Research

Process Intensification with Alternative Energy Forms

Prof. Tom Van Gerven

Within the vast domain of process intensification, the Van Gerven group is currently focusing on the use of alternative energy sources to improve transport phenomena (mass and energy transfer, mixing) and chemical activation with the aim of resource efficiency and recovery. The investigated energy sources include ultrasound, light and centrifugal fields, and are applied to chemical syntheses and environmental processes.

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Smart Responsive Separation with Hybrid Processes

Prof. Xing Yang

The Yang Group focuses on process intensification strategies for designing low-emission and energy efficient separation systems utilizing smart responsive materials with nano/micro-structured interfaces, reactive kinetics and optimal separation units. The hybridisation of separation technologies (e.g., membrane, extraction, crystallization, absorption and chromatography) is the key tool to design an Energy-Efficient Separation Systems for Sustainability (2E3S), assisted with experimental research and process system engineering via multi-scale numerical modelling. The aim is to tackle technical challenges in the Water-Environment-Resource Nexus under the Circular Economy Initiatives, with target applications towards mining & energy, bioprocessing and chemical sensing.

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Membrane Technology

Prof. Bart Van der Bruggen

The scope of the Van der Bruggen group is the development and application of separation processes, with a strong focus on membrane technology, in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. This involves the use of e.g., nanofiltration, pervaporation, reverse osmosis and electrodialysis in integrated systems. Research involves hybridization, transport modeling, study of interactions such as fouling, membrane synthesis in view of improved performance and new functionalities, development of closed process cycles, etc. The research group is also committed to development projects in the context of drinking water production and wastewater treatment, using tailored methods.

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Transport Processes and Reactions

Prof. Simon Kuhn

The focus of the Kuhn group lies in the characterization of transport processes in complex flows using experimental and numerical tools. The efforts in process intensification in the chemical engineering industry demand for novel concepts for continuous reaction systems, and therefore a better understanding of the involved multiphase systems and the underlying physics of the transport processes.

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Chemistry for Energy and Materials Recovery in Waste Treatment Systems

Prof. Giuseppe Granata

The Granata Group specialises in the development  of chemical, mechanochemical, and hydrometallurgical technologies for extraction and recovery of (critical) materials from primary resources, industrial residues and end-of-life streams. The group also focuses on the design, simulation and techno-economic assessment of chemical processes. The Granata group is part of the broader ChEMaRTS (Chemistry for Energy and Materials Recovery in Waste Treatment Systems) research team based at Group T.

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Scalable Flow Technologies and Advanced Process Control

Prof. M. Enis Leblebici 

The focus of Enis Leblebici is in the field of scalable flow chemistry using repetitive structures and advanced process control. Specific application areas consist of process intensification using AI integration and carbon capture and utilization. The group has heavily invested in multiscale and multiphase high-throughput flow reactors and integrated platforms. The team has extensive expertise in alternative energy forms such as photo- and electrochemical processes. The group is part of the Centre for Industrial Process Technology (CIPT) based in Diepenbeek.

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Flow Technology for Intensified Chemical Processes

Prof. Leen Thomassen

The research of the team of Leen Thomassen focusses on the use of continuous processes in the field of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, nanoparticle synthesis, emulsion based processes and separation technology. The group aims to find solutions for actual industrial and environmental needs by designing intensified processes in close collaboration with companies and stakeholders. This research is conducted in the Centre for Industrial Process Technology (CIPT) based in Diepenbeek.

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Ultrasound Flow Processes, Particle Engineering and Design, and Process Monitoring Tools

Prof. Leen Braeken

The core research objectives of Leen Braeken revolve around the development of intensified processes for industrial applications in the domain of crystallization, leaching, emulsification and membrane separations. The group has built extensive expertise in the use of ultrasound as alternative energy form and possesses several industrial reactor platforms. Application areas focus on particle design and engineering and process monitoring tools. The group is part of the Centre for Industrial Process Technology (CIPT) based in Diepenbeek.

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An overview of full lists of research projects and doctoral projects can be found on the research portal by clicking the link below.

Research Portal