Challenges in Solving Mixing Problems in the Petrochemical Industry
Abstract:
Mixing is a unit operation encountered in numerous industries such as petroleum, chemical, polymer, food, pharmaceutical, pulp & paper. It is a technology and not a manufacturing process and therefore receives little attention as a research area by the petrochemical industry. Since fluids in most petroleum and chemical processes must be homogenized or contacted for fast mass transfer, mixing problems frequently occur and need to be addressed. Lack of emphasis on mixing research thus creates challenges in solving these problems.
This paper describes some technical challenges faced by the engineers responsible for mixing applications. The R&D approach used is also described along with some process examples involving a wide slate of mixing issues.
Speaker:
Ramesh Hemrajani
Mixing & Reactor Solutions
Dr. Ramesh Hemrajani holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University. He is a recognized expert on Mixing in the Petroleum and Chemical Industry. He retired from ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company after 28 years in which he dealt with various mixing problems in chemicals manufacture, crude-petroleum production, refining, and synthetic fuels developments. Since his retirement in 2005 he has been consulting for a variety of Industries on Mixing, Reactor Engineering, Process Engineering, and Separations. Along with the vast experience involving difficult industrial problems, his contributions to the field of mixing technology can be summarized as below:
+ Mixing Award sponsored by North American Mixing Forum, 2007.
+ Twelve patents on mixing systems and processes.
+ Over twenty five papers in international journals and at various mixing conferences.
+ Two invited papers in Chemical Engineering.
+ One invited paper in Chemical Industry Digest – India.
+ One invited paper in Chemical Processing Magazine.
+ Chapter on “Mixing and Blending” in the Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology by Kirk & Othmer.
+ Two chapters in the “Handbook of Industrial Mixing” published by John Wiley & Sons.
+ Chairman of 16th Biennial Mixing Conference by the North American Mixing Forum.
+ Past-President of the North American Mixing Forum.
+ Conducted mixing workshops in North America, Europe, Japan, India, and Singapore.
Date
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Agenda
Registration 6:00 PM
Dinner 6:30 PM
Program 7:30 PM
Location
Snuffy’s Restaurant
Mountain and Park Avenues, Scotch Plains
Price
Members and Guests …………………..……$25
Unemployed/Retired Section members …$15
Students………………………………………Free
Reservations
Call Andy Soos at (908) 604-2670 or e-mail at rsvp@njaiche.org by Friday 4/6/2012. Although we really appreciate reservations to setup the room, feel free to drop in if you are unable to plan in advance.
Executive Committee Meeting
The Executive Committee meeting for February will be held on April 3rd at Paisano’s Pizza at 6:30 pm. All members are welcome.
Future Meetings
Have you heard someone speak that would be of interest to our group? Would you like to speak? We’re interested in both technical and general interest presentations. Let us know.
Career Fair
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
AIChE Chemical Engineering Online Career Fair, March 20-21, 2012 , on the AIChE job board. The online format replaces the career fair previously held at the conference and eliminates travel expenses, minimizes out of office time, and maximizes participation. Register today and start using benefits immediately.
Jobseekers : Apply for jobs, participate in the anonymous resume bank, take online career sessions.
Employers : Post jobs, search resumes and schedule interviews, reach qualified passive and active jobseekers.
NJAIChE - New Jersey's Home for Chemical Engineers 