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Yusuf Ali Yusuf
M.A.Sc. Candidate
Department of Chemical Engineering
Office: DWE
2531
Phone: 519-888-4567 ext. 35675
Email: yaliyusu@uwaterloo.ca
Degrees: B.A.Sc. (University of Waterloo) |
Supervisor(s): Ali Elkamel
Research Interests
Optimization of a catalytic process operating under decreasing Catalytic Activity and time.
My research objective is to create a model that can be used in industry to optimize any petrochemical catalytic process. Typically, catalysts are designed to operate for a specific length of time after which it starts to deactivate. The deactivation of catalysts leads to poor product yields and unwanted product properties. In order to counter act this phenomena, field variables such as temperature and pressure must be increased. This leads to increased operating costs as increasing process variables are directionally proportional with operating costs. Also, process variability and transition between two operating points have an impact on product purities and properties.
Optimization as it applies to the petrochemical industry is a dynamic field of study. Industry as a whole understands the importance and the opportunities that may come about as direct consequence of applying optimization techniques to current operating procedures. These opportunities are not only financial in nature but also environmental. For example, reducing off spec products will limit the amount of flaring that is conducted in petroleum refineries
