Previous Research

Investigated chemical looping oxygen-uncoupling (CLOU) combustion technology with a 300 kW pilot-scale system at the Industrial Combustion and Gasification Research Facility, focuses were catalysis and establishing operations protocol.

Partners: The University of Utah

Investigated internal combustion engine use for chemicals production via oxydehydrogenation catalysis coupled with infrared diagnostics. Novel rotating fluidized bed reactors were developed to allow for process intensification.

Partners: Oregon State University-Cascades Energy Systems Lab, Gas Technology Institute, CZero Solutions

Focused on a collaborative project between Umeå University, The University of Utah, and the SP Energy Technology Center in Piteå, Sweden to increase feasibility of continual biomass feed to pressurized entrained-flow reactors.

Partners: Umeå University, The University of Utah, Piteå Science Park (Formerly SP Energy Technology Center)

Aided in design, fabrication, and operation of a laboratory-scale entrained-flow reactor for use in fuel-ash behavior during pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion processes. Additional work included investigations of rapid heating of solid fuels and computational simulation of combustion and gasification kinetics.

Partners: Umeå University

Graduate studies focused on design, fabrication, and operation of sampling systems in a high-pressure entrained-flow gasifier and of a high-pressure wire-mesh reactor. Empirical and theoretical modeling of gasifiers was also performed with high-pressure thermogravimetric analysis and laminar entrained-flow reactor testing. Collaborative research was funded by Eastman Chemical Company.

PhD Dissertation: “Fundamental Coal Experimentation for Aiding Large-Scale Gasification and Modeling.”

Masters Thesis: “Pyrolysis Behavior of Coal and Petroleum Coke at High Temperature and High Pressure.”

Partners: The University of Utah, U.S. Dept. of Energy, Eastman Chemical Company

Focal work comprised component fabrication and operation of a pilot-scale circulating fluidized bed as well as the construction of a pilot-scale cement-preheater cyclone tower. Additional duties included installation and maintenance of instrumentation and mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.

Bachelor's Thesis: “Circulating Fluidized Beds and Operation.”

Partners: The University of Utah, U.S. Dept. of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), additional contracts through Portland Cement Association, Millenum SynFuels,