Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

Synthesis, characterization, and testing heterogeneous catalysts for CO and CO2 hydrogenation.

• Implemented 1,800 hours of experimental lab work investigating the recyclability of activated alumina applied to adsorb hydrocarbons from a paraffin solvent by implementing the batch method for the adsorption and thermal regeneration experiments.• Investigated the impact of 3 factors (initial adsorbates’ concentrations, carbon chain length, and regeneration temperatures) on the adsorbent’s efficiency.• Modelled the measured adsorption data by fitting the data onto six equilibrium isotherm equations and four kinetics models to determine the adsorption efficiency and mass transfer.• Monitored the drop in the adsorbent’s performance throughout 15 adsorption/regeneration cycles by using a GC instrument.• Identified the physical and chemical properties variation between the fresh and regenerated adsorbents by conducting BET and EDX analysis for adsorbents utilized in 3 various systems.• Distinguished the changes in the adsorbent’s morphology by applying the SEM method on 19 adsorbent sets, including fresh and regenerated adsorbents examined under various conditions.• Communicated my research output to audiences from the industry and educational institutes via a 20-minute oral presentation at the Intra-Institutional ChemEng Symposium held in Stellenbosch.

• Spearheaded the company’s marketing strategy in the Eastern Province, adding more than 20 new customers and increasing the company’s profits by +100%. • Introduced and promoted new products to the company, after which accounted for more than 65% of the entire company’s profits.

• Led 8 engineers from different backgrounds and successfully delivered 2 engineering design projects in time for Sabic.• Chaired a weekly meeting to put the weekly plan for the projects and conducted over 10 meetings with the clients to convey the projects’ objectives and schedule.

• Supervised 15 technicians for the company’s projects in petrochemical companies. • Accomplished +2,500 hours with no accidents by conducting daily toolbox meetings.• Streamlined the Hydro-Jetting cleaning method for heat exchangers by carrying out in-house experiments that enhanced the team’s safety and saved 37% of the time needed to complete the cleaning activities.• Conducted +10 site visits to evaluate the works requested by the clients and list the tools, equipment, and manpower needed to accomplish the job.

• Oversaw a team of 5 operators to operate 6 separation units, including crystallizers, mesh filters, and centrifugal filters.• Overhauled the crystallizer’s efficiency by teaming up with the R&D staff, reducing the energy by 13%.• Developed daily, weekly, and monthly reports by analyzing the data collected by the operators and corresponding departments.

• Superintended a crew of 9 members to safely operate the water treatment plant with a capacity of 200,000 m3/day by executing necessary actions based on the gathered data by the operators,lab results, and maintenance team.• Coached 3 researchers by providing technical support, developing a training plan, and arranging site visits.