Projects

Fault detection of industrial processes

Chiranjivi “Chiru” Botre‘s research focuses on fault detection and isolation techniques are important aspects in the industry to ensure safe and proper operation of the plant. Some industrial processes are complex and it is difficult to have an accurate mathematical model describing the processes and in those cases, data based methods are a useful tool for fault detection and diagnosis. Process data in chemical processes are contaminated with noise and are highly nonlinear in nature with complex correlated variables. The objective of this research area is to propose methods and algorithms for early and accurate detection and isolation of the faults within a process, allowing corrective action to be taken quickly.

Batch processes have been utilized in the production of high-value-added products such as pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals and bio-technological products. Our lab has developed a hybrid observer design based on data-based model and first principle model to estimate the states of the bioreactor, which is important for real-time optimization, and advance process control application. Process abnormalities need to be observed in a batch process to assure safety, productivity and desired quality of the merchandise. In this project we have developed algorithms and model based on nonlinear multivariate statistical techniques to detect the abnormality efficient and accurately.

Countercurrent saccharification

Chao “Chloe” Liang‘s research mainly focuses on process development, kinetic modeling, and technoeconomic analysis of batch and countercurrent saccharifications of lignocellulosic biomass. She also participates in the research projects concerning anerobic fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass and chemical and mechanical pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass.

Cost modeling and simulation of process intensified solid phase Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) production method

Anirudh Gairola is working on cost modeling and simulation of process intensified solid phase Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) production method. His work is based on experimental work done on application of packed bed resin to capture the monoclonal anitbody and its subsequent modification to produce ADC. The aim of the work is to find the suitable operating parameters (Column length and feed velocity) to minimize the operating cost, and elicit how process intensification can help to bring down the production cost.