I graduated from University of Pune, India in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Working under distinguished researchers, I had the opportunity to complete my undergraduate project at National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), a premium institute of scientific and industrial research run by the Government of India. The project focused on removal of hydrogen sulfide through an optimal balance of the processes of absorption and adsorption.
Auto-thermal reforming (ATR) - a very efficient process for the production of synthesis gas (CO + H2) utilizes an optimum balance of steam reforming and oxidation processes. I was selected to work at NCL on the basis of my academic background and stellar performance on the project. As a process engineer, I worked on auto-thermal reforming of hydrocarbons for generation of hydrogen. In general, an ATR process is carried out as follows:
1. Removal of Sulfur: The hydrocarbon stream (eg: metane, LPG) is treated to remove any traces of sulfur.
2. ATR: Oxidation (i.e. reaction with oxygen) is an exothermic process, while reforming (i.e reaction with steam) is endothermic. A combination of these processes is achieved through heat balance and a careful monitoring of all the input streams.
3. Optimized Syn-gas production: Treatment of product stream follows to obtain a mixture of gases Pure hydrogen gas can be obtained from syn-gas.
On-stream analysis of gases was a crucial part of the process and the job required training in analysis techniques and equipments such as HPLC and GC. For better data interpretation, our team designed reactors that supported lower space velocities and gas flow rates to provide better mixing of gases.
Later, I worked on process development of polymer grade lactic acid production. Working on pilot plant requires knowledge of different unit operations, sizing of equipments, their operation as well as process instrumentation and control. I got familiarized with different aspects of equipment procurement and sizing like fabrication, material of construction, maximum safe working pressure, wall thickness and insulation. In addition, I studied instrumentation related to the process and gained much knowledge on material balance, energy balance and development of process flow diagrams.
To pursue higher education, I enrolled for a master’s program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in fall 2007. Since then I have been working on Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation of gas hydrates and validation of thermodynamic models based on hydrate equilibrium. Gas hydrates are infamous for pipeline choking and flow blocking, reducing product recovery. Since gas hydrate formation and removal can be achieved by controlling process parameters, knowledge on the conditions of hydrate formation and phase equilibrium is crucial. I have authored a publication with the Journal of thermodynamics - Hindawi Publishing Corporation on the determination of reference chemical potential for gas hydrates. I have also presented a seminar at the AIChE annual conference at Nashville, Tennessee in 2009.
Chemical Engineering is a branch with endless prospects and wide applications. My ambition is to use my understanding of the engineering principles, gain knowledge and find a niche which utilizes my skills.
