EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/D503078/1
Title: A new approach to the design of packed columns
Principal Investigator: Jia, Dr X
Other Investigators:
Williams, Professor RA
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Inst of Particle Science & Engineering
Organisation: University of Leeds
Scheme: Follow on Fund (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 15 September 2005 Ends: 14 September 2006 Value (£): 35,164
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Particle Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Food and Drink Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Packed columns are a multibillion dollar business and a major cost to chemical and processing industries. Failure of packing structure during operation not only means downtime (and profit loss) but also can have catastrophic consequences. Current design approach is based largely on empiricism, which is costly and time consuming. We have developed an algorithm, during an EPSRC supported project, capable of packing particles of arbitrary shapes and sizes in a container of arbitrary geometry. For the first time, we can now easily deal with real shaped objects. The realism in the modelled structures is hitherto unparalleled. During the EPSRC project, software programs have also been developed to simulate effective permeability and thermal conductivity of packed structures. The proposed project aims to develop these software modules further to handle particular conditions in packed columns, demonstrate their applicability to industrial users, and package them for commercial exploitation
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk