FEQ - Lines of Research

Faculty of Chemical Engineering

Research lines

Thermodynamics of Chemical Processes. Phase equilibrium data measurements (liquid-vapor, liquid-liquid and elquid-liquid-vapor). Development of methods for predicting properties of pure components and mixtures, development of databases. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1980). Line linked to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES.

Modeling and Simulation of Chemical Processes. Development and application of mathematical models, computer simulation methodologies and identification of chemical, biotechnological and fine chemistry processes. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1988). Line linked to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES.

Advanced Process Control. Control of chemical and biotechnological processes. Development and implementation of digital control techniques, data acquisition and online optimization. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1989). Line linked to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES.

Teaching Chemical Engineering. Teaching Methodology in Chemical Engineering; research into advanced techniques for teaching Chemical Engineering; curriculum integration; interdisciplinarity in the teaching of Chemical Engineering; challenges in training professionals in EQ based on technological advances. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1995). Line linked to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES.

Development of Catalytic and Separation Processes. Development and characterization of adsorbent and catalytic materials, determination of the kinetics of chemical processes, development and simulation of reactors. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1984). Line linked to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES.

Catalysis and Catalytic Processes. Development and characterization of catalysts for hydrogenation reactions, synthesis of higher alcohols, hydrogenation in fine chemistry, deactivation of catalysts and design of catalytic reactors. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1980). Line connected to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING.

Applied Thermodynamics. Study of multicomponent solutions, phase equilibrium, calorimetry, PVT behavior of gaseous systems, energy integration of processes and energy balance in complex processes (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1981). Line connected to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING.

Two-Phase Systems and Separation Processes. Study of gas-liquid dispersions, hydrodynamics and efficiency of distillation and absorption columns, biochemical reactors of the 'Air-lift' type, continuous rotating disc extractor, process . bubbling and direct evaporators. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1980). Line connected to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING.

Process Control and Production Planning. Control of chemical processes, computer supervision of plants, hierarchical planning, sequencing of flexible units, artificial intelligence techniques. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1985). Line connected to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING.

Modeling and Simulation of Chemical Plants. Application and batch, semi-continuous or continuous processes Isolated processes or in highly integrated complex plants. Studies for the project, development of operating policies and optimization of units and plants in the chemical industry. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1989). Line connected to the DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING.

Natural Products Process Engineering. Food preservation by combination of methods, extraction and purification of active principles, with emphasis on the use of supercritical fluids in the recovery of cholesterol, alkaloids drugs. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1992). Line connected to the THERMOFLUIDDYNAMICS DEPARTMENT.

Properties and Behavior of Fluid Phases. The objective is to determine the propr. thermodin. and the qualitative and quantitative description of the behavior of phases of pure fluids and naturally occurring complex mixtures, aiming at industrial applications especially at high pressures. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1992). Line connected to the THERMOFLUIDDYNAMICS DEPARTMENT.

Education in Chemical Engineering. Critical analysis of development and trends in the teaching of Chemical Engineering. Development of technological support for teaching. Philosophical vision of the science of Chemical Engineering. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1992). Line connected to the THERMOFLUIDDYNAMICS DEPARTMENT.

Transport Phenomena and Particulate Systems. Mechanisms and props. carriage. Rheology of macromolecules, non-Newtonian, viscoelastic and electro-rheological fluids. Development of equipment. for drying and/or coating particles, processes in adsorbent or reactive beds and ambient technologies (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1980). Line connected to the THERMOFLUIDDYNAMICS DEPARTMENT.

Environmental engineering. In this line, research is carried out in the environmental area involving studies of gaseous emissions, particulates, effluents, industrial and hospital solid waste, with an emphasis on the application of processes and management techniques. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1998). Line connected to the THERMOFLUIDDYNAMICS DEPARTMENT.

Materials in Chemical Engineering. Study of materials science within Chemical Engineering, with emphasis on the development of new compounds and synthesis processes by addition and condensation, mass and surface modification through chemical and photochemical treatment. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1986). Line linked to the POLYMER TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT.

Bioprocess Engineering. Submerged and semi-solid fermentation; Enzyme processes; Preparation and characterization of biocatalysts; Preparation and characterization of liposomes; Recovery and purification of biomolecules; Artificial organs and treatment. extra-corporeal. (Approved by the Department/Scientific Council in 1990). Line linked to the DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES.