The Thermodynamics and Thermophysical Properties (TTP) Research Group is a young research group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The group leader is Prof. Francisco Ramos-Pallares.
The group mainly focuses on the study of the phase behaviour and properties of complex systems including mixtures of polar components, electrolytes and polymers. We combine experimental data collection, modelling and simulation to address research and industrial challenges. The goal is to advance in the understanding of these complex systems to develop accurate models for engineering applications in process and product design
We are always looking for new challenges/collaborations. Feel free to contact us.
Thesis-Based Master Position (MSc) in Experimental and Theoretical Thermodynamics
About the Position: The Thermodynamics and Thermophysical Properties (TTP) research group is looking for 1 Master (MSc) student position in Chemical Engineering at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada). The student will receive partial funding and will be working in the TTP research group under the supervision of Prof. Francisco Ramos-Pallares. The student will conduct experimental research on electrolyte thermodynamics as well as data analysis and modelling. Therefore, experience in the following is highly desirable: thermodynamics, mathematical modelling and MATLAB programming/optimization. At Lakehead University, besides research, MSc students are required to take 4 courses. The candidate is expected to start in January 2023.
How to Apply: The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and the application should include the following items: 1) cover letter; 2) Curriculum Vitae; 3) Name of 2 references, and 4) Unofficial academic transcripts. Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Francisco Ramos-Pallares at framosp@lakeheadu.ca. Please send it as a single PDF file. If your first language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language proficiency score posted at the following link:
Indicate your score in the cover letter. The closing date for applications is September 10, 2022.
Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
The Thermodynamics and Thermophysical Properties (TTP) research group is constantly looking for passionate, creative, and diverse candidates for graduate studies. Lakehead University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
Francisco is an assistant professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Before joining Lakehead University, Francisco held an RD&T industrial postdoctoral position at CNOOC Petroleum (formerly NEXEN). Francisco’s research interests are focused on thermodynamics, phase behavior, transport phenomena, mathematical modeling, and simulation. He received a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calgary.
Graduate Students
Twaha Mohamed, MSc
tmohamed@lakeheadu.ca
PhD. Student
Thesis Subject: Twaha’s thesis focuses on the experimental and computational study of electrolyte mixtures containing water alcohols and salt
Education and Experience: B. Eng. and MSc. in Chemical Engineering from Lakehead University (2021). Twaha’s MSc research and thesis were focused on the development of a consistent cubic equation of state for non-polar components as well as computational algorithms for phase equilibria calculations. Before joining our group, Twaha held an internship position at Resolute Forest Products (Thunder Bay) working as an energy efficiency technician in the field of pulp and paper processing.
Rayyan ThenmalaiIhimamudeen
mthenmal@lakeheadu.ca
MSc. Student
Thesis Subject: Experimental mapping and modeling of the phase behavior of mixtures containing ethanol/water/salt
Education: B. Eng. Chemical Engineering from the St. Joseph College of Engineering (Chennai, India) 2020
Experience: Rayyan worked for 2 years as a Project Associate at IIT Madras (India) studying aluminum and zinc-air flow batteries; and modeling, designing, developing, and optimizing electrolyzers. Rayyan is also a performance artist, theatre enthusiast, playwright, stage play director, avid reader, and tech enthusiast.
Alumni
Saeed Ataee Ataabadi, MSc
Thesis: The Phase Behaviour of Isopropanol/Water/NaCl Mixtures at Atmospheric Pressure (April 2023)
Education and Experience: MSc Chemical Engineering, Lakehead University (2023); B.Sc. Petroleum Engineering, Azad University of Gachsaran, Iran (2012); MSc Executive Management, Azad University of Shiraz (2019). Supervisor of the production line in Asia Green Island Production Company (2014-2016). Operation manager of Greenland Contracting Company (2016-2020)
Publications and Awards:
Ataee, S. et al. The Phase Behavior of Isopropanol/Water/NaCl Mixtures at Atmospheric Pressure and Temperatures from 294.15 K Up to the Boiling Point. J. Chem. Thermodynamics, 2024, 189, 107205
Lakehead University Dean’s Award for Engineering. 2023
Homayoun Moghaddaupour
Homayoun worked in our research group from Sept. 2023 to January 2024. The focus of his research was the experimental measurement and modeling of the density of mixtures containing alcohol, water, and salt.
Ataee, S; Rathje, G; Ramos-Pallares F. The Phase Behavior of Isopropanol/Water/NaCl Mixtures at Atmospheric Pressure and Temperatures from 294.15 K Up to the Boiling Point, J. Chem. Thermodyn., 2024, 189, 107205
2022
Ramos-Pallares, F. A Generalized Linear Secant Bulk Modulus Based Correlation for the Prediction of Compressed Liquid Density, Can. J. Chem. Eng., 2022, 100, 3768-3776
2021
Rivero-Sanchez, J; Ramos-Pallares, F; Schoeggl, F; Yarranton, H W. Asphaltene Precipitation from Heavy Oil Diluted with Petroleum Solvents, Energy and Fuels, 2021 35, 9396-9407
Yarranton, H W; Ramos-Pallares, F. Regular Solution Theory Applied to Asphaltene Related Phase Behavior. Can. J. Chem. Eng., 2021 99, 1050-1067.
Rivero-Sanchez, J; Ramos-Pallares, F; Schoeggl, F; Yarranton, H W. Asphaltene Precipitation from heavy Oil Mixed with Binary and Ternary Solvent Blends. Chemical Product and Process Modeling, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1515/cppm-2020-0090
Ramos-Pallares, F. The Phase Behaviour of Isopropanol/Water/NaCl Mixtures at Atmospheric Pressure. Invited Keynote Speech at the 2023 at the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Calgary, Canada, November 2023
2022
Mohamed, T., Kozinski, J., Ramos-Pallares, F. Can the Redlich-Kwong Equation of State Model Thermodynamic Properties of Polar Components? Oral Presentation at the 2022 Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Vancouver, October 2022
Ramos-Pallares, F., Ataeeataabadi, S. Investigating the Effect of Temperature on the Liquid-Liquid and Liquid-Liquid-Solid Phase Behaviour of Isopropanol/Water/NaCl Mixtures. Oral Presentation at the 2022 Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Vancouver, October 2022
2021
Ramos-Pallares, F. A Generalized Linear Secant-Modulus Based Correlation for the Prediction of Compressed Liquid Density, Oral Presentation at the 2021 Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, October 2021
2016-2020
Ramos-Pallares, F., Yarranton, H. W. Extending the Modified Regular Solution Model to Predict Component Partitioning to the Asphaltene-Rich Phase, Oral Presentation at the 20th International Conference on Petroleum Phase Behavior and Fouling, Kanazawa, Japan, June 2019
Ramos-Pallares, F., Yarranton, H. W. Extension of the Modified Regular Solution Model to Crude Oils Characterized from a Distillation Assay, Poster Presentation at the 20th International Conference on Petroleum Phase Behavior and Fouling, Kanazawa, Japan, June 2019
Ramos-Pallares, F., Yarranton, H. W. A Regular Solution Based Approach for Modelling Component Precipitation from n-Paraffin Diluted Heavy Oils, Poster Presentation at the International Conference on Properties and Phase Equilibria for Product and Process Design, PPEPPD, Vancouver, Canada, May 2019
Yarranton, H.W, Ramos-Pallares, F.; Taylor, S.D. The Expanded Fluid Concept for Transport Property Correlations, Oral Presentation at the 17th American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, USA, June 2017
Ramos-Pallares, F.; Schoeggl, F.F.; Taylor, S.D.; Yarranton, H.W. Expanded Fluid Based Thermal Conductivity Model for Hydrocarbons and Crude Oils, Poster Presentation at the 18th International Conference on Petroleum Phase Behavior and Fouling, Le Havre, France, June 2017
Ramos-Pallares, F.; Lin, H.; Taylor, S.D.; Satyro, M.A.; Yarranton, H.W. Predicting the Viscosity of Characterized Crude Oils, Oral Presentation at the. 16th American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting, San Francisco, USA, November 2016
Ramos-Pallares, F.; Schoeggl, F.F.; Taylor, S.D.; Yarranton, H.W. The Generalized Walther Model for The Prediction of Viscosity of Characterized Oils, Poster Presentation at the 17th International Conference on Petroleum Phase Behavior and Fouling, Elsinore, Denmark, June 2016
Ramos-Pallares, F.; Schoeggl, F.F.; Taylor, S.D.; Satyro, M.A.; Yarranton, H.W. “Predicting the Viscosity of Characterized Oils and Cuts Using the Expanded Fluid Correlation”, Oral Presentation at the 65th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Calgary, Canada, October 2015Ramos-Pallares, F.; Schoeggl, F.F.; Taylor, S.D.; Yarranton, H.W. Expanded Fluid Viscosity Prediction for Heavy Oil and Bitumen Characterized from Distillation Assays, Poster Presentation at the 16th International Conference on Petroleum Phase Behavior and Fouling, Cancun, Mexico, June 2015
Ramos-Pallares, F.; Schoeggl, F.F.; Taylor, S.D.; Yarranton, H.W. Viscosity Prediction of Diluted Crude Oils Using the Expanded Fluid Model, Poster Presentation at the 16th International Conference on Petroleum Phase Behavior and Fouling, Cancun, Mexico, June 2015
Ramos-Pallares, F.; Marriott, R. A.; Yarranton, H. W. Viscosity of Heavy Oil/Solvent Mixtures and Distillation cuts, Invited Talk at the Alberta Sulphur Research Ltd. Annual Meeting 2014, Calgary, Canada, January 2014
The goal of this research group is to advance in the understanding of the complex intermolecular interactions that define the thermodynamic and thermophysical behaviour of fluids for the formulation of physically sound phase behaviour and property models for process and product design and simulation. This group’s research combines experimental data collection, modelling and simulation.
Electrolyte Systems
The phase behaviour of mixtures containing electrolytes is very important for process and product design and simulation. Electrolyte mixtures are found in the production of fertilizers; biochemical processes; precipitation and crystallization processes; purification of pharmaceuticals; desalination of water; carbon capture; salting-in/salting-out based separation processes, etc.
The goal of this project is to study the thermodynamics and the phase behaviour of electrolyte mixtures containing Alcohol/Water/Salt. To do so, experimental data collection and modelling are being used to map and predict the complex phase behaviour of these mixtures. The motivation behind this project is the potential application of salts
Liquid Density of Polar Components
The prediction of liquid density at high temperatures and pressures plays a very important role in the design and simulation of high-pressure processes. The Linear Secant Modulus (LSM) density correlation is a simple, consistent and accurate correlation for the prediction of liquid density at extreme conditions. This correlation is well suited for non-polar and polar components and produces reliable and accurate results at pressures as high as 1000 MPa.
Phase Behaviour of Mixtures of Polar Bio-Solvents
Polar bio-solvents (such as alcohols, ketones, acids and esters) are suitable substances to replace petroleum-derived solvents in multiple industrial applications. Polar bio-solvents are produced from renewable resources such as biomass and have a lower carbon fingerprint and environmental impact than petroleum-derived solvents. Understanding the phase behaviour of these components and their mixtures and developing predictive approaches for their phase behaviour are needed for process and product design and simulation.
Cubic equations of state (CEoS) are the workhorse of the industry because of their simplicity, versatility, and computational efficiency. However, C-EoS are not predictive unless binary interaction parameters are known. The goal of this project is to propose a generalized correlation for the calculation of binary interaction parameters for mixtures containing polar bio solvents. The deliverable is a predictive methodology based on a Cubic Equation of State suitable for process design and simulation.
