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Computational Biomass & Biopolymer Engineering ( CBBE ) Research Group
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Dr Ho , Yong Kuen ( Joseph ) Senior Lecturer PhD
Research expertise : Cellulose , Population balances , Metabolic modelling , Advanced process control
E : ho . yongkuen @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 6244
At the Computational Biomass & Biopolymer Engineering ( CBBE ) Research Group , our research is motivated by the use of interesting mathematical ideas to improve engineering predictions and overcome fundamental and mechanistic bottlenecks in the field of biomass and biopolymer processing . Our primary focus is in the advancement and application of population balances – a broad collective wealth of knowledge which deals with the evolutionary aspects of dispersed phase systems , both in time and perhaps also in space . We currently seek to understand the multi-scale physics of cellulose breakdown as well as to understand the mechanistic control factors of cellulose hydrolysis at high solid loadings . We are also working to understand how fine control over the aspect ratio of cellulose fibres and crystals can be exerted via computational modelling . Through our efforts , we hope to address the issues that have thus far prevented the potential of biomass from being harnessed to its maximum capacity .
Multi-Layered Population Balance Model for cellulose breakdown ( Chem . Eng . Sci ., 206:118-133 , 2019 )
Unified Cybernetic-Population Balance Model for consolidated bioprocessing of cellulose by Clostridium thermocellum ( Biotechnol . Bioeng ., 118:1898 - 1912 , 2021 )
Sustainable Processes in Food , Energy and Environment Systems : Modeling , Simulation and Transport Phenomena
Dr Aditya Putranto Senior Lecturer PhD , GCHE , FHEA
Research expertise : Transport phenomena , Heat and mass transfer , Drying technology , Process modelling
E : aditya . putranto1 @ monash . edu T : + 603 5515 9786
Heat mass transfer processes are energy demanding processes . Due to the heat imposed , adverse quality effects are inevitable . Currently , most industries still rely on lengthy trial-errors methods for the optimisation . Our group focuses on investigating the transport phenomena of heat mass transfer processes and representing them in process modelling and simulation . Our group has been actively investigating transport processes of drying of food materials , taking into account local evaporation rate . The group has also focused on development of reaction engineering approach as an effective heat mass transfer framework . The internal transport process can then be coupled with flow-field inside dryer units as a basis of designing drying schemes for reducing energy demands and optimising quality . The above mentioned approach is currently further applied to environmental areas ( i . e ., landfilling systems ) to estimate the mechanical integrity of the lining , fate of contaminants and odour generation . This is undertaken by seamless coupling of all reactions and heat mass transfer in the sewage domain , with those in the lining systems and sub-soils .
26˚C (< LCST ) 38˚C (< LCST )
HB-VLP
BSA
Local evaporation rate inside porous materials during drying
Temperature profiles inside compost piles during on-set of self-heating
R E S E A R C H E R P R O F I L E 2022 / 2023