Gerard Gartner Email & Phone Number

Hillsborough, Nj

Managed commissioning efforts of a pre-commercial demonstration scale plant. This plant is a novel gas to liquids process that operates 24/7. Commissioning efforts include system checkout, initial shakedown, and initial operations. The initial plant demonstration run went for 1000 hours on stream while achieving all process targets. Provided operations support for additional test runs totaling 5000 more hours on stream. Engineering activities have included the conversion of the demonstration plant from natural gas to gasoline production to natural gas to methanol production. In addition, a methanol distillation system was installed and commissioned. Analyzed process data extensively to validate a proprietary reaction model. Converted that model to Excel for ease of use.

Designed pilot plant and laboratory reaction systems including P&IDs, safety reviews, equipment specification, construction, operating instructions, and start-up. Created process control and data acquisition systems including networking and integration of analytical results. Provided technical expertise for pilot plant activities supporting development of novel technologies and chemical processes including olefins metathesis, isomerization, selective hydrogenation, and catalytic distillation. • Designed and installed a $750K dimerization reaction system, supporting design and start-up of the first commercial plant. • Created and installed an automated data collection and analysis system to evaluate material balances, reaction kinetics, and process conditions for a semi-commercial plant in Tianjin, China that demonstrated the value of Lummus' newest growth technology. Provided on-site support for the start of operations. • Designed and installed a 2-reactor selective hydrogenation system, at a cost of $700K, supporting business group efforts in the market. • Upgraded process control systems of 4 reactors, connected each to the network, and programmed data handling routines to integrate process, on-line, and off-line analytical data, thereby achieving in 75% reduction in engineering time.• Conducted one-off process viability testing programs in selective hydrogenation, isomerization, and hydrotreating to support business initiatives.• Created and instituted a hot-work permit system to safely manage work in a classified area.

Supervised all facets of 24 hr/day 7 day/wk Pilot Plant Testing Facility for petroleum refining catalysts. Coordinated testing with Research/Sales/Technical Service personnel. Designed testing protocols for HDS, HDN, and hydrocracking catalyst evaluation. Provided analysis and interpretation for sales and technical use.over a dozen new hydrotreating catalysts.• Conducted over 50 extensive Sales/Technical Service catalyst testing programs supporting the sales efforts of Criterion Catalyst Company.• Initiated and managed a co-op engineer program to provide needed engineering and technical assistance in a cost-effective manner.• Directed the design and installation of a $350K CSTR reactor system to provide additional capability for ebullated bed catalyst evaluation.• Upgraded the process control systems of three reactor systems providing increased stability, remote access for troubleshooting, and better data collection.• Upgraded 7 manual single reactor systems to semi-automatic systems with enhanced data collection abilities resulting in decreased technician workload and more reproducible results.• Worked with Analytical Services in developing the use of NIR for oil analysis, resulting in reduction of cost from $150/sample to $15/sample ($100K/yr).

Ms, Chemical Engineering

Bs, Chemical Engineering