Doctor of Philosophy
2010-2015 Chemical Engineering, HomiBhabha National Institute, Mumbai, INDIA
Ph.D project- “Separation of Cesium form simulated High Level Waste using Electrodialysis- Ionexchange”
Brief description of work done as a part of Ph.D (Chem. Engg.)
Cs137 is one of the predominant fission isotopes issuing in the High Level Waste (HLW) in nuclear reprocessing of spent fuel. Being radioactive in nature, Cs-137 finds application as a radioactive source in many industrial and medical applications. Obtaining Cs in pure form is essential for its application as radiation source. Reported technologies like precipitation, solvent extraction and ion exchange for Cs removal form HLW resulted in multi number of steps to obtain Cs in pure form. In order to overcome these difficulties, Electrodialysis-Ion exchange technology (EDIX) has been investigated for the separation of cesium from simulated HLW using AMP-PAN ion exchange resin.
Cesium from simulated HLW is passed through an ion exchange column containing (Cs selective ion exchange resin) which separates Cs from other fission products. Cs ion exchange kinetics on AMP-PAN were modelled both for batch and column experiments. The rate determining steps and order of reaction were determined. Column dynamic parameters like breakthrough, mass transfer zone, bed saturation, etc., were analyzed for different operating conditions.
In order to obtain pure form of Cs, the sorbed Cs on the AMP-PAN was recovered in an electrodialysis setup. On application of electric potential across the cell, Cs from AMP-PAN was replaced by ammonium ions from anode compartment. The eluted Cs form AMP-PAN migrated to cathode compartment and got concentrated. The parameters affecting the process like current density, eluent concentration etc., were studied for optimizing the process. Current- Voltage characteristics in the EDIX process for Cs recovery from AMP-PAN were studied and an empirical equation was proposed for the determination of limiting current in the process. Nernst- Plank model was applied to describe the process and model diffusion coefficients were determined for different conditions.
Post Graduation
2007-2010 M.Tech, Chemical Technology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, INDIA
M.Tech project- “Distillation and analysis of Aromatic oil for pharmaceutical formulation”
Brief description of work done as a part of M.Tech (Chem. Tech.)
One of the aromatic oil (lemongrass oil) was steam distilled and separated its main component citral which constitute up to 85% and analyzed for its purity by gas chromatography. Ointments were prepared with the citral by incorporating the citral into the ointment bases then the ointments were evaluated for drug release by diffusion through gelatin layer and suggested a suitable base for maximum drug (citral) release in ointment formulation by studying the kinetics.
2003-2007 B.Tech, Chemical Engineering, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi,INIDA