In this project we seek to apply a unique chemical processing technology to transform a waste project from biodiesel production to synthesis gas ('syngas', a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen). The concept uses the vapor film formed during the so-called "film boiling" regime of multiphase heat transfer as a high temperature space to promote chemical change.
The figure below is a schematic of the configuration of film boiling on a horizontal tube, and a photograph on-plane is shown.
The project will involve modifying an apparatus to accommodate the high temperatures associated with glycerine (a biodiesel waste) to transform it to syngas. Some capacity for doing hands-on experimental work would be useful.
For more information please contact Prof. C. Thomas Avedisian at cta2@cornell.edu [see http://www.mae.cornell.edu/mae/people/profile.cfm?netid=cta2 for relevant publications].