gives rise to non-Beer-Lambert
behaviour [1,2]. In this project you will test a series of binary mixtures of biological
samples in both transmission and transflection and through a careful and systematic
study evaluate the extent of the non-Beer-Lambert behaviour.

1. P. Bassan, Joe Lee, A. Sachdeva, J. Pissardini, K. M. Dorling, J. Fletcher, A.

Henderson, P.Gardner, The inherent problem of transflection-mode infrared
spectroscopic microscopy and the ramifications for biomedical single point and imaging
applications. Analyst 138 (1), (2013), 144 – 157
2. M. J. Pilling, P. Bassan, P. Gardner, Comparison of transmission and transflectance
mode FTIR imaging of biological tissue, Analyst, 2015, 140, 2383 - 2392.
Skills developed Infrared spectroscopy. Analytical methodologies, Matlab
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1 or 2

Project no. 3.7

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Peter Gardner
name
Research topic Infrared studies of drug-cell interaction
Description Although there have been many advances in the treatment of cancer many
patients respond poorly to chemotherapy. This may be for several reasons but
often the tumour cells become resistant to the drug being used. There are
several different mechanisms of drug resistance. Recently it has been shown
that infrared spectroscopy of cells treated with various drugs may give an
insight into the mechanistic action of the drug and possibly indicate resistance.
[1]In this project you will investigate whether infrared spectroscopy can detect
spectroscopic signature that indicate whether the cells will be resistant or not.
1. J. Doherty, G. Cinque and P. Gardner, Single Cell Analysis Using Fourier
Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy, Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, 2017,
52(6), 560–587
Skills developed Infrared spectroscopy, advanced statistical analysis
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1 or 2
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Project no. 3.8

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
Supervisor’s Peter Gardner
name
Research topic Polarised infrared spectroscopy of skin
Description Understanding the skin aging process is of great interest to both the medical and
pharmaceutical industries. Infrared spectroscopy of skin sample has shown that it can
distinguish the primary layers e.g. Epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. In this project the
student will look at skin sample from young and old people and from exposed
(forearm) and unexposed (buttock) samples to see if they can be distinguished with
FTIR. In addition polarised FTIR will be use to see if the polarisation enhances the
discrimination between the layers.
Skills developed Polarisation FTIR spectroscopy, statistical analysis.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 3.9

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Abdullatif Alfutimie
name
Research topic Novel alteration of colloidal solutions through resonation to enhance product
functionality and resilience
Description Details expected by Monday 4 December

Skills developed
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

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4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions

Project no. 4.1

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
Supervisor’s Chris Hardacre
name
Research topic CO2 capture and utilisation using ionic liquids
Description This project aims to capture and activate CO2 in an ionic liquid for its conversion into
fuels and chemicals. The capture will be performed in a reactive ionic liquid in the
presence of other gases such as SO2, NO2 and H2O. Transforming the CO2 will require
the use of electrochemical methods.
Skills developed Synthesis of ionic liquids, analysis of products using NMR and GC, electrochemistry
Required unit(s) None
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.2

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
Supervisor’s Chris Hardacre
name
Research topic Catalytic hydrogenation of carboxylic acids
Description This project aims to convert carboxylic acids into alcohols and alkanes at low
temperature and pressure using heterogeneous catalysts. The desired products are
valuable and can thus be obtained from bioderived feedstocks. The aims of the project
are to develop the catalysts to obtain the best selectivity and understand the
mechanism of the process
Skills developed Synthesis of catalyst, analysis of products using HPLC and GC, spectroscopy
Required unit(s) None
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.3

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr Clint Sharrad
name
Research topic Development of novel methods for the treatment of nuclear wastes and effluents
Description Aqueous wastes are generated throughout the nuclear fuel cycle from extracting
uranium from ore to nuclear reactor coolants and wastes generated from spent nuclear
fuel reprocessing. The need to improve sustainability, the generation of new types of
effluents through nuclear decommissioning programmes and minimise the impact on
the environment presents opportunities to develop novel and more efficient methods
to treat all of these aqueous effluents in order to be safely discharged to the
environment.
Projects in this area will develop novel materials for use in effluent treatment
techniques, such as the use of functionalised surfaces and resins, for the selective
removal of radionuclides and other relevant metal ions from effluents. Aspects to be
studied will include pH stability, metal binding efficiency, kinetics of binding and
conditions for metal stripping from these solids using both batchwise and dynamic
methods. Various spectroscopic, diffraction and physical techniques will be applied. It
may be possible to study the radiolytic stability of any materials generated by using
irradiation equipment at the Dalton Cumbrian Facility (West Cumbria).
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to the nuclear industry . General laboratory skills.
Operate spectroscopic, diffraction and physical techniques to probe chemical and
physical behaviour. Interpret and fit of adsorption isotherm data to various models.
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Understand the general principles of ion exchange and adsorption.

Required unit(s) CHEN60222 The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.4

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr Clint Sharrad
name
Research topic Understanding and development of high temperature molten salts processes for the
partitioning and management of spent nuclear fuel.
Description The development of a sustainable nuclear fuel refinement process is seen as essential
in order to close the nuclear energy cycle, enabling the regeneration of nuclear fuel by
the most clean, economic and resource efficient means with minimal waste. The
reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel has historically been undertaken using
hydrometallurgical solvent extraction processes (e.g. PUREX), but these methods may
not be compatible with future nuclear fuel materials. Pyrochemical reprocessing using
electrochemical high temperature molten salt (MS) refinement methods (see Fig. 1)
offer a potential solution, but still with many unsolved technical challenges.

Fig. 1 Schematic for the electrorefining of SNF in a high temperature chloride melt

High temperature molten salts that are proposed for use as fuel matricies and as
pyrochemical reprocessing media typically include alkali chlorides and alkali fluorides at
operating temperatures above 400 °C. Projects in this field may look at the
understanding of dissolution and reactivity of different fuel types (e.g. oxide, carbide
and nitride fuels), determine boundary conditions to avoid maloperation processes
(e.g. precipitation and formation of toxic volatile species), investigating the
electrochemical behaviour of metal species within the melt and the
corrosion/degradation of materials used to contain these demanding environments.
Various spectroscopic, diffraction, physical and electrochemical techniques will be used
in these investigations. Initial studies will only involve non-radioactive materials but
may involve uranium/thorium work towards the end of the project depending on
research progress.
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to the nuclear industry. Laboratory skills in handling
difficult-to-manage chemical environments. Operate a selection of spectroscopic,
diffraction, microscopy, physical and electrochemical techniques to probe chemical and
physical behaviour.
Required unit(s) CHEN60222 The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
No. of students 1

Project no. 4.5

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr Clint Sharrad
name

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Research topic Control of problematic fission products in advanced solvent extraction processes for
the proliferation resistant recycling of spent nuclear fuel
Description The Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB) have set out plans for a 5
year integrated R&D programme on nuclear fuel recycle and waste management such
that by the early 2020s radical improvements in economics, proliferation resistance,
waste generation and environmental impacts of spent fuel recycling will have been
demonstrated. By 2030 the UK will be involved in national and international R&D
programmes providing proof of concept for fuel cycle technologies which by 2050 leads
to the UK nuclear industry having a strong capability to deliver across the fuel cycle.

Experimental studies will be performed in order to understand the behaviour of key

problematic fission products (FP) in Advanced PUREX and innovative-SANEX separation
process flowsheets. Problematic fission product elements are expected to include
ruthenium, zirconium, molybdenum, strontium, palladium, technetium and iron
(corrosion product). The overall project aim is to estimate the likely routings and
achievable FP decontamination factors (DFs) across these flowsheets. The specific
objective for this task is to underpin FP DFs measured in process flowsheet tests at by
an understanding of the underlying basic process chemistry. Batch solvent extraction
experiments on individual elements and dissolver/raffinate solution simulants are likely
to be required followed by chemical characterization of extractable species. The effects
of radiolytically generated degradation products will be important and may form part
of the study. It is probable that this will involve generation of actual degradation
products by radiation sources rather than use of synthetic ‘model’ compounds unless
there is a strong justification for the use of model compounds. Based on the
understanding generated improved decontamination strategies are to be proposed and
studied. These may include hold back agents, higher solvent saturation or alteration of
extraction / scrubbing conditions.
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to the nuclear industry. General laboratory skills.
Ability to undertake spectroscopic, diffraction and physical techniques to probe
chemical and physical behaviour. Interpretation of data to feed into multiscale models.
Required unit(s) CHEN60222 The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.6

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Gyorgy Szekely
name
Research topic Development of molecularly imprinted polymers and their application in downstream
processing
Description Separation processes play a remarkable role in the chemical and pharmaceutical
industries, where they account for 50 to 70% of both capital and operating costs.
Conventional downstream processing technologies suffer low selectivity and require
several stages to achieve desired purity, leading to high product loss and solvent
consumption. Manufacturers of (bio)pharmaceuticals want to intensify their
downstream processes to achieve high purity without compromising yield. The overall
concept of the project is to make important paradigm shifts in the downstream
processing of (bio)pharmaceuticals by turning the cutting edge imprinting methodology
into a readily applicable industrial technology.
Molecularly imprinted materials are prepared using functional monomers that
assemble around a template molecule and subsequently get crosslinked to form an
imprinted matrix. Then the template molecule is removed from the matrix under
certain conditions, leaving behind a cavity complementary in size, shape and

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functionality to the template. The resulting cavity can act as a selective binding site for
a specific template molecule (e.g. pharmaceuticals, catalysts, proteins, toxins). These
imprinted polymers, also known as artificial enzymes, have affinity for the original
molecule and have been successfully used in applications such as chemical separations,
catalysis, or molecular sensors.
The aim of this project is to develop scalable, high performance process technologies
based on imprinted polymeric particles and membranes, and synergistic combinations
of these two. Imprinted materials will be developed with high selectivity allowing both
efficient impurity removal and negligible product loss at the same time. Besides the
fabrication of materials, various modelling tools will be applied to reveal the nature of
molecular recognition of the developed materials. This project provides an excellent
opportunity to work within a highly inter-disciplinary area at the chemistry-materials-
engineering interface.
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to imprinting technology and downstream processing.
Improved knowledge of Matlab, separation science, adsorption and kinetic data
analysis and materials development. Experience with process development, radical
polymerisation, chemical and physical characterization techniques. Technical writing,
time management, project management, team working, presentation skills.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.7

Category 4. Experiment - chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, separations
Supervisor’s Gyorgy Szekely
name
Research topic Preparation of nanofiltration and ion-exchange membranes
Description Separation processes play a remarkable role in the chemical and pharmaceutical
industries, where they account for 50 to 70% of both capital and operating costs.
Conventional downstream processing technologies suffer low selectivity and require
several stages to achieve desired purity, leading to high product loss and solvent
consumption.
Organic syntheses in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry are frequently
performed in organic solvents and consist of products with high added value that
should be removed from the organic solvents. Organic solvent nanofiltration is an
emerging technology which allows the isolation and separation of solutes between 50
and 2,000 g.mol-1 in organic solvents. The development of nanofiltration membranes
stable in harsh environments (e.g. polar aprotic solvents, extreme temperature,
pressure and pH) is of utmost importance. Solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes
will be fabricated from commercial polyimide and polybenzimidazole which exhibit
superior chemical stability compared to other well-known polymeric membranes.
There is intense pressure on water supplies, derived from population growth
(developing world) and more stringent standards and procedures with regard to
contaminant detection (developed world). Various low-energy strategies are therefore
sought to obtain water that can be used for human consumption, or irrigation, from
desalination of sea water. Novel approaches are Membrane Capacitive Deionisation
and Electrodialysis; this is the adsorption of the constituent ions on high surface area
membrane electrode materials; requiring ion-exchange membranes.
The concept of design of experiments (DoE) will be applied throughout the project to
gain an in depth understanding of the parameters governing the membrane fabrication
process. Integrally skinned asymmetric membranes will be prepared and crosslinked
using aromatic bifunctional crosslinkers. The membrane performance (i.e. flux,
retention profile, solvent stability) will be evaluated using a nanofiltration rig.

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Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to membrane science and technology, downstream
processing. Improved knowledge of Matlab, separation science, materials
characterisation. Experience with process development. Separation processes.
Technical writing, time management, project management, team working,
presentation skills.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.8

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
Supervisor’s Hosam Aleem
name
Research topic Optimisation and Scale-up of a Batch Reaction Process
Description Chemical reactions are at the core of many processes in the chemical industry, you may
have come across the “Onion Model for process design”. Chemical reactions are
normally developed at the lab scale, then scaled up to a pilot scale before scaling up
further to the full industrial scale. The ratio of volume between one scale and the next
can exceed one hundred times. When going up in scale, the different transport
phenomena will start behaving differently and the design will become more
complicated. Furthermore, the product desired may be expensive or hazardous, so
gaining as much information about the process in a smaller, less expensive and safer
environment is highly desirable.
The scale up exercise from lab to pilot scales would ideally allow inferring a relationship
between the two to facilitate the next step of scale up, that to the industrial scale.
In addition to scale up, this project also investigates the optimisation of the pilot scale
batch process taking into consideration operational and economic factors including
batch time and energy usage. Factors considered in optimisation may include agitation,
heating, feed rate if a fed batch reaction, and their impact on product quality and
quantity.
The student will also simulate the process on Aspen Hysis and compare the results with
those obtained experimentally.
Skills developed The student will develop their experimental skills including planning, data gathering
and data interpretation. More importantly however, is gaining a deeper understanding
of reaction kinetics, conversion, mass and heat transfer through practical hands on
experience.
Required unit(s) Chemical Reaction Engineering, Transport Phenomena
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.9

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
Supervisor’s Joanna Stevens [co-supervised by Abdullatif Alfutimie (CEAS) and Mouhammad Shadi
name Khudr (EGS, FBMH)]
Research topic Multi-technique approach to trace metal recovery
Description The research project is investigating the potential for combining methods such as ion-
exchange resins and zeolites alongside novel aspects for across-the-board recovery of
noble metals from otherwise irrecoverable or costly recoverable resources (e.g.
precious metals from industrialised waste material solutions, heavy metal pollutants
from nearby mines, smelters, refineries and industrial plants). Precious metals such as
platinum and gold are available in aqueous industrial wastes and sewage sludge as
anionic complexes, although the most widespread method for recovery via ion-
exchange resins may suffer reduced activity/selectivity by time due to blockage of
active sites with complex residues and debris.

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This project will explore the feasibility for increasing the efficacy, functionality, and
speed of the resin method by means of combining with modified zeolites to pre-
concentrate the trace metals. The work therefore aims to provide a timely and
environmentally-friendly method, and requires testing of the effect and efficiency of
variation of experimental conditions and data analysis from analytical methods.

References: [1] Science | AAAS, Sewage sludge could contain millions of dollars worth
of gold, 2015 [online], Available at: http://bit.ly/2sOa5Yl. [2] Nikoloski, A. and Ang, K.,
Review of the Application of Ion Exchange Resins for the Recovery of Platinum-Group
Metals From Hydrochloric Acid Solutions, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
Review, 2013, 35(6), 369-389, https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2013.764875 [3] 6.
Perić, J., Trgo, M. and Vukojević Medvidović, N., Removal of zinc, copper and lead by
natural zeolite—a comparison of adsorption isotherms, Water Research, 2004, 38(7),
1893-1899, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2003.12.035.
Skills developed Experimental: Ion exchange, Zeolite modification and Metal recovery techniques,
Analytical methods
Required unit(s) CHEN64261 Adsorption & Ion Exchange
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.10

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Prof Philip Martin
name
Research topic Design of a technological plasma system for waste gas treatment and energy efficiency
Description Non- thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas can be used for waste gas treatment or
CO2 utilisation. One of the advantages is that the gas does not require heating as the
energy for destruction comes from the electrons. The project will be both experimental
and design.
Skills developed
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.11

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Prof Philip Martin
name
Research topic Control of instrumented batch reactor (JCB)
Description We have a new 20 litre batch reactor in the pilot plant which is being integrated with
the distributed control system. We also have a range of new process analytical
techniques and sensors to measure processes in the reactor. This project involves
developing the real-time methodologies for analysis and control of a suitable batch
process. If successful it may be used in the teaching classes. This is an experimental
project.
Skills developed
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

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Project no. 4.12

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
Supervisor’s Stuart Holmes
name
Research topic Materials for Fuel Cells
Description The bulk of the challenges around the commercialisation of fuel cells are related to the
cost and lifetime of the materials used. The research will look at the effect of a range of
improvements within the gas diffusion layer, the catalyst and the membrane to
enhance the performance of fuel cell systems. These can be hydrogen, methanol,
butanol and formic acid fuel cells.
Skills developed Materials synthesis/characterisation/electro-chemistry
Required unit(s) None
No. of students Max 4

Project no. 4.13

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
Supervisor’s Dr Xiaolei Fan
name
Research topic Bio-oil upgrading on structured catalysts
Description The aim of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of using zeolites (e.g. H-forms of
ZSM-5 and zeolite Y) supported on silicon carbide (SiC) macroscopic cellular foams
catalytic process to perform the vapour phase upgrading of fast pyrolysis bio-oil. A
challenge in the biomass fast pyrolysis technology is the efficient and economical
upgrading of the bio-oil for fuel and chemical production. From a process point of view,
zeolite (e.g. HZSM-5 and HY) cracking upgrading is an attractive technology to remove
the oxygen from bio-oil at atmospheric pressure without the requirement of co-feeding
of hydrogen, and has been intensively investigated recently. However, the catalyst
deactivation caused by the coke formation remains a major concern for this route in
bioenergy research. Herein, we hypothesise that, by using structured zeolite on SiC
open-cell foam catalysts, enhanced transport phenomena by foams can help to
enhance the catalyst longevity and efficiency of deoxygenation of bio-oil.
Skills developed novel material engineering, heterogeneous catalysis
Required unit(s) Catalytic reaction engineering, heat and mass transfer
No. of students 2

Project no. 4.14

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
Supervisor’s Dr Xiaolei Fan
name
Research topic Engineering ZnO/SiC heterojunction on macroscopic cellular SiC foams for enhanced
photocatalysis
Description The main aim of this project is to develop a novel n-type ZnO nanostructures on p-type
SiC macroscopic foams with high-quality p/n-heterojunctions for highly efficient
photocatalytic applications that can (i) maximise the light transmittance and the
exposal of p/n heterojunctions and (ii) enable the development of continuous-flow
photoreactors with high throughput. The project will be split into four tasks to address
the controlled synthesis of ZnO nanostructures on SiC foam supports, the
characterisation and evaluation of developed materials and the design/development of
continuous-flow photoreactors. The specific objectives of the project are to:
1. develop novel hierarchical ZnO nanostructures on SiC foams with intrinsically linked
p/n heterojunctions;
2. perform comprehensive characterisation of hybrid ZnO/SiC materials, especially
the interface properties;
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3. evaluate the photocatalytic activity of developed ZnO/SiC materials against the

reference material (dip-coated ZnO on SiC foams) using photocatalytic degradation
of selected orgnic contaminates; and
4. design and develop photoreactors based on hierarchical ZnO nanostructures on SiC
foams.
Skills developed novel material engineering, photocatalysis
Required unit(s) Catalytic reaction engineering
No. of students 1

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5. Experiment – engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering

Project no. 5.1

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Aurora Cruz-Cabeza
name
Research topic Polymorphism in Molecular Crystals
Description The student will investigate the polymorphism of a molecular compound of interest.
For this, the student will carry out various crystallisation experiments under different
set of conditions and characterisation of the obtained solids.
Please contact the supervisor for information aurora.cruzcabeza@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed Experimental Skills: crystallisation methods, X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy,
microscopy.
Required unit(s) Crystallisation Module
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.2

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Aurora Cruz-Cabeza
name
Research topic Kinetics of Crystal Growth
Description The student will measure the crystal growth rates of a compound of interest.
For this, the student will carry out various crystallisation experiments under different
set of conditions and record kinetics of crystal growth.
Please contact the supervisor for information aurora.cruzcabeza@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed Experimental Skills: crystallisation methods, X-ray diffraction, crystal growth cell,
optical microscopy
Required unit(s) Crystallisation Module
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.3

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Bernard Treves Brown
name
Research topic Liquids on Laser-Processed Surfaces
Description Lotus leaves have patterns on their surfaces which make them very hydrophobic –
water forms droplets and rolls off. Ways of making surfaces like this have been
investigated for making self-cleaning surfaces. Laser processing of aluminium and
stainless steel surfaces produces patterns of cones, cylinders and bubbles depending
on the process conditions. In contact with water the different patterns have very
different properties, from highly wettable to very hydrophobic. This project will explore
how these properties can be used – from the possibility of using pieces of treated
metal as moulds for self-cleaning plastics to ways of using these surfaces in
microfluidics to merge and separate droplets of water suspended in oil.
Skills developed Mechanical design (including computer-aided), microfluidics design and
instrumentation (pumping, visualization with cameras etc), micromilling and injection
moulding, understanding the properties of patterned surfaces.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

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Project no. 5.4

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Bernard Treves Brown
name
Research topic Scaffolds for Skin Grafts/Wound Healing
Description When serious wounds heal they leave a scar. This happens because the collagen in the
skin regrows randomly rather than in the ordered pattern found in normal skin. This is
of particular interest for treatment of burns where large areas of skin must regrow –
top surgeons expect patients who have lost more than 30% of their skin to survive.
Currently these patients will have scarring/disfigurement over a large proportion of
their body for the rest of their lives.
We are developing new materials that initially give protection by acting like skin, and
then support new skin as it develops. By controlling the structure of the scaffold we
aim to grow skin with collagen patterns close to that in normal skin and by using
microfluidic techniques we aim to provide the nutrients that growing skin requires.
Skills developed Depending on the direction the student chooses, skills developed could be:
development and mechanical testing of new materials, design (including computer-
aided), chemical synthesis at surfaces, basic cell culture, microfluidics design and
instrumentation (pumping, visualization with cameras etc), micromilling and injection
moulding.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.5

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Gyorgy Szekely
name
Research topic Development of molecularly imprinted polymers and their application in downstream
processing
Description Separation processes play a remarkable role in the chemical and pharmaceutical
industries, where they account for 50 to 70% of both capital and operating costs.
Conventional downstream processing technologies suffer low selectivity and require
several stages to achieve desired purity, leading to high product loss and solvent
consumption. Manufacturers of (bio)pharmaceuticals want to intensify their
downstream processes to achieve high purity without compromising yield. The overall
concept of the project is to make important paradigm shifts in the downstream
processing of (bio)pharmaceuticals by turning the cutting edge imprinting methodology
into a readily applicable industrial technology.
Molecularly imprinted materials are prepared using functional monomers that
assemble around a template molecule and subsequently get crosslinked to form an
imprinted matrix. Then the template molecule is removed from the matrix under
certain conditions, leaving behind a cavity complementary in size, shape and
functionality to the template. The resulting cavity can act as a selective binding site for
a specific template molecule (e.g. pharmaceuticals, catalysts, proteins, toxins). These
imprinted polymers, also known as artificial enzymes, have affinity for the original
molecule and have been successfully used in applications such as chemical separations,
catalysis, or molecular sensors.
The aim of this project is to develop scalable, high performance process technologies
based on imprinted polymeric particles and membranes, and synergistic combinations
of these two. Imprinted materials will be developed with high selectivity allowing both
efficient impurity removal and negligible product loss at the same time. Besides the
fabrication of materials, various modelling tools will be applied to reveal the nature of

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molecular recognition of the developed materials. This project provides an excellent

opportunity to work within a highly inter-disciplinary area at the chemistry-materials-
engineering interface.
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to imprinting technology and downstream processing.
Improved knowledge of Matlab, separation science, adsorption and kinetic data
analysis and materials development. Experience with process development, radical
polymerisation, chemical and physical characterization techniques. Technical writing,
time management, project management, team working, presentation skills.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.6

Category 4. Experiment - chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, separations
Supervisor’s Gyorgy Szekely
name
Research topic Preparation of nanofiltration and ion-exchange membranes
Description Separation processes play a remarkable role in the chemical and pharmaceutical
industries, where they account for 50 to 70% of both capital and operating costs.
Conventional downstream processing technologies suffer low selectivity and require
several stages to achieve desired purity, leading to high product loss and solvent
consumption.
Organic syntheses in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry are frequently
performed in organic solvents and consist of products with high added value that
should be removed from the organic solvents. Organic solvent nanofiltration is an
emerging technology which allows the isolation and separation of solutes between 50
and 2,000 g.mol-1 in organic solvents. The development of nanofiltration membranes
stable in harsh environments (e.g. polar aprotic solvents, extreme temperature,
pressure and pH) is of utmost importance. Solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes
will be fabricated from commercial polyimide and polybenzimidazole which exhibit
superior chemical stability compared to other well-known polymeric membranes.
There is intense pressure on water supplies, derived from population growth
(developing world) and more stringent standards and procedures with regard to
contaminant detection (developed world). Various low-energy strategies are therefore
sought to obtain water that can be used for human consumption, or irrigation, from
desalination of sea water. Novel approaches are Membrane Capacitive Deionisation
and Electrodialysis; this is the adsorption of the constituent ions on high surface area
membrane electrode materials; requiring ion-exchange membranes.
The concept of design of experiments (DoE) will be applied throughout the project to
gain an in depth understanding of the parameters governing the membrane fabrication
process. Integrally skinned asymmetric membranes will be prepared and crosslinked
using aromatic bifunctional crosslinkers. The membrane performance (i.e. flux,
retention profile, solvent stability) will be evaluated using a nanofiltration rig.

Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to membrane science and technology, downstream
processing. Improved knowledge of Matlab, separation science, materials
characterisation. Experience with process development. Separation processes.
Technical writing, time management, project management, team working,
presentation skills.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

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Project no. 5.7

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Hosam Aleem
name
Research topic Modelling and Control of a Pilot-scale Industrial Process using a Distributed Control
System
Description When you studied Process Control, you were given the mathematical model of a
system and asked to analyse it, determine whether it is stable or not and possibly
design a controller for it to achieve certain performance specifications.
However, have you ever wondered how those models were obtained? Whilst some
models may be obtained analytically from first principles, using fundamental
relationships in chemical engineering and physics, in reality this is very rare. Usually
you will build a model from measurements of the inputs to the system and the
corresponding outputs from it, in what is known as “System Identification”.
Your role in this project is to formulate a model of a given pilot scale process in the JCB
pilot plant. If the process is connected to the Siemens PCS7 DCS, then you will use it for
data collection and analysis. You will then need to simulate this model on
Matlab/Simulink to assess its performance. You will also design a controller for the
system and simulate it on Simulink to see if it achieves the desired performance
specifications.
Skills developed Distributed Control Systems (DCS) of which the Siemens PCS7 in the JCB is one type, are
widely used in all modern industrial plants to monitor and control the process. You will
gain skills in how to run such a system, but more importantly in how to interpret the
trend lines that it displays and use them to understand the process dynamics and
design a suitable control scheme. Working in the pilot plant will give you practical
experience with process troubleshooting (when things go wrong or not as expected),
and with safety issues.
Required unit(s) Process Control
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.8

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Bernard Treves Brown
name
Research topic Acoustic Level Sensors
Description Level sensors are ubiquitous in the process industries, and many different types have
been developed. Concerns include reliability, measurement of foam level and liquid
level, and intrinsic safety. This project will develop an acoustic sensor based on the
same principle as making different tones by blowing across the top of bottles
containing different volumes of liquid. The sensor will be tested using some of the
equipment in the pilot hall.
Skills developed Development of instrumentation for chemical processes
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 5.9

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Bernard Treves Brown
name
Research topic Microfluidic Rheometer
Description Rapid measurements of viscosity and interfacial tension are important in many process
industries. For example, enhanced oil recovery using surfactants relies on the change of
interfacial tension that they cause. A simple way of measuring viscosity and interfacial
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tension is to create a jet of one liquid into another moving at the same velocity. The
inner liquid may remain as a stream or break up in to droplets and the transition point
depends on the viscosity and interfacial tension. This measurement can be very fast –
rapid enough high-throughput screening of surfactants, and can be readily automated,
giving a simple online viscometer.
This project will make and test a miniature rheometer with an industrial camera which
detects the jetting/dripping transition by image analysis.
Skills developed Microfluidics, instrumentation of chemical processes, image analysis.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 5.10

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr Clint Sharrad
name
Research topic Development of novel methods for the treatment of nuclear wastes and effluents
Description Aqueous wastes are generated throughout the nuclear fuel cycle from extracting
uranium from ore to nuclear reactor coolants and wastes generated from spent nuclear
fuel reprocessing. The need to improve sustainability, the generation of new types of
effluents through nuclear decommissioning programmes and minimise the impact on
the environment presents opportunities to develop novel and more efficient methods
to treat all of these aqueous effluents in order to be safely discharged to the
environment.

Projects in this area will develop novel materials for use in effluent treatment
techniques, such as the use of functionalised surfaces and resins, for the selective
removal of radionuclides and other relevant metal ions from effluents. Aspects to be
studied will include pH stability, metal binding efficiency, kinetics of binding and
conditions for metal stripping from these solids using both batchwise and dynamic
methods. Various spectroscopic, diffraction and physical techniques will be applied. It
may be possible to study the radiolytic stability of any materials generated by using
irradiation equipment at the Dalton Cumbrian Facility (West Cumbria).

Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to the nuclear industry . General laboratory skills.
Operate spectroscopic, diffraction and physical techniques to probe chemical and
physical behaviour. Interpret and fit of adsorption isotherm data to various models.
Understand the general principles of ion exchange and adsorption.
Required unit(s) CHEN60222 The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.11

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr Clint Sharrad
name
Research topic Understanding and development of high temperature molten salts processes for the
partitioning and management of spent nuclear fuel.
Description The development of a sustainable nuclear fuel refinement process is seen as essential
in order to close the nuclear energy cycle, enabling the regeneration of nuclear fuel by
the most clean, economic and resource efficient means with minimal waste. The
reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel has historically been undertaken using
hydrometallurgical solvent extraction processes (e.g. PUREX), but these methods may

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not be compatible with future nuclear fuel materials. Pyrochemical reprocessing using
electrochemical high temperature molten salt (MS) refinement methods (see Fig. 1)
offer a potential solution, but still with many unsolved technical challenges.

Fig. 1 Schematic for the electrorefining of SNF in a high temperature chloride melt

High temperature molten salts that are proposed for use as fuel matricies and as
pyrochemical reprocessing media typically include alkali chlorides and alkali fluorides at
operating temperatures above 400 °C. Projects in this field may look at the
understanding of dissolution and reactivity of different fuel types (e.g. oxide, carbide
and nitride fuels), determine boundary conditions to avoid maloperation processes
(e.g. precipitation and formation of toxic volatile species), investigating the
electrochemical behaviour of metal species within the melt and the
corrosion/degradation of materials used to contain these demanding environments.
Various spectroscopic, diffraction, physical and electrochemical techniques will be used
in these investigations. Initial studies will only involve non-radioactive materials but
may involve uranium/thorium work towards the end of the project depending on
research progress.
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to the nuclear industry. Laboratory skills in handling
difficult-to-manage chemical environments. Operate a selection of spectroscopic,
diffraction, microscopy, physical and electrochemical techniques to probe chemical and
physical behaviour.
Required unit(s) CHEN60222 The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
No. of students 1

Project no. 5.12

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr Clint Sharrad
name
Research topic Control of problematic fission products in advanced solvent extraction processes for
the proliferation resistant recycling of spent nuclear fuel
Description The Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB) have set out plans for a 5
year integrated R&D programme on nuclear fuel recycle and waste management such
that by the early 2020s radical improvements in economics, proliferation resistance,
waste generation and environmental impacts of spent fuel recycling will have been
demonstrated. By 2030 the UK will be involved in national and international R&D
programmes providing proof of concept for fuel cycle technologies which by 2050 leads
to the UK nuclear industry having a strong capability to deliver across the fuel cycle.

Experimental studies will be performed in order to understand the behaviour of key

problematic fission products (FP) in Advanced PUREX and innovative-SANEX separation
process flowsheets. Problematic fission product elements are expected to include
ruthenium, zirconium, molybdenum, strontium, palladium, technetium and iron
(corrosion product). The overall project aim is to estimate the likely routings and
achievable FP decontamination factors (DFs) across these flowsheets. The specific
objective for this task is to underpin FP DFs measured in process flowsheet tests at by
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an understanding of the underlying basic process chemistry. Batch solvent extraction

experiments on individual elements and dissolver/raffinate solution simulants are likely
to be required followed by chemical characterization of extractable species. The effects
of radiolytically generated degradation products will be important and may form part
of the study. It is probable that this will involve generation of actual degradation
products by radiation sources rather than use of synthetic ‘model’ compounds unless
there is a strong justification for the use of model compounds. Based on the
understanding generated improved decontamination strategies are to be proposed and
studied. These may include hold back agents, higher solvent saturation or alteration of
extraction / scrubbing conditions.
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to the nuclear industry. General laboratory skills.
Ability to undertake spectroscopic, diffraction and physical techniques to probe
chemical and physical behaviour. Interpretation of data to feed into multiscale models.
Required unit(s) CHEN60222 THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.13

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Joanna Stevens
name
Research topic Divergent forms and properties of pharmaceuticals
Description Crystallisation is used extensively throughout the chemical and pharmaceutical
industries to prepare and purify materials. The solid-state form produced is highly
dependent on the crystallisation conditions, and this in turn determines the resulting
properties (e.g. solubility, stability, drug bioavailability, and even colour). Moreover, in
multi-component systems such as salts and co-crystals, the product form is determined
by the nature of interactions between components, and this is not always predictable
or completely understood despite identification being key in regulatory requirements.
Different forms can also be obtained through the ‘green’ method of solid-state grinding
(milling) in contrast to conventional solution crystallisation, as well as reflecting the
influence of milling on batch processing.

This project will look into different solid-state forms of organic compounds of interest
to the pharmaceutical industry, and the influences of varying conditions and
interactions on material forms and properties. It will incorporate searching large
databases and critically analysing the output against experimental and/or
computational work. There is scope for investigating patterns in bonding & interactions
leading to variation in product form and properties, the development of independent
laboratory crystallisation, measurements with X-ray and Infrared techniques, and the
possibility of carrying out some computational activity to support the experimental work.

References: [1] Braga, D. and Bernstein, J. (2006) Crystal Polymorphism: Challenges at

the Crossroads of Science and Technology, in Making Crystals by Design: Methods,
Techniques and Applications (eds D. Braga and F. Grepioni), Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH &
Co. KGaA, Weinheim, Germany, https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527610112.ch11 [2]
Scott L. Childs, G. Patrick Stahly, and Aeri Park, Mol. Pharmaceutics, 2007, 4 (3), 323-
338, https://doi.org/10.1021/mp0601345 [3] A. V. Trask, W. Jones, Top Curr Chem
2005, 254, 41-70, https://doi.org/10.1007/b100995
Skills developed Experimental: Crystallisation and Analytical methods. Databases: Data mining and
Correlations
Background knowledge relevant to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Improved knowledge of crystallisation and the impact of molecular structure and
interactions on properties of materials. Experience with large databases, laboratory

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crystallisation/techniques, computational methods and critical analysis.

Required unit(s) CHEN64322 Interface & Colloid Science
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.14

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Krishna Persaud
name
Research topic Characterisation of polymeric semiconductor ammonia sensors for monitoring
ammonia in waste water
Description There are legislative limits regarding discharge of water containing high concentrations
of ammonia into streams and rivers and water authorities are under pressure by the
Environmental Control Agencies. We have developed a new sensor for ammonia that
senses the headspace above a stream of water and predicts the concentration of
ammonia in water. This is based on an organic semiconductor that changes in
electrical resistance when exposed to ammonia. The aim of this project is to
characterise this new sensor in term of sensitivity, selectivity and stability, and to
investigate the effect of potential interferences. This is a multidisciplinary project that
will require knowledge of both chemistry and physics, and will involve working in the
laboratory doing practical experimental work.
Skills developed Experience in chemical sensing, industrial application, multidisciplinary laboratory
experience
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.15

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Krishna Persaud
name
Research topic Investigation of organic field effect transistors as gas sensors
Description As part of an ongoing project CIMLAE (Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Large
Area Electronics http://cimlae.com/) we have been developing arrays of gas sensitive
field effect transistors for several chemical sensing applications. An opportunity exists
to learn how to manufacture and characterise these devices. The project will involve
printing organic semiconductors, making working sensors, and using a gas rig to
characterise the performance of the resulting sensors. This project is highly
multidisciplinary, and needs a highly motivated student with good background in both
Chemistry and Physics.
Skills developed Experience in chemical sensing of volatile chemicals, industrial application,
multidisciplinary laboratory experience
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.16

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Krishna Persaud
name
Research topic Investigation of preconcentrators for gas sensing applications
Description There is a need to sense many kinds of gases and vapours at parts per billion levels.
This project will investigate organic adsorbents suitable for preconcentration of traces
of organic substances that are biomarkers for detection of some diseases. The project
involves practical laboratory work to prepare adsorbent materials, test them against
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gas sensing systems, and characterise them in terms of efficiency. The project will suit
students who have a good background in both Chemistry and Physics.

Skills developed Experience in chemical sensing of volatile chemicals relevant to healthcare, industrial
application, multidisciplinary laboratory experience
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 5.17

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Nima Shokri
name
Research topic Drying of suspensions
Description Understanding the drying of droplet suspensions is of great importance to a variety of
processes such as production of catalyst, ceramic, and various pharmaceutical
products. Many of these products, such as paint pigments and milk powders, are
manufactured in a complex industrial process typically through spray drying, whereby
spray generation followed by solvent evaporation leads to the assembly of dried grains
with different characteristics. To improve the efficiency of spray drying and control the
morphology of the resulting final grains, it is crucial to develop understanding of the
mechanisms governing the drying of droplets. The need to achieve such a more
complete knowledge is motivating the scientific community to investigate this process
under different boundary conditions.
We will look into the effects of various parameters (such as the type of solid grains,
size, shape, concentration, temperature, humidity, properties of fluid etc.) on the
drying dynamics of droplet suspensions and the resulting morphology of the formed
particles at the end of drying.
Skills developed Physical understanding of drying process, convection-diffusion equation, image
analysis, experience with designing and conducting laboratory experiments
Required unit(s) Interface & Colloid Science
No. of students 1

Project no. 5.18

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Nima Shokri
name
Research topic Application of foam for enhanced oil recovery
Description The application of foam in porous media is relevant to many processes such as
enhanced oil recovery, soil remediation and CO2 sequestration due to its high effective
viscosity and effective mobility control in porous media. The high viscosity and fluid
diversion ability of foam offers great potential to resolve some of the major challenges
associated with gas injection in porous media such as gravity segregation, viscous
fingering and selective flooding in heterogeneous systems. These remarkable
properties are attributed to the relatively low mobility of foam (defined as the ratio of
the permeability and viscosity) in porous media. A major concern with the application
of foam as a displacing fluid in porous media is the stability of foam in the presence of
hydrocarbons. The destructive effect of oil on foam stability has been observed in
many experimental studies, both at bulk scale and in porous media. Additionally, the
transport properties of porous media impact the dynamics of foam flow and its
efficiency as a displacing fluid.
In this project we will look into how the transport properties of porous media and the
composition of foam influences foam flow as well as its stability.
Skills developed Physical understanding of foam dynamics and behaviour in porous media, image
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analysis, experience with designing and conducting laboratory experiments

Required unit(s) Interface & Colloid Science
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.19

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Nima Shokri
name
Research topic Saline water evaporation from porous media
Description Fundamental understanding of the evaporation process from porous media in the
presence of soluble salt is important in many natural and engineering applications such
as soil salinization, rock weathering, durability of building materials and preservation of
pavements, CO2 sequestration, ecosystem functioning, food industry, vegetation, and
microbiological activities in soil. Complex dynamics of salt precipitation patterns
affected by the salt concentration (among other factors) in pores of rock, masonry, and
porous building materials can generate stresses which may lead to severe damages.
Thus it is important to understand the effects of salt on evaporation process and
general dynamics of the salt precipitation patterns. In this project we will investigate
fundamental aspects of saline water evaporation from porous media and how
parameters such as type of salt, concentration, external conditions as well as the
transport properties of porous media influences the saline water evaporation.
Skills developed Background knowledge relevant to the flow through porous media, physical
understanding of drying process, convection-diffusion equation, image analysis,
experience with designing and conducting laboratory experiments.
Required unit(s) Flow & Transport Processes in Porous Media
No. of students 1

Project no. 5.20

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Peter Gardner
name
Research topic The influence of substrate in the infrared analysis of binary mixtures
Description Infrared spectroscopy is used extensively in the analysis and study of biological
systems. Normally the sample under investigation has to be placed on an infrared
transmitting substrate. However and alternative method is to place the sample on an
infrared reflecting substrate and do a reflection measurement. This sampling
methodology is often termed transflection since the infrared beam is transmitted
through the sample, reflected off the substrate and back through the sample a second
time. Both transmission and transflection measurements should give the same results
but it has been suggested that the transflection method gives rise to non-Beer-Lambert
behaviour [1,2]. In this project you will test a series of binary mixtures of biological
samples in both transmission and transflection and through a careful and systematic
study evaluate the extent of the non-Beer-Lambert behaviour.
1. P. Bassan, Joe Lee, A. Sachdeva, J. Pissardini, K. M. Dorling, J. Fletcher, A.
Henderson, P.Gardner, The inherent problem of transflection-mode infrared
spectroscopic microscopy and the ramifications for biomedical single point and imaging
applications. Analyst 138 (1), (2013), 144 – 157
2. M. J. Pilling, P. Bassan, P. Gardner, Comparison of transmission and transflectance
mode FTIR imaging of biological tissue, Analyst, 2015, 140, 2383 - 2392.
Skills developed Infrared spectroscopy. Analytical methodologies, Matlab
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1 or 2
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Project no. 5.21

Category 3. Experiment - biological/bio-technological
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Peter Gardner
name
Research topic Infrared studies of drug-cell interaction
Description Although there have been many advances in the treatment of cancer many patients
respond poorly to chemotherapy. This may be for several reasons but often the tumour
cells become resistant to the drug being used. There are several different mechanisms
of drug resistance. Recently it has been shown that infrared spectroscopy of cells
treated with various drugs may give an insight into the mechanistic action of the drug
and possibly indicate resistance. [1]In this project you will investigate whether infrared
spectroscopy can detect spectroscopic signature that indicate whether the cells will be
resistant or not.
1. J. Doherty, G. Cinque and P. Gardner, Single Cell Analysis Using Fourier Transform
Infrared Microspectroscopy, Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, 2017, 52(6), 560–587
Skills developed Infrared spectroscopy, advanced statistical analysis
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1 or 2

Project no. 5.22

Category 2. Modelling - process level, design.
4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Prof Philip Martin
name
Research topic Design of a technological plasma system for waste gas treatment and energy
efficiency
Description Non- thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas can be used for waste gas treatment or
CO2 utilisation. One of the advantages is that the gas does not require heating as the
energy for destruction comes from the electrons. The project will be both experimental
and design.
Please contact the supervisor for information Philip.Martin@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.23

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Prof Philip Martin
name
Research topic Optical characterisation for nuclear decommissioning
Description This project involves the use of laser techniques to characterise materials for nuclear
decommissioning. You will be part of a wider team of researchers and PhD students on
a recently funded project which also involves robotic platforms. This is an experimental
project.
Please contact the supervisor for information Philip.Martin@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

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Project no. 5.24

Category 4. Experiment - catalysis, chemical reactions
5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Prof Philip Martin
name
Research topic Control of instrumented batch reactor (JCB)
Description We have a new 20 litre batch reactor in the pilot plant which is being integrated with
the distributed control system. We also have a range of new process analytical
techniques and sensors to measure processes in the reactor. This project involves
developing the real-time methodologies for analysis and control of a suitable batch
process. If successful it may be used in the teaching classes. This is an experimental
project.
Please contact the supervisor for information Philip.Martin@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

Project no. 5.25

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Prof. Rahul Raveendran Nair
name
Research topic 2D materials based membranes for healthcare technology
Description Membranes act as a selective barrier, allowing some species to pass through, but not
others. The emergence of 2D materials has opened a new pathway to realize novel
membranes due to its unique mass transport properties, outstanding chemical and
thermal stabilities, and superior flexibility and solution processability. Membranes that
precisely select transport of specific ions are of great interest in various fields such as
filtration and separation, water treatment, nano-medicine etc. The applications of such
ion selective membranes for biomedical applications are promising due to the potential
of such membranes for controlled delivery of certain ionic species of interest and also
due to the potential of fabricating artificial ion channels that mimics naturally occurring
biological channels. Several polymeric membranes have been studied for these
applications; however, these membranes have several problems to overcome (poor
chemical stability and low flux). Resent research on ion permeation properties of 2D
membranes, especially graphene and graphene oxide (GO), showed promising results
on ion selectivity1-4. These membranes also exhibit ultra-fast permeation (1000 times
faster than theoretically expected) of ions due to the affinity of salts to graphene
capillaries3. These exceptional properties are due to the existence of well-defined
nanometer inter-layer pores in graphene based laminar membranes. In this project we
aim to study and develop 2D materials based ion or molecular selective laminar
membranes for biomedical applications. We aim to prepare various laminar
membranes of 2D crystals with unique chemical selectivity towards various
antimicrobial agents such silver, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite,
potassium permanganate etc.

References
1. Nair, R. R., Wu, H. A., Jayaram, P. N., Grigorieva, I. V. & Geim, A. K. Unimpeded
Permeation of Water Through Helium-Leak-Tight Graphene-Based Membranes.
Science 335, 442-444, doi:10.1126/science.1211694 (2012).
2. Liu, G., Jin, W. & Xu, N. Graphene-based membranes. Chemical Society reviews
44, 5016-5030, doi:10.1039/C4CS00423J (2015).
3. Joshi, R. K. et al. Precise and Ultrafast Molecular Sieving Through Graphene
Oxide Membranes. Science 343, 752-754, doi:10.1126/science.1245711 (2014).

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4. Abraham et al. Tunable sieving of ions using graphene oxide membranes. Nature
Nanotechnology 12, 546–550 (2017)
Skills developed Membrane preparation, ion permeation measurements, etc.
Required unit(s)
No. of students 3

Project no. 5.26

Category 2 - Modelling - process level, design.
5 - Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr Thomas Vetter
name
Research topic Crystallization and particle technology as it relates to pharmaceuticals
Description Crystallization processes are ubiquitous in the manufacture of high value products, as it
represents a means to achieve purification even from the most complex mixtures,
typically can be run at low temperature (suitable for products that are thermally labile)
and yields solids as a product, which are often desired. It is estimated that more than
90% of all chemicals sold in solid form undergo a crystallization step at least once
during their production. It is therefore widely applicable and is one of the major
separation processes used in an industrial setting.

In this project, students will conduct independent research on a topic of current

interest in the area of particle technology and or crystallization of pharmaceuticals. The
student will form part of the Crystal Chemistry and Particle Process Engineering
(CCAPPE) research group and will conduct his or her project under the guidance of a
PhD student who is in turn supervised by Dr Thomas Vetter. The exact topic of the
MEng or MSc dissertation project will be adapted based on the current interest of the
PhD students and academics in the CCAPPE research group and will be subject to
further discussion.

Students are expected to acquire mastery both in experimental work, as well as

process simulation work.
Skills developed Student will learn how to model particulate processes and how to conduct experiments
related to crystallization and/or particle technology. Equipments and techniques
typically used are crystal size measurement (Malvern mastersizer), powder x-ray
diffraction (pXRD), infrared and Raman spectroscopy, as well as thermal
characterization techniques (DSC, TGA).
Required unit(s) Colloid and Interface Science highly recommended
No. of students 1

Project no. 5.27

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Dr. Vahid J Niasar
name
Research topic Transport in unsaturated soils
Description Student requires having experimental skills and knowledge of flow and transport in
porous media. The experiments will be carried out in a sand column in JCBuilding.
The student needs to have very good time keeping and data management skills.
Regular and routine presence in the lab is required.
Please contact the supervisor for further information vahid.niasar@manchester.ac.uk
Skills developed porous media physics
Required unit(s)
No. of students 1

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Project no. 5.28

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Patricia Scully
name
Research topic Optical sensing for process parameters
Description Project Description: Optical methods using optical fibres, lasers and LEDs can be used
to measure the status of various physical and chemical measurands, by for example:
1. measuring the refractive index of a liquid such as a water/alcohol mixture and
relate that to the purity or concentration of the analyte.
2. Measuring absorption or colour of a product or liquid.
3. Measuring light scattering by bubbles and foams.
4. Measuring pressure and strain in reaction vessels.

The advantage of optical fibre sensors is that they can be interrogated remotely over
metres and they are intrinsically safe and take up little room with the sensor being the
size of a hair.
The James Chadwick lab has a range of pilot plants that could be used to trial the
effectiveness of sensors designed in this project.
Skills developed Engineering, measurement, electronics, instrumentation, optical, sensors
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.29

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Patricia Scully
name
Research topic Froth Flotation-on-line sensors for process measurement
Description Froth flotation is a mineral concentration process to recover precious minerals and
metals such as copper, lead, zinc, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, silver, gold,
phosphate and potash from mined raw ore materials. The ore is ground up into
separate minerals from waste rock (gangue); and then formed into a slurry using
hydrophobic chemicals, that collect the minerals and attach to air bubbles. The
conditioned mineral slurry is then processed in flotation cells, which are agitated tanks
into which finely-dispersed air bubbles are introduced. The froth generated is skimmed
off as a mineral-laden froth. The remaining unfloated mineral slurry is discharged.
Previous projects have used the process to separate out different types of plastics and
metal from plastics in pcb circuit board recycling.

The James Chadwick Building contains 3 froth flotation tanks, used to define the level
control parameters for maintaining a flotation cell under control for specific flow rate
and aeration/agitation conditions.

This project will develop instrumentation that can measure properties of froth
formation and efficiency of separation based on bubble surface area, surfactant,
optical and image analysis of bubbles and light scattering. The size and shape of
bubbles that constitute the flotation froth can inform on the flotation process. Bubble
size and shape information can be extracted from the segmented images and can be
correlated with metallurgical data and on-line process variables to relate froth
appearance with plant performance.
Identification and characterisation of flotation froth appearance, occur in response to
changes in process inputs. Changes in bubble size distribution can be related to process
input variations. Acoustic sensors can measure the sound and popping of bubbles to
assess the foaming process.

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Skills developed Engineering, measurement, electronics, instrumentation, optical, acoustic sensors

Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

Project no. 5.30

Category 5. Experiment - engineering, sensing, healthcare engineering
Supervisor’s Patricia Scully
name
Research topic Internet of Things for process measurement
Description The “internet of things” means connecting sensor-laden appliances to a network, and
this is increasingly possible at low cost, now on mobile phones and watches for health
and fitness monitoring, for environmental sensing and for smart homes where lighting,
heating and appliances can be controlled using mobile phone apps and security
systems monitored remotely on personal computers and phone apps. . Those sensors
share useful information and offer unlimited possibilities, from tracking physical
activity and pollution levels to monitoring manufacturing processes.

This project will explore using current mobile phone apps and wearable sensors for
health and/or environmental monitoring and applying some low cost sensor kits (now
available to Chemical Engineering problems and monitoring challenges.

This project will explore getting useful scientific and engineering data from common
phone sensors, apps and available toolkits and applying to everyday scenarios such as
healthcare and fitness, environmental monitoring and also chemical engineering and
process monitoring. For example, wifi enabled scales are now accurate enough to
detect fluctuations due to eating large meal, extensive exercise, bowel evacuation and
urinary output and metabolic rate. Body temperature and activity sensors are
ubiquitous, skin colour/perfusion and IR camera monitors are cheap, and hence such
measurements can be removed from the sports or physiology lab and conducted by
individuals on their own phones, in their own homes and in daily life. Similarly,
temperature and humidity sensors on a mobile phone or in the home can provide high
quality data to assess local weather patterns and microclimates, effects of buildings
and traffic.

Preventative fault detection and diagnosis can avoid simple and preventable faults
from disrupting the operation of an entire integrated manufacturing facility. For
examples faults such as malfunctioning sensors or actuators, inoperative alarm
systems, poor controller tuning or configuration can render the most sophisticated
control systems useless, and can cost in the excess of $1 million per day. Over the last
decade the fields of multivariate statistics, and controller performance monitoring
techniques have merged to develop powerful sensing and condition-based monitoring
systems for predictive fault detection and diagnosis. Sensor fusion enables data from
many sensors to be combined to give a holistic picture of health of an integrated plant,
and exploited using embedded digital intelligence for off-line and on-line deployment.
Skills developed Engineering, measurement, electronics, instrumentation, sensors, monitoring
Required unit(s)
No. of students 2

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