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Abstract: Current tools for modelling and manufacturing allow us to imprint tailored features in reaction and separation processes to make them more efficient. Nowadays is possible to have an initial accurate design and performance prediction before even going to the lab. Complex processes, like adsorption units, can benefit enormously from this digital approach. 

Adsorption is a technique widely used in industry for gas and liquid separation. Adsorption processes are transient so they require multiple columns and a periodic regeneration to mimic a continuous process. Methodologies to improve the adsorption and the regeneration are of utmost importance. This presentation show two different strategies for process intensification for adsorption processes. The first example shows the effect of different column regeneration techniques in process performance. The second example shows how is possible to optimize the adsorbent’s external area available for mass transfer with minimal pressure drop. 

Biography: Carlos Grande is an Associate Professor in KAUST since September 2021. He is affiliated to the AMPM and KCC centers. Before joining KAUST, he was working in as Senior Scientist in SINTEF Industry in Oslo (Norway) for 10 years. He has a PhD from Porto University in Portugal (2005) where he also worked for 5 years as a Research Assistant teaching lab courses. He graduated as Chemical Engineer in South University in Argentina (1998). He works with process intensification applied to separation and reaction processes with strong focus on adsorption processes and novel manufacturing techniques like 3D printing. He has over 100 publications in international journals (h-index = 43) and 7 patent applications.