Process Systems Engineering

Objectives

This research group is focused on the challenges related to: i) modeling, simulation and optimization of processes in the chemical and refining industries; ii) application of multivariate statistical methods and models in chemometrics, process operation decisions and air pollution; and iii) magnetic separation processes.

Major research topics

• Process modelling, simulation and optimization: Development of simulation models and application of methodologies based on pinch technology and other approaches for increasing sustainability in industrial processes;
• Multivariate Statistical Methods and Models: Chemometrics - Application of near-infrared spectroscopy and/or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical models for predicting physical-chemical properties of petroleum products and paints composition; Cluster analysis - Application of clustering tools for defining similarities between crude oils; Air Pollution - Forecasting and better-understanding of indoor and outdoor air pollutants.
• Magnetic separation processes: Optimization of design variables and its performance.