Multiphase Reactors and Processes

Understanding particles to enable cleaner industrial processes

Contact Information

Address

Het Kranenveld 14
Helix
5612 AZ Eindhoven
Netherlands
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Postal address

Postbus 513
Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
5600 MB Eindhoven
Netherlands
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Phone

+31 40 2474931

Email

[email protected]

Organisational Structure

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Research
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  Sustainable Process Technology

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Introduction

This research area aims to develop scalable methodologies for multiphase processes, bridging laboratory-scale understanding and industrial-scale application. By integrating advanced experimental methods with multiscale computational modelling, supporting the design of reactors and processes that are energy-efficient and low-emission. Targeted applications include steel production, plastic waste reuse and clean hydrogen production.

Profile

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW11301689 BCX0"> How can we transform energy-intensive industrial processes into cleaner, more sustainable technologies? Our research group investigates the complex interactions between gases and solid particles that are present in many industrial processes, with a particular focus on new technologies for steel and hydrogen production. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW11301689 BCX0"> Steel is essential to modern society, yet currently it is a major source of CO₂ emissions. We investigate alternative ironmaking routes that use natural gas or hydrogen instead of coke, with the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 80 to 95%, respectively. We also explore catalytic methane decomposition as an alternative route to hydrogen production. This process converts methane into hydrogen and solid carbon, which can be produced in the form of valuable carbon nanofibres. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW11301689 BCX0"> What connects these technologies is the intricate interplay between chemical reactions, mass transport and particle properties. As particles react, their internal structure and morphology change, influencing how efficiently gases penetrate, reactions proceed and products form. Our group combines experimental techniques with advanced computational modelling to understand these interactions and predict how they affect process performance. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW11301689 BCX0"> By developing a deeper understanding of multiphase systems, we aim to help translate promising chemical processes into efficient, scalable industrial technologies. Our research contributes to the theme Energy through lower-emission production routes, to the theme Circularity through the potential valorisation of carbon into functional materials, and the theme Future Tech through advanced measurement and modelling methods that support the design of tomorrow’s reactors. </div>