Title: More of the old and on with the new
Two experimental indicators from Shell for future energy computational research

Speaker: Mike Golombok (Shell, TU/e-ME)
Time: Nov 21, 2019, 10:00–11:00
Location: Differ, Alexander-zaal

Abstract
Numerical work normally models hypotheses and makes predictions which can be experimentally tested. In this seminar I will present two Shell projects where experimental observations suggest industrial potential and where computational modelling would help focus these observations on practical implementation for issues such as scale-up and process control. These examples are taken from the ‘old’ hydrocarbon and ‘new’ energy transition worlds.

Old world: Mobilising heavy oils
I will discuss the use of near critical water to crack and reduce viscosity of both ‘old’ bituminous oils and ‘young’ not yet ‘cooked’ oils. I will describe how modelling here will greatly reduce the requirement for unwieldy experimentation.

New world: Metal powders
These represent a new dense energy candidate for addressing problems of intermittency and storage when using renewable energy. Their implementation in existing infrastructure however, requires considerable reverse engineering of properties of a fuel which are completely unknown for the purposes of extended continuous burning.

Mike Golombok comes from Scotland. He has a BSc from University of Glasgow and a PhD from University of Toronto. He joined Shell in 1985. He did 15 years in refining and chemicals, 18 years in exploration and production and is currently in New Energy. Since 2006 he is a part-time professor at TU Eindhoven in mechanical engineering.

The CCER seminars are aimed at researchers interested in computational approaches to (energy) research. The seminar is small-scale, typically 15 participants, and interactive, offering lots of room for discussion. If you don't have access to the DIFFER building but would like to attend, just This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..