Ryno Pretorius Email & Phone Number

Austin, Tx, Us

Oakland, California, United States

Specialist process design engineering focusing on Rare Earth beneficiation, industrial electrochemistry, and fluorination.

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Responsible for the R&D Development, Piloting and Demonstration of a novel Direct Dry Fluorination (DDF) process for the single step fluorination of rare earth, light metal and radio-active metal carbonates to produce >99.5% pure fluorides for downstream processing.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

Evaluation, Development, and Economic Assessment of Engineering Facilities:We assess and optimize engineering facilities by analyzing operational efficiency, identifying improvements, and conducting feasibility studies. Our economic evaluation includes cost-benefit analysis, financial modeling, and lifecycle costing to ensure project profitability and sustainability.Modular Design and Construction of Processing Plants:We specialize in modular design, creating scalable and flexible processing plants that allow for quicker installation, reduced on-site labor, and easy expansion. This approach minimizes capital costs and downtime, making it ideal for industries needing rapid deployment and adaptability.Mathematical Simulations of Transfer Processes:Using advanced mathematical simulations, we model and optimize transfer processes, such as heat and mass transfer. These simulations enhance the performance and reliability of systems by predicting behavior under various conditions, streamlining development, and minimizing risks.Specialty Chemical Additive Development and Evaluation:We develop and evaluate specialty chemical additives that enhance industrial processes. Our rigorous testing ensures that these additives meet high standards, optimizing efficiency, safety, and environmental impact.Development and Commercialization of Patented Technologies:We focus on developing and commercializing innovative technologies like the Rotowinner, a patented continuous electrowinning device that improves metal recovery with greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Our goal is to bring such cutting-edge solutions from concept to full-scale implementation.

San Francisco Bay Area

Responsible for the execution and delivery of technical projects required for the commercialisation of the Magrathea Metal's Novel Technology Stack to produce electrolytic magnesium metal from seawater and bitterns brines. Responsibilities include: -Project fundraising through grant applications, seed round and Series-A.-Managing the engineering team through lab-scale, pilot and demonstration plant engineering design, construction.-Engineering design and oversight of Magrathea Metal's commercial plant pre-feasibility assesment.-Overseeing the technology development process through to commercial readiness levels.-Ensuring project deliverables meet timelines and quality requirements and management of outside vendor relationships.-Incorporating R&D findings in engineering package, and fostering a productive and collaborative engineering culture. -Day to day management of engineering team and technical decision-making.

Oakland, California, United States

My responsibilities included day-to-day management of the research and development team towards scaling up the Magrathea technology stack from laboratory scale to pilot scale. This included project planning, management and equipment design/construction/operation, experimental work on electrolyte preparation, scoping work on raw material preparation and electrolysis as well as preliminary design of the Magrathea Pilot Plant.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

Senior process design engineer on various fluorochemical and technology integration and scale-up projects with a niche specialty in fluorochemical materials - www.thermtron.co.za. Project planning, cost estimation, financial planning, financial modeling, contract negotiation, and techno-economic evaluation. Research and development specialist. Specialist technical consultant on national resource implementation and development. Specialist in technology implementation – bridging the gap between applied research and for-profit commercial implementation thereof. Project lead for the development of a commercial neodymium fluoride manufacturing facility in South Africa.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

Process design engineer on various fluorochemical and technology integration and scale-up projects with a niche specialty in fluorochemical materials - www.thermtron.co.za. Project planning, cost estimation, financial planning, financial modeling, contract negotiation, and techno-economic evaluation. Research and development specialist. Specialist technical consultant on national resource implementation and development. Specialist in technology implementation – bridging the gap between applied research and for-profit commercial implementation thereof. Project lead for the development of a commercial neodymium fluoride manufacturing facility in South Africa.

Pelindaba

Assigned as research engineering to the Delta-F (Inorganic Fluorine R&D division of Necsa) where Ryno was responsible for the design, evaluation, construction, and operation of a wide variety of systems utilising AHF and F2 for the production of inorganic fluorine compounds. Design and Development of a Neodymium Fluoride Pilot Plant. Design and evaluation of various engineering projects. Extensive laboratory work on fluorine chemical processes.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

COMSOL Multiphysics CFD simulations of various reactors as well as heat and mass transfer systems.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

Assisting during tests and examinations, marking of relevant papers and assignments.Classes included: Particle Analysis and Separation ThermodynamicsBio-Chemical EngineeringChemistry

Centurion, South Africa

Design and construction of a biological treatment process to be used in the decontamination of irradiated nuclear grade graphite.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

The company organised a series of events in around Pretoria. Venues included local nightclubs and historic landmarks.

Midrand, South Africa

Design of a calcium carbonate clarifier. Design and research on chemical treatment of water contaminated with chromium(VI).

Pretoria Area, South Africa

Researcher on the changes in mechanicalproperties of certain SAPPI products with changing humidity. Data was laterused in supervisors’ masters’ dissertation. General office work.

Phd Chemical Engineering, Chemical Process Technology, Phd

Activities and Societies: Part-time PhD studies, full time process engineering experience.Development of a rare earth compounds.

Post Graduate Program In Data Science And Business Analytics, Data Science And Business Analytics

Meng Chemical, Masters Degree In Chemical Engineering, Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: IChemE, SAIChe and ECSADissertation titled “A Transient Computational Fluid Dynamic Study of a Laboratory-Scale.

Beng (Honours) Chemical, Honours In Chemical Engineering, First Class

Activities and Societies: SAIChe and ECSAGraduated in First class. Subjects: Numerical methods and optimisation, Polymer processing.

Beng, Chemical Engineering, First Class

Activities and Societies: SAIChe and ECSAGraduated in the First class Specialisation: Reactor design Research: Biological treatment.