Zhang Yan

Zhang Yan

Personal Particulars:

B.Eng. Polymer of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, 2000

Research Interests:

Electrostatic character & attrition of granular flow in pneumatic conveying system.

The induced current measurement was arranged on inclined pipe to test electrostatic current on the pipe wall, which was generated by the frictional contacts between the solid particles and pipe wall, during the pneumatic conveying process. With proper pipe connections, current induced on the surface of the pipe wall can be measured as a function of time. The details of the measurement methods have been described previously by Yao et al. (2004) and the measurement section is enlarged in figure 1, where the test section is divided into two parts and the experiment data can be obtained from top pipe and bottom pipe respectively in order to demonstrate if the electrostatic charge distribute on the pipe wall uniformly or not.

Figure 1 Induced current measurement section

Figure 2 Wall charge from integration of induced current

In order to verify whether electrostatic charge distributes on the pipe wall evenly or not, the induced current was measured on the top of pipe and bottom of pipe respectively, and then induced currents were integrated with time to obtain the charge on pipe wall (Yao et al. 2004) as shown in figure 2. It is observed that wall charge: at the top of pipe is greater than that at the bottom of pipe, which may be the explanation of the ring structure and demonstrate that charge distributed unevenly on the pipe wall. Therefore, according to the theory of the switch capacitor configuration, electrostatic charge would bring the influence to the ECT measurement.

Publication:

Yao, J., Zhang, Y., Wang, C.-H., Matsusaka, S. and Masuda. H. Electrostatics of the granular flow in a pneumatic conveying system, Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 43(22), 7181–7199, 2004.

Yao, J., Zhang, Y., Wang, C.-H. and Liang, Y.C. On the Electrostatic Equilibrium og Granular Flow in Pneumatic Conveying Systems, AIChE Journal, 52 (11), 3775-3793, 2006.

Zhang, Y., Wang, C.-H., Particle Attrition due to Rotary Valve Feeder in a Pneumatic Conveying System: Electrostatics and Mechanical Characteristics, Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 84, 663-679, 2006.

Lim, E. W. C., Y. Zhang and C. H. Wang. Effects of an Electrostatic Field in Pneumatic Conveying of Granular Materials through Inclined and Vertical Pipes. Chemical Engineering Science, 61, 7889-7908, 2006.

Y. Zhang, W.C. Lim, and C.H. Wang, “Pneumatic Transport of Granular Materials in an Inclined Conveying Pipe: Comparison of CFD-DEM, ECT and PIV Results”, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 46, 6066-6083, 2007.

Y. Zhang, Y.C. Liang and C. H. Wang, “Hazard of Electrostatic Generation in Pneumatic Conveying System: Electrostatic Effects on the Accuracy of Electrical Capacitance Tomography Measurements and Generation of Spark”, Measurement Science and Technology, 19, 015502, 2008.

Yao, J., Zhang, Y., Wang, C.-H. Matsusaka, S. and Masuda, H. Electrostatics of the granular flow in a pneumatic conveying system, AIChE Annual Meeting 2004, Austin, Texas, United States, 7-12 November 2004.

Zhang, Y., Yao. J., Wang, C.-H. Electrical Capacitance Tomography Measurements on Inclined Conveying Pipes, 4th World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography, Aizu, Japan, September 2005.

Yao, J., Zhang, Y., Wang, C.-H. and Liang, Y.C. On the Electrostatic Field within Space of Pipe Induced by Granular Flow in a Pneumatic Conveying System, AIChE Annual meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, November 2005.

Ong Yung Sheng, Benjamin

Personal Particulars:

Undergraduate Studies: BEng (Hons) Chemical and Process Engineering (2000), University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

Masters: MSc in Process Systems Engineering, Diploma of Imperial College (2001), Imperial College of Science, Medicine and Technology, London

M. Eng. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore (2007)

Work Experience:

Contact Engineer, ExxonMobil Chemical (2002)

Process Engineer, Singapore Refining Company (2003)

Research Experience:

Research Intern, Animal Cell Culture and Bioreactors, Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Singapore (2004)

Research Interests:

The controlled release of chemotherapeutic agents holds promise for treatments of solid tumors by prolonged cytotoxicity to tumor cells while minimizing chemotherapeutic associated side effects in patients. Often, such drug delivery systems allow the use of potential drugs with low therapeutic indexes previously administered only by continuous IV.

My work looks at optimizing the efficacy of controlled release treatment into tumors within the brain through in vivo animal models as well as computational modeling of the extravasation of drug into the tumor mass. Of special interest is the complimentary effect of irradiation on drug transport from implants (surgically inserted post tumor debulking surgery) within the brain.

Integration of process systems engineering into this problem is used to optimize the overall drug delivery system design using gams-Baron optimization complier

Previous research work at Imperial College involved modeling of supply chain dynamics in response to dynamic pricing and model predictive control forecasting.

Publications:

P. K. Naraharisetti, B. Y. S. Ong, J. Xie, T. Lee, N. Sahinidis, C. H. Wang, Paclitaxel-loaded biodegradable discs and microspheres for treatment of Glioma: Subcutaneous study, Biometerials, 28, 886-894, 2007.

B.Y.S. Ong, S.H. Ranganath, LY Lee, F. Lu, H.S. Lee, N.V. Sahinidis, C.H. Wang, “Paclitaxel delivery from PLGA foams for controlled release in post-surgical chemotherapy against glioblastoma multiforme”, Biomaterials, 30, 3189-3196, 2009.

Qin Hao

Personal Particulars

Master Student

Education

B. Eng. (Chemical Engineering), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2008.

Research Interests

Physical Modelling and Simulation of Taylor Cone-Jet Formation in Electrohydrodynamic Atomization

Electrohydrodynamic atomization in the cone-jet mode has been studied to model fabrication process of co-axial double-wall fibers and particles for drug and gene delivery applications. In this process, a liquid contained polymer solution is supplied to a coaxial-nozzle at a low rate. A droplet is formed at this nozzle. When a strong electric field is applied over this droplet, then the electric field induces free charge in the liquid surface. As a result, electric stresses occur in this surface. These stresses transform the droplet shape into a conical shape. At the cone apex a liquid jet with a high charge density occurs. In certain circumstances, this jet will break up into highly charged main droplets with a narrow size distribution, and a number of smaller secondary and satellite droplets. After evaporation of the liquid, the droplets will turn into double-wall microsphere particles.

Journal Publication

Q. Xu, H. Qin, Z. Yin, J. Hua, D. W. Pack, C.H. Wang, “Coaxial electrohydrodynamic atomization process for production of polymeric composite microspheres”, Chem. Eng. Sci. 104, 330-346 (2013).

Lei Chenlu

Personal Particulars

Ph.D. Student

Education

B.Sc. (Biological Science), Peking University, China, 2007.

Research Interests

Development and evaluation of biodegradable controlled release devices for synergetic therapy of malignant brain tumors

Microfiber delivering RNAi plasmid for glioma therapy.

Fig. 1: Microfibers encapsulated with RNAi plasmid-PEI complex (shown by the arrows in the locally enlarged diagram).

Surface-coated nanoparticles for paclitaxel delivery through the blood-brain barrier.

Fig. 2: FESEM images of paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles with various surface coatings.

Publications

J.Xie, C. Lei, Y. Hu, G.K. Gay, N. H. B. Jamali, C.H. Wang, “Nanoparticulate Formulations for Paclitaxel Delivery across MDCK Cell Monolayer “, Current Pharmaceutical Design, 16, 2331-2340 (2010).

P.C. Chang, L.P. Lim, L.Y. Chong, A..S.M. Dovban, L.Y. Chien, M.C. Chung, C Lei, C.H. Chen, H.C. Chiang, Y.P. Kuo, C.H. Wang, “PDGF-Simvastatin Delivery Stimulates Osteogenesis in Heat-induced Osteonecrosis”, Journal of Dental Research, 91(6) 618-624 (2012).

P.C. Chang, L.P. Lim, L.Y. Chong, A..S.M. Dovban, L.Y. Chien, M.C. Chung, C Lei, C.H. Chen, H.C. Chiang, Y.P. Kuo, C.H. Wang, “PDGF-Simvastatin Delivery Stimulates Osteogenesis in Heat-induced Osteonecrosis”, Journal of Dental Research, 91(6) 618-624 (2012).

C. Lei, Y. Cui , L. Zheng, P.K.H. Chow, C.H. Wang, “Development of a gene/drug dual delivery system for brain tumor therapy: Potent inhibition via RNA interference and synergistic effects”, Biomaterial, 34(30), 7483-7494 (2013).

Rong Le

Personal Particulars

Research Engineer

Education

M. Med., Nephrology, Southern Medical University, China, 2007.

B. Med., Clinical Medicine, Central South University, China, 2003.

Work expeiences

2007-2008, Nephrologist, Zhujiang Hospital, Guangzhou, China.

Research Interests

Toxicity Assessment of Gasification Process

Like incineration, the gasification process produces emissions, including air emission (acid gases, dioxins and furans, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, particulates, etc.), solid residue (inert mineral ash, inorganic compounds, and unreformed carbon), and water (used to wash the original waste in pre-treatment and clean the syngas). In order to evaluate their effects on human health, we develop various models (human primary cells or cell lines from liver/kidney/lung, human mesenchymal stem cells, zebrafish/fly model) and check the toxic effects on cell viability, morphology and functionality accordingly.

Journal Publication

L. Rong, T. Maneerung, J. C. Ng , K. G. Neoh, B. H. Bay, Y. W. Tong, Y. Dai, C.H. Wang, Co-Gasification of Sewage Sludge and Woody Biomass in a Fixed-bed Downdraft Gasifier: Toxicity Assessment of Solid Residues, Waste Management, 36, 241-255 (2015).

Yang Zhanyu

Personal Particulars

Research Assistant

Education

B.Eng., Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, 2013.

Research Interests

Solar Thermal Curtain Wall Sewage sludge, Food Waste and Biomass Gasification in Clean Energy

Conference Publication

Z. Yang, S.K. Koh, W.C. Ng, R.C.J. Lim, H.T.W. Tan, Y.W. Tong, Y. Dai C. Chong, C.H. Wang, “Application of Biochar Arising from Gasification to Rehabilitate Soil of Tropical Secondary Forest on Degraded Land”, 14th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Nottingham, UK, 25-27 August 2015

Dr. Lin Wenlin Yvonne

Personal Particulars

Research Fellow

Education

Ph.D. Environmental Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 2015.

M.Sc. Environmental Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 2007.

B.Eng. Materials Engineering, School of Materials Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 2004.

Work experiences

2004-2006: Engineer, Defence Science & Technology Agency

2008-2015: Research Associate, NEWRI-R3C, Nanyang Technological University (Research area: Solid waste treatment and management)

Research Interests

Incineration bottom ash treatment through accelerated carbonation

Accelerated carbonation is a treatment method that reduces the leaching of certain heavy metals from incineration bottom ash, thereby increasing its utilisation potential in an environmentally safe manner. The focus of my research was to understand the physicochemical mechanism of accelerated carbonation and its influences on the leaching behaviour of IBA, using leaching tests and analytical methods such as mineralogical characterisation (i.e. XRD). Accelerated carbonation has shown great potential to be scale up to industrial level in an economical viable way. There is almost no waste stream produced after carbonation of incineration ash, which makes it a more environmentally sustainable treatment method compared to others. In addition, as this treatment involves the use of high CO2 gas composition (~10-20%), flue gas from industrial emission can be used, thereby reducing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere while treating the ash. Furthermore, accelerated carbonation treatment method can be applied to other alkaline wastes, such as incineration fly ash and steel slag, making this treatment a versatile treatment method.

Leaching Tests

In Singapore, there is no regulation, based on leaching tests, for the classification of waste for utilisation. The only regulation that is implemented in Singapore is the determination of safe disposal of incineration ash which is based on US EPA TCLP leaching test. There is a misconception on the use of TCLP as the leaching test to determine and classify the hazardous nature of a material. My research focuses on the proper selection of leaching test, with a thorough understanding on the intended application of the waste in a specific situation, and eventually carrying out the analysis of the leaching behaviour. This knowledge is crucial as countries which utilise incineration ash or other waste as secondary materials rely on leaching tests to classify the waste as safe to use.

Other Research Interest
Solid waste management and policy
Biogas purification using alkaline waste material
Metal recovery from incineration bottom ash

Journal Publications

1. Lin, W.Y., K.S. Heng, X.L. Sun, and J.-Y. Wang (2015). “Accelerated carbonation of different size fractions of MSW IBA and the effect on leaching.” Waste Management 41: 75-84.

2. Lin, W.Y., K.S. Heng, X.L. Sun, and J.-Y. Wang (2015). “Influence of moisture content and temperature on degree of carbonation and the effect on Cu and Cr leaching from incineration bottom ash.” Waste Management 43: 264-272.

3. Liu, A., F. Ren, W.Y. Lin, J.-Y. Wang (2015). “A review of municipal solid waste environmental standards with a focus on incinerator residues.” International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment 4(2): 165-188.

Conference Paper

1. Lin, W.Y. and Wang, J.-Y. (2012). “Investigation on Accelerated Carbonation of MSW Bottom Ash for Application of Biogas Purification.” 3rd International Conference on Industrial and Hazardous Waste Management, 12-14 September 2012, Chania, Crete, Greece.

2. X.L. Sun, W.Y. Lin, L. Ge, I.J.R. Ho, O.A. Mohamed Noh, K.S. Heng, S.Y. Choy, M.Q. Nguyen, X.D. Zhou, T. Aung, A. Liu, J.-Y. Wang (2014). “Sampling and Characterization of Singapore’s Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash.” Fifth International Symposium on Energy from Biomass and Waste, 17-20 November 2014, San Servolo, Venice, Italy.

3. K.S. Heng, W.Y. Lin, X.L. Sun, J.-Y. Wang (2014). “Effect of Washing and Accelerated Carbonation on the Leaching Behaviour of Copper from MSW Incineration Bottom Ash.” Fifth International Symposium on Energy from Biomass and Waste, 17-20 November 2014, San Servolo, Venice, Italy.

Ng Wei Cheng 

Education

B. Eng., Chemical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 2014.

Work Experiences

2015.3-2017.12, Research Engineer, NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore. Topic: Energy and Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities (E2S2).

Honours/Awards

Dean’s List, National University of Singapore, 2011

First class honours, National University of Singapore, 2014

Best Poster/ Presentation Award, 14th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies (SET2015), 2015

Research Interests

Waste-to-Energy (Cytotoxicity and reutilization of gasification ashes)
Electrohydrodynamic Atomization (EHDA) in drug delivery applications
3D-printing of human skin construct

Journal Publications

  1. Yang, S.K. Koh, W.C. Ng, R.C.J. Lim, H.T.W. Tan, Y.W. Tong, Y. Dai, C. Chong, C.H. Wang, “Potential Application of Gasification to Recycle Food Waste and Rehabilitate Acidic Soil from Secondary Forests on Degraded Land in Southeast Asia”, Journal of Environmental Management, 172, 40-48 (2016).
  2. Zhen, L. Rong, W.C. Ng, C. Ong, G. H. Baeg, W. Zhang, S.N. Lee, S.F.Y. Li, Y. Dai, Y.W. Tong, K.G. Neoh, C.H. Wang, “Rapid toxicity screening of gasification ashes”, Waste Management, 50, 93-104 (2016).
  3. Davoodi, W.C. Ng, W.C. Yan, M. P. Srinivasan, C.H. Wang, “Double-walled Microparticles-embedded Self-crosslinked, Injectable, and Anti-bacterial Hydrogel for Controlled Sustained Release of Chemotherapeutic Agents”, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8(35), 22785-22800 (2017).
  4. Dong, T. Maneerung, W.C. Ng, X. Zhen, Y. Dai, Y.W. Tong, Y.P. Ting, S.N. Koh, C.H. Wang, K.G. Neoh, “Chemically treated carbon black waste and its potential applications”, J. Hazardous Material, 321, 62-72 (2017).
  5. Zhen, W.C. Ng, Fendy, Y. W. Tong, Y. Dai, K.G. Neoh, C.H. Wang, “Toxicity assessment of carbon black waste: a by-product from oil refineries”, J. Hazardous Material, 321, 600-610 (2017).
  6. C. Ng, S. You, R. Ling, K.Y.H. Gin, Y. Dai, C.H. Wang, “Co-gasification of woody biomass and chicken manure: syngas production, biochar reutilization, and cost-benefit analysis”, Energy, 139, 732-742 (2017).
  7. Davoodi, W.C. Ng, M.P. Srinivasan, C.H. Wang, “Codelivery of anti-cancer agents via double-walled polymericmicroparticles/injectable hydrogel: A promising approach for treatment of triple negative breast cancer”, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 114(12), 2931-2946 (2017).

Conference Publications/ Presentations

  1. Davoodi , W.C. Yan, W.C. Ng, YW Tong, M.P. Srinivasan, C.H. Wang, “Long Term Release of Anti-Cancer Drugs Using Double-Wall Microparticles for Breast Carcinoma Treatment”, AIChE Annual Meeting, Atlanta, USA, 16-21 November, 2014.
  2. Yang, S.K. Koh,W.C. Ng, R.C.J. Lim, H.T.W. Tan, Y.W. Tong, Y. Dai C. Chong, C.H. Wang, “Application of Biochar Arising from Gasification to Rehabilitate Soil of Tropical Secondary Forest on Degraded Land”, 14th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies (SET2015), Nottingham, UK, 25-27 August 2015. [Best Poster/ Presentation Award]
  3. Zhen, Fendy, W.C. Ng, P. Dong, Y. Dai, K.G. Neoh, C.H. Wang, “Oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by carbon soot in human cell line”, AIChE Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, 7-13 November 2015.
  4. C. Ng, R. Ling, Y. Shen, Y. Dai, C.H. Wang, ‘Co-gasification of woody biomass and chicken manure for syngas production and reutilization of gasification derived biochar for water pollutant removal’, 15th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies (SET2016), Singapore, 20-22 July 2016.
  5. C. Ng, W.L. Teo, P. Dong, Y.P. Ting, K.G. Neoh, C.H. Wang, “Leaching and recovery of vanadium from carbon soot”, AIChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, 12-18 November 2016.
  6. Maneerung, W.C. Ng, C.H. Wang, “Turning Biomass/Solid Waste into Energy and Valuable Materials”, 2nd International Conference on Biological Waste as Resource 2017 (BWR2017), Hong Kong, 25-27 May 2017.

Dr. Thawatchai Maneerung

Personal Particulars

Research Fellow

Email: TManeerung@gmail.com

Personal Website

Education

Ph.D. , Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2012.

M.Sc., Polymer Science, Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 2007

B. Eng., Petrochemical and Polymeric Materials (1st Class Honour), Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Thailand, 2005.

Work expeiences

2006-2007: Master Research, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (Research Topic: Molecular design and fabrication of metal nanoparticles/biopolymer composite membrane for medical application)

2007-2011: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore (Lab demonstrator, tutor, and grader)

2013-Present: Research Fellow, Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore (Research Topic: Biomass Gasification in Clean Energy)

Honours/Awards

2015, Invited speaker (Speech Title: Waste-to-Energy: Biomass/Solid Waste Gasification for Clean Energy Production), Asia Gasification Forum (Chiang Mai, Thailand).

2007-2012, Graduate (Ph.D) Fellowship Research Scholar, National University of Singapore.

Jan. 2011, One of the Top Ten Cited Articles 2008-2010 (Carbohydrate Polymers 72 (2008) p.43¨C51); Rewarded by Elsevier Publisher.

Aug. 2007, PhD (Research) Scholarship, National University of Singapore, Singapore

May 2005, Master Degree Scholarship, Petroleum & Petrochemical College, Thailand

Mar. 2005, 1st Class Honour, Silpakorn University, Thailand

Jan. 2004, Outstanding Student, Silpakorn University, Thailand

Knowledge and Experiences

  1. Catalysts & Adsorbents: Synthesis, characterization and applications of nanostructured catalysts and adsorbents for chemical reaction and adsorption processes.
  2. Membranes Science & Technology: Development of hollow fiber membranes for separation and/or chemical reactions.
  3. Waste-to-Energy Technology: Conversion of biomass and solid wastes into BioEnergy.
  4. Polymer Science & Technology: Synthesis, processing, surface modification and characterizations of polymeric materials.
  5. Application and interpretation of complementary analytical techniques, e.g. SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, UV-Visible spec., ICP-MS, HPLC, TGA, GC-MS and etc.

Trainings

Chemical safety training; Electrical and Mechanical Hazard course; Personal Protective Equipment training; Laboratory Risk Assessment training

Research Grants

Conversion of Solid Residues from Coal Combustion Facilities and Carbon Soot to High Value Products. (Co-Principal Investigator) Supposed by SembCorp Industries Ltd and National Research Foundation (NRF). S$ 1.7 Million, Jan. 2016 to Jan. 2018.

Research Interests

I have a strong interest in two inter-related research areas including:

(i) biomass and solid wastes gasification for clean energy production and conversion of solid the residues left after the gasification process into beneficial materials; (ii) design and synthesis of nanostructured catalytic materials for heterogeneous catalysis and (iii) development of inorganic hollow fiber membranes for high temperature gas separation and Catalytic Membrane Reactor (or Reactive-Separation Membrane Reactor) applications.

(i) Biomass and Solid Wastes Gasification for Clean Energy Production and Conversion of Fly and Bottom Ashes into High Value Materials

As Singapore is an energy import society, energy security is one of the most important issues. By recovery energy from solid waste materials such as “waste” woody biomass and other solid wastes which need to be disposed in every single day, it would reduce the dependence on imported fuel and raise the level of energy self-sufficiency. GASIFICATION, whereby biomass and solid wastes is converted to synthesis gas (mixture of H2 and CO), therefore provides an attractive alternative process to traditional combustion process as the reducing (or oxygen-deficient) atmosphere in gasifier does not provide environment required for those toxic gases to be formed, and hence preventing the aforesaid problems of incineration.

Figure 1 shows (a) biomass gasification process for clean energy production and (b) co-gasification of sewage sludge and wood wastes [Reproduced from Z. Ong, Y. Cheng, T. Maneerung et al., AIChE Journal 2015, DOI: 10.1002/aic.14836]

Currently, we mainly focus on the development of the biomass and solid waste gasification process for syngas and/or electricity production. The gasification and/or co-gasification of several solid wastes including woody biomass, sewage sludge, manures and food wastes have been investigated successfully. Our developed system has been successfully used to convert those solid wastes into producer gas, including 30 to 50 vol. % of syngas (CO and H2) and other gases, which can be directly used to produce electricity. Table 1 shows gas composition during co-gasification of sewage sludge and wood chips.

Table 1 Gas composition during co-gasification of sewage sludge and wood chips

Moreover, we have also collaborated with the local industrial partner (i.e. Leong Siew Weng Engineering (LSWE) Pte Ltd.) to develop the pilot scale of downdraft gasification for co-production of “bio-char” and “electricity” from wood wastes, as shown in Figure 2. This downdraft gasifier consumes the biomass or solid waste up to 1.5 tons per hour with the conversion efficiency up to 75%, producing the gaseous product (which contains CO 21 ± 3%, H2 20 ± 2%, CO2 10 ± 3% and CH4 ~3%) and 7 – 10% of ash (dry basis).

Figure 2 shows pilot-scale (1M watts) gasification system (Collaboration between NUS and LSWE Ptd. Ltd.)

Furthermore, the disposal of solid residual wastes (e.g. ashes and char) left after the gasification process is also one of our concerns as these materials mainly contain some harmful and toxic inorganic compounds as well as heavy metals. As a result, disposal of the solid residual wastes left after the gasification process may create grave risks to human health as well as environment. Majority of ashes is dumped or used in low-valued methods such as using as a land-fill material. However, the cost of landfilling is now dramatically increasing due to the presence of toxic compounds, strict environmental regulations and limited availability of landfill space, especially in land-limited countries likes Singapore. From those points of view, it is essential to develop beneficial uses of ashes and char to solve the concerns associated with the disposal of those solid residual wastes.

Figure 3 Utilization of solid residue wastes from gasification process as source of catalysts and adsorbent materials. [Reproduced from T. Maneerung et al., Energy Conversion and Management, 92 (2015) 234–243]

Recently, we have successfully developed the “CaO catalysts” and “activated carbon” from bottom ash and char produced from waste woods gasification. The CaO catalysts can be effectively used for biodiesel production via transesterification, while the activated carbon can be employed for dye removal from wastewater, as shown in Figure 3. Moreover, the wood ash containing those basic compounds can also be used as a catalyst support for catalytic steam reforming reactions as the basic compound remarkably promotes the adsorption of water, enhancing performance of the catalysts. Therefore, we have also developed the nano-catalytic materials from this wood ash and used for catalytic steam reforming of tar into syngas, as tar is one of the most unpleasant from gasification and it tends to deposit in the reactor and intake valves causing sticking and troublesome operations. The utilization of ash and char as sources of the catalytic and adsorbent materials not only provides a cost-effective and environmental friendly way of recycling the solid residue from gasification process, reducing the environmental problems related to their disposal, but also produces beneficial and high value materials, making the overall gasification process more economic efficient.
Moreover, we have also collaborated with incineration plants in Singapore, which are now facing the difficulty in disposing massive amount of coal-based fly ash, for developing the valuable materials, such as “Zeolite” and “Mesoporous Silica materials”, from coal fly ash, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 Utilization of coal fly ash as a source of Zeolite and Mesoporous silica oxide materials.

(ii) Heterogeneous Catalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications

My works in this area are wide-ranging from catalyst synthesis to characterizations by using several complementary techniques [e.g. Microscopies (SEM and TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, N2-Physisorption and H2-Chemisorption analyses, XRD, XPS, GC-MS, ICPMS, Temperature Programmed (TPO/TPR/TPD) analyses, Thermal analysis, etc.] and evaluation of catalytic performance. Moreover, in-situ DRIFTS analysis was also applied for the surface adsorption and surface reaction studies in order to understand the roles of each catalytic component. Various types of heterogeneous catalyst have been developed (as shown in Figure 5) and employed for heterogeneous catalysis including methane reforming, water-gas shift reaction, biomass gasification, biodiesel production, and DeNOx reactions

Figure 5 shows the nanostructured catalytic materials developed for heterogeneous catalysis [Reproduced from T. Maneerung et. al., International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 37 (2012) p.11195; Catalysis Today, 171 (2011) p.24; Energy Conversion and Management, 92 (2015) p. 234].

(iii) Inorganic membranes for high temperature gas separation and Catalytic Membrane Reactors (or reactive-separation membrane reactors) applications

This work involves: (1) membrane fabrication processes (i.e., phase-inversion spinning, sintering, and electroless plating); (2) membrane characterizations using complementary techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and three point bending (mechanical strength) testing; and (3) evaluation of separation performance. I am particularly interested in the development of ultrathin palladium and palladium-alloy membranes and their applications in hydrogen separation at high temperatures ranging from 100°C to 700°C. Recently, I have successfully developed ultrathin (less than 1 micron) palladium-silver alloy membranes coated on the interior surface of porous ceramic hollow fiber membrane supports (as shown in Figure 6). The internal coating can significantly improve mechanical stability of the palladium-silver alloy membranes. This is because of high thermal-expansion of palladium-silver alloy, causing palladium-silver alloy to penetrate into the small pores on the support surface which helps to anchor the palladium-silver alloy membrane with the support.

Figure 6 shows the internally coated Pd-Ag alloy membrane for hydrogen separation at high temperature [Reproduced from T. Maneerung et al., Journal of Membrane Science 452 (2014) 127–142

This work also involves the development of novel Catalytic Membrane Reactor (CMR) – whereby “catalytic reaction” for generating hydrogen gas and “separation process” for isolating hydrogen from the residual gases through palladium-based membrane simultaneously takes place in the same device – in a structure of triple-layer hollow fiber membrane (as shown in Figure 7). The developed triple-layer hollow fiber membrane is employed as a catalytic membrane reactor for coupled hydrogen production and purification from hydrocarbon reforming.

Figure 7 shows the production of pure H2 in the developed triple-layers catalytic membrane reactor via catalytic decomposition of methane [Reproduced from S. Kawi, K. Hidajat, T. Maneerung, US. Patent, WO 2013133771 A1, 2013]

Patents

Kawi, K. Hidajat, and T. Maneerung, “Catalytic hollow fiber Membrane Reactors for Hydrogen Production”, US patent no. US 20150298102 A1, 2015

Journal Publications

    1. P. Dong, T. Maneerung, N.W. Cheng, X. Zhen, Y. Dai, Y.W. Tong, Y-P. Ting, K.S. Nuo, C-H. Wang, K.G. Neoh, “Chemically treated carbon black waste and its potential applications”, Journal of Hazardous Materials 321 (2017) 62–72.
    2. T. Maneerung, S. Kawi, Y. Dai, C.-H. Wang, “Sustainable biodiesel production via transesterification of waste cooking oil by using CaO catalysts prepared from chicken manure”, Energy Conversion and Management 123 (2016) p. 487–497.
    3. T. Maneerung, K. Hidajat, and S. Kawi, “Triple-layer catalytic hollow fiber membrane reactor for hydrogen production via catalytic decomposition of methane”, Journal of Membrane Science 514 (2016) p. 1–14.
    4. T. Maneerung, J. Liew, Y. Dai, S. Kawi, C. Cheong, C.-H. Wang, “Activated carbon derived from carbon residue from biomass gasification and its application for dye adsorption: Kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic studies”, Bioresource Technology 200 (2016) p. 350–359.
    5. T. Maneerung, K. Hidajat, and S. Kawi, “Co-production of hydrogen and carbon nanofibers from catalytic decomposition of methane over LaNi(1−x)MxO3−α perovskite (where M = Co, Fe and X = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1)”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 40 (2015) p.13399–13411.
    6. T. Maneerung, S. Kawi, C.-H. Wang, “Biomass gasification bottom ash as a source of CaO catalyst for biodiesel production via transesterification of palm oil”, Energy Conversion and Management 92 (2015) 234–243.
    7. T. Maneerung, K. Hidajat, and S. Kawi, “Ultrathin (<1 μm) Pd-Ag alloy films supported on internal surface of YSZ-mixed Al2O3 hollow fiber membrane for high temperature H2 separation”, Journal of Membrane Science 452 (2014) P. 127–142.
    8. Z. Ong, Y. Cheng, T. Maneerung, Z. Yao, Y. Dai, Y. W. Tong, C.-H. Wang, “Co-gasification of woody biomass and sewage sludge in a fixed-bed downdraft gasifier”, AIChE Journal 61 (2015) p. 2508-2521.
    9. L. Rong, T. Maneerung, J. C. Ng, K.G. Neoh, B. H. Bay, Y.W. Tong, Y. Dai, C.-H. Wang, “Co-gasification of sewage sludge and woody biomass in a downdraft gasifier: Toxicity assessment of solid residues”, Waste Management 36 (2015) p. 241–255.
    10. W. Thitsartarn, T. Maneerung, S. Kawi, “Highly active and durable Ca-doped Ce-SBA-15 catalyst for biodiesel production”, Energy 89 (2015) p. 946–956.
    11. K. Sutthiumporn, T. Maneerung, Y. Kathiraser, and S. Kawi, “CO2 dry-reforming of methane over La0.8Sr0.2Ni0.8M0.2O3 perovskite (M = Bi, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe): Roles of lattice oxygen on C–H activation and carbon”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 37 (2012) p.11195–11207.
    12. T. Maneerung, K. Hidajat, and S. Kawi, “LaNiO3 perovskite catalyst precursor for rapid decomposition of methane: Influence of temperature and presence of H2 in feed stream”, Catalysis Today 171 (2011) p.24–35.
    13. T. Maneerung, S. Tokura, and R. Rujiravanit, “Impregnation of silver nanoparticles into bacterial cellulose for antimicrobial wound dressing”, Carbohydrate Polymers 72 (2008) p.43–51.
    14. W. Sricharussin, C. Sopajaree, T. Maneerung & N. Sangsuriy, “Modification of cotton fabrics with β-cyclodextrin derivative for aroma finishing” The Journal of The Textile Institute 100 (2009) p. 682-687. T. Maneerung , J. Liew, Y. Dai, K. Sibudjing, CH. Wang, Activated carbon derived from carbon residue from biomass gasification and its application for dye adsorption: kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic studies, Bioresource Technology 2015 (under revision).

Conference Presentations

  1. T. Maneerung, R. Rujiravanit, and S. Tokura (2007) “Preparation of bacterial cellulose impregnated with silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial wound dressing”, International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies 2007, July 2007, Singapore
  2. T. Maneerung, S.Tokura, R. Rujiravanit (2007) “Impregnation silver nanoparticles into bacterial cellulose as antimicrobial wound dressing”, International Symposium in Science and Technology at Kansai University 2007- Collaboration between ASEAN Countries in Environment and Life Science, August 2007, Osaka, Japan
  3. T. Maneerung, S.Tokura, R. Rujiravanit (2007) “Impregnation silver nanoparticles into bacterial cellulose for antimicrobial and controlled extrudate wound dressing”, Chemeca 2007, September 2007, Victoria, Australia
  4. T. Maneerung, K. Hidajat, and S. Kawi (2009), “Lanthanum nickelate-perovskite-type oxide:  Catalyst for production of COX-free hydrogen and carbon nanotubes from decomposition of methane”, 21st North American Meeting, June 2009, San Francisco, USA
  5. T. Maneerung, K. Hidajat, and S. Kawi (2010), “K-doped LaNiO3 perovskite-type oxide catalyst for production of carbon nanotubes from CO2 hydrogenation”, 239th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, March 2010, San Francisco, USA
  6. T. Maneerung, K. Hidajat, S. Kawi (2010), “LaNi1-xMxO3 (M = Fe, Co and 0 ≤ X ≤ 1) perovskite for co-production of carbon nanotubes and COX-free hydrogen from methane decomposition, 9th Novel Gas Conversion Symposium, June 2010, Lyon, France
  7. T. Maneerung, K. Hidajat, and S. Kawi (2011), “Novel triple-layer catalytic membrane reactor for producing pure hydrogen via catalytic decomposition of methane”, 22nd North American Meeting, June 2011, Detroit, USA
  8. T. Maneerung, E.T. Saw, K. Hidajat, and S. Kawi (2012), “Role of potassium for high-temperature water-gas shift over K-doped LaNiO3 perovskite catalyst precursor”, 15th International Congress on Catalysis, July 2012, Munich, Germany
  9. T. Maneerung, Y. Cheng, X. Jiang, Y. Zhanyu, K. G. Neoh, C.-H. Wang, “Waste-to-Energy Gasification Technology for Clean Energy Production” Clean Environment Summit Singapore, June 2014
  10. T. Maneerung, R. Le, S. Kawi, K. G. Neoh, T. Y. Wah, C.-H. Wang, “Utilization of Bottom Ash arising from Woody Biomass Gasification” Clean Environment Summit Singapore, June 2014
  11. T. Maneerung, K. G. Neoh, C.-H. Wang, “Solid Waste to Clean Energy through Gasification”, 13th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, HES-SO – Geneva – Switzerland, 25th – 28th August 2014.
  12. T. Maneerung, P. Dong, Z. Yang, Z. Yao, K. G. Neoh, C.-H. Wang, “Biomass and Solid Waste Gasification for Clean Energy Production: Experimental and Simulation Studies” AIChE Annual meeting (Particle Technology Forum), Atlanta, USA , November 2014
  13. T. Maneerung, Z. Yang, S. Kawi, C.-H. Wang, “Utilization of Solid Residual Wastes Arising from Woody Biomass Gasification” AIChE Annual meeting (Environmental Division), Atlanta – USA , 16th  – 21st   November 2014
  14. T. Maneerung, S. Kawi and C.-H. Wang, “Chicken Manure As Heterogeneous CaO Catalysts for Biodiesel Production from Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil” AIChE Annual meeting (Catalysis and Reaction Engineering (CRE) Division), Atlanta – USA , 16th  – 21st   November 2014
  15. S. Li, W. Zhang, S. N. Lee, L. Rong, T. Maneerung, Chi-Hwa Wang, Koon Gee Neoh, “Detection of toxic substances in environmental samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and metabolomics”, 2015 American Society for Mass Spectrometry meeting.
  16. P. Dong, T. Maneerung, Z. Yang, Y. Shen, X. Kan, Z. Yao, K. G. Neoh, Y. W. Tong, C. Chong, C.-H. Wang, “Co-gasification of Woody Biomass and Solid Waste for Clean Energy Production” 14th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Nottingham, UK, 25th – 27th August 2015.
  17. T. Maneerung, J. Liew, S. Kawi, Y. Dai and C.-H. Wang, “Preparation and Characterizations of Activated Carbon from Char Produced from Woody Biomass Gasification and Its Application for Dye Removal” AIChE Annual meeting, Salt Lake City, USA, November 2015.
  18. T. Maneerung, S. Kawi, Y. Dai, C.-H. Wang, “Sustainable biodiesel production via transesterification of waste cooking oil by using heterogeneous CaO catalysts developed from chicken manure”, 15th International conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, Singapore, 19th – 22nd July 2016.
  19. T. Maneerung, D. Pengwei, H.S. Wah, S. Irawaty, K. Sibudjing, K.G. Neoh, C.-H. Wang, “Reutilization of Coal Fly Ash for the Production of Highly Beneficial Products” 2016 AIChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, USA, November 2016, T. Maneerung , J. Liew, K. Sibudjing, Y. Dai, C-H. Wang, Preparation and characterizations of activated carbon from char produced from woody biomass gasification and its application for dye removal, AIChE Annual meeting (November 2015) Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Avi Uzi

Personal Particulars

Ph.D student

Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117576

Office: E5-01-01

Phone: (65) 9655 0947

Email: uziavi@gmail.com

Personal Website

Education

B.Sc. 2009-2013, Mechanical Engineering Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Graduated Cum Laude.

M.Sc. 2012-2014, Mechanical Engineering Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.Name of advisor: Prof. Avi Levy. Title of Thesis: Modeling and Simulation of a Monolayer of Nano-Particles under Capillary Regime in Liquid-Gas Interface. Graduation with honors

Ph.D. 2014, Mechanical Engineering Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, National University of Singapore.

Name of advisor: Prof. Avi Levy.Title of Thesis: Numerical Modeling of Particle Attrition and Pipe Erosion in Conveying Systems.

Research Interests

Multiphase flow; Capillary interactions; Nano-scale Coating; Self Assembly; Hydraulic conveying; Pneumatic conveying; CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and DEM (discrete element method); One dimensional two phase simulations, Particle breakage, Erosion, simulation of biomass gasification in a downdraft fixed-bed reactor, System level gasification modeling, Electric Capacitance Tomography for gasification appilactions.

 

Publications

1.Uzi, A., Ostrovski, Y., & Levy, A. (2015). Modeling and Simulation of Particles in Gas-Liquid Interface, Advanced Powder Technology, 27(1), 112-123.

2.Uzi, A., Ostrovski, Y., & Levy, A. (2015). Modeling and Simulation of Mono-Layer Coating. Drying Technology, 33(15-16), 1798-1807. DOI: 10.1080/07373937.2015.1026981.

3.Ben-Ami, Y., Uzi, A., & Levy, A. (2016). Modelling the particles impingement angle to produce maximum erosion. Powder Technology, 301, 1032-1043. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2016.07.041

4.Uzi, A., Kalman, H., & Levy, A. (2016). A novel particle attrition model for conveying systems. Powder Technology, 298, 30-41. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2016.05.014

5.Uzi, A. & Levy, A. (2016). Particle degradation and dynamics in conveying systems. Powder Technology. Volume 311, 15 April 2017, Pages 247-256, ISSN 0032-5910, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2017.01.090.

6.Uzi, A., Ben-Ami, Y., & Levy, A. (2017). Erosion Prediction of Industrial Conveying Pipelines. Powder Technology. 309, 49-60, ISSN 0032-5910, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2016.12.087.

7.Uzi, A. & Levy, A. (2017). Flow characteristics of coarse particles in horizontal hydraulic conveying, Powder Technology. In Press.

Conference Publications/ Presentations

1.Uzi, A., Ostrovski, Y., Levy, A. “Modelling and Simulation of Self-Assembly Process of Nano-Particles in Liquid-Gas Interface”, International Drying Symposium, Lyon, France, Aug. 2014.

2.Ostrovski, Y., Uzi, A., Levy, A. “The Effects of Internal and External Forces on the Particle Dynamics and Internal Flow in Suspension Droplets”, International Drying Symposium, Lyon, France, Aug. 2014.

3.Uzi, A., Levy, A. “Agglomeration of Suspended Nano-Particles During Coating”, The 8th International Conference for Conveying and Handling of Particulate Solids, Tel-Aviv, Israel. May 2015.

4.Ben Ami, Y., Uzi, A., Levy, A. ”Modeling and simulation of pipe bend erosion”, The 8th International Conference for Conveying and Handling of Particulate Solids, Tel-Aviv, Israel. May 2015.

5.Uzi, A., & Levy, A. “One-Dimensional Particle Attrition Model for Conveying Systems”, The 34th Israeli Conference on Mechanical Engineering, Technion, Israel. Nov. 2016.

6.Uzi, A., Ben Ami, Y., Levy, A. “One-Dimensional Erosion Modeling for Conveying Pipelines”, The 34th Israeli Conference on Mechanical Engineering, Technion, Israel. Nov. 2016.

7.Uzi, A., Kalman, H., & Levy, A. “A New Hybrid One-Dimensional Particle Attrition Model for Conveying Systems”, AiChE Annual meeting, San francisco, CA, USA. Nov. 2016.

8.Uzi, A., Ben Ami, Y., Levy, A. “One-Dimensional Erosion Modeling for Conveying Pipelines”, Powder, Granule and Bulk Solids: Innovations and Applications (PGBSIA), Jaipur, India. Dec. 2016.

9.Uzi, A., Ben Ami, Y., Levy, A. “One-Dimensional Particle Attrition Model for Conveying Systems”, Powder, Granule and Bulk Solids: Innovations and Applications (PGBSIA). Jaipur, India. Dec. 2016.

10.Uzi, A., Y., Levy, A. “Predicting particle attrition and pipe wear in conveying systems”, Reliable Flow of Particulate Solids (RELPOWFLO). Skien, Norway. May 2017.