3D-printed porous media

Our first research aim is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate fluid flow and characterise heat and mass transfer in 3D-printed structured porous materials. This will allow us to define the equations needed for the chemical engineering design process.

Publications from this research so far include:

Erfani, N., Symons, D., Fee, C., & Watson, M. J. (2024). Validation of Continuous Conjugate Heat Transfer Model through Experimental Data. Heat Transfer Engineering, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/01457632.2024.2355835

Erfani, N., Symons, D. Fee, C., & Watson, M. J. (2024). Topology Optimisation and Numerical Validation for Heat Transfer Improvement in a Packed-Bed Reactor with Monolithic Catalyst. Chemical Engineering Research and Design.

Our second research aim enables the physical design of microstructure objects. First, we will use computer science to circumvent the large file sizes and long rendering times associated with 3D printing fine porous structures. Then, we will use machine learning to optimise porous geometries.

Publications from this research so far include:

Erfani, N., Symons, D., Fee, C., & Watson, M. J. (2023) A Novel Method to Design Monolithic Catalysts for Non-Isothermal Packed-Bed Reactors using Topology Optimisation. Chemical Engineering Science, 267, 118347.

Our third research aim is to understand the effects of our 3D printing method on material properties. This will enable us to develop new, highly specialised material formulations. Combined with the results of our other research aims, this will enable us to develop and characterise applications of structured porous materials such as catalytic reactors, tissue scaffolds and purification processes.

This research resulted in the creation of the spin out company Precision Chroma (https://precision-chroma.com) where this patented 3D Printed Monolith Absorption (PMA) column technology is being used to process unclarified cell cultures or other solid laden fluid products. This technology has the potential to transform the separations industry.

Precision Chroma is led by Dr Sean Feast, an Associate Investigator with BIC, who completed his PhD in the early part of this research programme.