People: Faculty
Faculty Listings:
Alphabetic

 

Peter L. Douglas

BASc, MASc, PhD, University of Waterloo

Research Interests
Selected References

Process Systems Engineering (PSE): Process simulation, process control, process synthesis, large scale process optimization, real time optimisation (rto), CO2 mitigation technologies, automatic moisture control, post harvest grain technology.

  • My major research area is in the development and application of Process Systems Engineering (PSE) technology to industrial plants.
  • Our approach is to work with industry on important practical problems. Our measure of success is whether we can solve a problem that has practical significance and has eluded solution. Over the years, we have worked on joint research projects with several industrial partners. This approach benefits both the industrial and academic sectors. A number of publications have resulted from this work; several are listed below.

Process Systems Engineering

  • The major research thrust that has emerged has been the use and integration of knowledge (in all its forms) to design and optimize the operation of processes at several levels of detail. At the highest level, we are developing computer programs to synthesize or invent process flowsheets using knowledge in the form of experience. At a lower level, we are developing methods to synthesize and optimize the design of special processes, for example, CO2 mitigation processes and thermally integrated distillation sequences. This involves a combination of experience, mathematical models and optimization.
  • My continued research now centres on the development of generalized procedures using available software to integrate the synthesis, simulation, optimization and control functions. For example, we are currently commercial simulation systems for building real time optimisation applications. This involves a tradeoff between speed, accuracy and the ability to update the model with on-line information. Processes that are currently being studied are refinery processes, catalytic distillation processes, biotechnology processes including production of tPa

CO2 Mitigation Processes

  • This research focuses on PSE applications of energy utilisation with a goal to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Current projects involve the techno-economic evaluation of various CO 2 mitigation strategies including MEA scrubbing, O2 /CO2 recycle combustion, integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC), fuel cells and membranes.
  • Another major project concerns the development of a new generation of computer models for the synthesize of green house gas mitigation systems. Our modelling framework will have the ability to analyze a fleet of power plants and synthesize an optimal fleet-solution.
  • Our research is involved with a Canadian CO2 Consortium on several large-scale CO2 mitigation options.

Post Harvest Grain Technology

  • An application of PSE technology to Post Harvest Grain Technology has emerged as an interesting and important application. Grain losses due to only to inadequate and poor dryer control have been estimated at about 10% world wide. Our research has led to the development of commercial control systems for automatic moisture control in grain and industrial dryers. For more information on the commercial control system, known as the DryerMaster system, please contact Dantec , Waterloo, Ontario.

NSTDA

  • NSTDA (National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand) and the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo have signed an MOU outlining an initiative to promote the training of graduate students. NSTDA and the University of Waterloo currently have several active projects.
  • For Thai students wishing to participate in the consortia with the University of Waterloo there are two basic options:
  1. support by Thai Government Scholarships
  2. support by NSTDA

 

  • In the case of support by a Thai Government Scholarship the student should register as a graduate student at the University of Waterloo. In the case of support by NSTDA the student may choose to register at a Thai University or at the University of Waterloo depending on the research plan and funding available from NSTDA. In either case the student is encouraged to develop a collaborate research program with University of Waterloo professor and a Thai university professor.

Graduate Students

A list of graduate students (present and past) and their research topics is outlined below. Please feel free to contact them to discuss their research projects.

  • Rapeepong Suwanwarangkul , PhD, “Simulation of Solid Oxide (SOFC) Fuel Cell Processes for Power Generation”
  • Hasalenda Hashim , PhD, “Fleet-wide CO2 Mitigation Strategies”
  • Jesus  G. Ordorica , MASc, “Techno-Economic Evaluation of IGCC Power Plants for CO 2 Mitigation”
  • Pathumthip Tonthupthimtong , PhD, “Supercritical Extraction – A Comprehensive Experimental and Modelling Study”
  • David  Singh , MASc, “Simulation of CO2 Capture Options from Coal Fired Power Plants: O2/CO2 Recycle vs Amine Scrubbing”
  • Nongluk Chawankul , PhD, “Integration of Design &  Control”
  • Nongluk Chawankul , MASc, “Simulation and Optimisation of an Agitated Thin Film Evaporator for Orange Juice Concentration”
  • Somchai Sakultharathorn , MASc, “Control of an Agitated Thin Film Evaporator”
  • Wanwisa Skolop , PhD, “Metabolic Flux Estimation For  a-Amylase And Protease Synthesis By Bacillus Subtilis”
  • Khairayah Mohd-Yusof , PhD, “Development Analysis and Comparison of Connectionist Models for Real Time Optimisation”
  • Maradee Phongpipatpong , PhD, “Process Systems Applications to Postharvest Grain Technology”
  • Matthew Naysmith , PhD, "Real Time Optimisation Using AspenPlus and SpeedUp"
  • Sabina Rouf , PhD, "Simulation, Design and Optimisation Applied to Bioproduction of tPa"
  • Hussein Eldarsi , MASc, "Steady State Simulation and Optimisation of MTBE Catalytic Distillation Columns"
  • Heng Zhi Lin , MASc, "Dynamic Simulation and Control of MTBE Catalytic Distillation Columns"
  • Seonwook Kim , MASc, "Design and Optimisation of MTBE Catalytic Distillation Processes"
  • Michael Chong Ping , MASc, "Simulation, Costing and Optimisation of Complex Chemical Plants using AspenPlus"
  • Sirikanya Singcuna , PhD, "Optimisation of Catalytic Processes"
  • Lila Naidu , MASc, "Simulation and Optimisation of Thai Olefins Processes"
  • Sajjad Ahmed , MASc, “HAZOP and Risk Analysis of Chemical Processes”
  • Michael Piccolo , MASc, “Data Reconciliation using AspenPlus”
  • Rob Bigec , MASc, “A Variable Time Interval Approach to Continuous Production Planning”
  • Penny Salmon , MASc, “Effect of Scheduling Set Point Changes on Process Stability”
  • Steven Lee , MASc, “Simulation and Control of Chemical Processes Process Control Using Speedup”
  • Assonusi Abufares , MASc, “Simulation of Catalytic Distillation Towers”
  • Rob Kuhne , MASc, “Process Control Performance Evaluation and Process Variability Diagnostics for a Polymer Reactor”
  • Paul Fountain , MASc, “Model‑Based Control of High Purity Distillation Columns”
  • Mahesh Garg , MASc, “Expert Systems for the Selection of Separation Processes”
  • Chris Crowe , MASc, “XSEFFS and BUSI Expert Systems for Chemical Process Development”
  • Daniel Chien , MASc, “A Method for Flexibility Analysis of Continuous Processing Plants”
  • Althea Champagnie , MASc, “Effect of Digestion Caustic and Bauxite Composition on the Economics of a Bayer Alumina Plant”
  • Randy Wagler , PhD, “Synthesis of Thermally Integrated Flexible Distillation Sequences”
  • Shamsuddin Ilias , PhD, “The Deposition of Aerosols on Cylinders in Cross Flow”
  • Steven Lythgoe , MASc, “A Model for the Thermal Dissolver of the Wilsonville Direct Coal Liquifaction Process”
  • Jeremy Jones , MASc, “Computer Simulation of Crossflow Grain Dryers to Find More Efficient Designs”
  • Brian Young , MASc, “A Techno‑Economic Evaluation of Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion in Steam Production”
  • Rob Ham , MASc, “Effect of Steam Temperature on the Economics of a Cogeneration Power Plant”
  • Kathy. Bawden , MASc, “Thermal Integration of Separation Sequences with Complex Towers”
  • Mahmoud Kattan , MASc, “Synthesis of Thermally Integrated Distillation Columns”
  • Mark Dokurno , MASc, “Simulation of an Ethylene Oligomerization Reactor System Using ASPEN”

 

Research Interests

 

  Selected References

  • Singh, D.,  E. Crosiet, P.L. Douglas and M.A. Douglas, 2001, "CO2 Capture Options for an Existing Coal Fired Power Plant:  O2/CO 2 Recycle versus Amine Scrubbing", to be presented at the CSChE Conference, Halifax, October
  • Yusof, K. Mohd., F. Karray, and P.L. Douglas, 2001, “Neurocomputing Approach for Real Time Optimisation Modelling of an Industrial Process, AIM Conference, Italy, (refereed conference paper)
  • Skolpap, W., J. M. Scharer, P. L. Douglas, and M. Moo-Young, 2001, “Metabolic Flux Estimation For  a-Amylase And Protease Synthesis By Bacillus Subtilis”, IFAC, Quebec, (refereed conference paper)
  • Singh, D., E. Crosiet, P.L. Douglas and M.A. Douglas, 2001, "CO2 Capture Options for an Existing Coal Fired Power Plant:   O2/CO2 Recycle versus Amine Scrubbing", presented at the First National Conference on Carbon   Sequestration, Washington, DC, May 14-17, 2001
  • Singh, D., E. Crosiet, X. Feng, P.L. Douglas and M.A. Douglas, 2000, "Simulation of CO2 Mitigation Processes”, Green House Gas Conference, Cairns, Australia
  • Pongpipatphong, M., P.L. Douglas, 2000, "Optimisation of Rice Drying Processes Using Gams", IDS 2000, The Hauge, Netherlands, August   (refereed conference paper)
  • Kim, S. and P.L. Douglas, 2001, Optimisation of Methyl Tert-Butyl-Ether (MTBE) Synthesis Processes using AspenPlus, Developments in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, in press
  • Rouf, S.A., P.L. Douglas, M. Moo-Young and J.M. Scharer, 2001, "Computer Simulation for Large Scale Bioprocess Design", Biochemical Engineering   Journal, 3515, 1-6
  • Chawankul, N., S. Chuaprasert, P.L. Douglas and W. Luewisutthichat, 2001, "Simulation of an Agitated Thin Film Evaporator for Concentrating Orange Juice Using AspenPlus, Journal of Food Engineering, 47, 4, 247-253
  • Tuptimtong, P., S. Chuaprasert, P.L. Douglas and W. Luewisutthichat, 2001, "Supercritial CO2 Extraction of Nimbin from Neem Seeds - A Preliminary Study, Journal of Food Engineering, 47, 4, 289-293
  • Rouf, S.A, P.L. Douglas, M. Moo-Young and J.M. Scharer, 2000, "Economics of Fed-batch Operation - A Computer Aided Approach", Bioprocess Engineering, in press
  • Rouf, S.A., P.L. Douglas, M. Moo-Young and J.M. Scharer, 2000, "Single Versus Multiple Bioreactor Scaleup: Economy for High Value Products", Biochemical Engineering Journal, 6, 25-31
  • Lin, H., P.L. Douglas, 2000, "Dynamic Simulation and Control of an MTBE Catalytic Distillation Column”, Developments in Chemical Engineering and Mineral Processing, 8, 3/4, 375-399
  • Chuaprasert, S., P.L. Douglas, M. Nguyen, 1999, "Data Reconciliation of an Agitated Thin Film Evaporator System Using AspenPlus", J. of Food Engineering, 39, 261-267
  • Bigec, R, G.R. Sullivan, P.L. Douglas, 1998, "A Variable Time Interval Approach to Continuous Production Planning", Chemical Engineering Research, 5, 119-136
  • Rouf, S., P.L. Douglas, M. Moo-Young, J.M. Scharer, 1998, "Computer Aided Design of a Large Scale Bioprocess", 7th International Conference on Computer Applications in Biotechnology, May 31- June 4, Osaka, Japan, 157-161
  • Lee, S., W. Zhou, P.L. Douglas, G.R. Sullivan, 1998, "Simulation and Control of Chemical Processes Under Generic Model Control Using SpeedUp”, Chemical Engineering Research Trends, 5, 137-149
  • Eldarsi, H., P.L. Douglas, 1998, "Methy-Tert-Butyl-Ether Catalytic Distillation Column - II Optimisation, Trans IChemE, 76, Part A, 517-524
  • Tarachan, J., J. Seevaratnam, D. Jama, P.L. Douglas, 1998, "Simulation and Data Reconciliation of an RDF Incinerator Using AspenPlus", Chemical Engineering Research Trends, 5, 99-117 
  • Eldarsi, H., P.L. Douglas, 1998, "Methy-Tert-Butyl-Ether Catalytic Distillation Column - I Multiple Steady States”, Trans IChemE,76, Part A,   509-516
  • Chong-Ping,   M., P.L. Douglas, 1998, “Simulation, Costing and Optimisation of Complex Chemical   Plants”, Chemical Engineering Research Trends, 5, 195-205
  • Piccolo, M., P.L. Douglas, P.L. Lee, 1996, "Data Reconciliation Using AspenPlus", Developments in Chem. Eng.and Mineral Processing, 4, 3/4, 157-182
  • Longley, A.W., Douglas, P.L., 1996, "Optimal Design with Optimal Uncertainty in Parameters and Control Variables", Developments in Chemical Engineering and Mineral Processing, 4, 1/2, 39-59
  • Zhou, W., P.L. Douglas and G.R. Sullivan, 1996, "A New Methodology for Calculating the Relative Gain Array of Integrating Processes", International Journal of Control, 15, 7, 321-329
  • Naysmith, M., P.L. Douglas, 1995, "Review of Real Time Optimization in Chemical Process Industries", Developments in Chemical Engineering and Mineral Processing, 3, 2, 67-87
  • Fountain, P.S., W. Zhou, P.L. Douglas, and G.R. Sullivan, 1994, "Model Based Control of A High Purity Distillation Column", CJChE, 72, 1055-1065.
  • Lin, X., R.B. Newell, P.L. Douglas, S.K. Mallick, 1994, 'Application of Output Structural Controllability to a Thermally Integrated Distillation Sequence', International Journal of Systems Science, 25, 9, 1437-1459.
  • Abufares, A., P.L. Douglas, 1994, "Mathematical Modelling and Simulation of a Catalytic Distillation Process Using SpeedUp and AspenPlus", Trans. I.Chem.E., 73, A, 3-12.
  • Cameron, I.T., Douglas, P.L., Lee, P.L., 1994 "Process Systems Engineering - The Cornerstone of a Modern Chemical Engineering Curriculum", Chemical Engineering Education, 28, 3, 210-213.
  • Douglas, P.L., Jones, J.A.T. and Mallick, S.K., 1994, "Modelling and Simulation of Crossflow Grain Dryers: Part I - Model Development", Trans IChemE, Vol. 72, Part A, 325-331.
  • Douglas, P.L., Jones, J.A.T. and Mallick, S.K., 1994, "Modelling and Simulation of Crossflow Grain Dryers: Part II - Design Modifications", Trans IChemE, Vol. 72, Part A, 332-340.
  • Douglas, P.L., Jones, J.A.T. and Mallick, S.K., 1994, "Modelling and Simulation of Crossflow Grain Dryers: Part III - Optimization", Trans IChemE, Vol. 72, Part A, 341-349.
  • Douglas, P.L., S.C. Lythgoe, S.K. Mallick, 1994, "Coal Liquefaction Modelling: 1. Development of a Kinetic Model", FUEL, 73, 4, 531-541.
  • Douglas, P.L., S.C. Lythgoe, S.K. Mallick, 1994, "Coal Liquefaction Modelling: 2. Parameter Estimation" FUEL, 73, 4, 542-548.
  • Douglas, P.L., S.C. Lythgoe, S.K. Mallick, 1994, "Coal Liquefaction Modelling: 3. Application to Full Scale Pilot Plant", FUEL, 73, 4, 549-556.
  • Wang, F.Y., I.T. Cameron, J.D. Litster, P.L. Douglas, 1993, "A Distributed Parameter Approach to the Dynamics of Rotary Drying Processes", Drying Technology, Vol. 11, No. 7, 1641-1656.
  • Champagnie, A.M., P.L. Douglas, S.K. Mallick, 1993, "Effect of Digestive Caustic and Bauxite Composition on the Economics of Bayer Alumina Plants", Trans. Inst. Min. Metall. (Sect. C: Mineral Process Extr. Metall.), 102, C83-C92.
  • Garg, M.K., J.G. Linders, P.L. Douglas, S.K. Mallick, 1993, "A New Algorithm for Selection of Separation Technologies", Trans. IChemE, 71, Part A, 479-487.
  • Douglas, P.L., A. Kwade, P.L. Leef and S.K. Mallick, 1993, "Simulation of a Rotary Dryer for Sugar Crystalline", Drying Technology, Vol 11, No 1, 129-155
  • Lee, P.L., I.T. Cameron, R.B. Newell, J.D. Litster, P.L. Douglas, and G.R. Sullivanf, 1992 "Teaching Process Systems Engineering Using a Resource Based Approach", Australian Journal of Engineering Education, 3,1, 127-128
  • Crowe, C., P.L. Douglas, J. Glasgow, and S.K. Mallick, 1991, "Development of an Expert System for Process Flowsheeting", Trans. IChemE, 70, Part A, 110-117
  • Douglas, P.L., S.K. Mallick and R.M. Wagler, 1991, 'Synthesis of Flexible Thermally Integrated Distillation Sequences' Trans. IChemE, 69, Part A, 483-491
  • Douglas, P.L., G.R. Sullivan, M.G. Whaley, 1992, 'Control Performance Measures for Grain Drying Processes', Trans. of the ASAE, Vol. 35, No 4, pp. 1235-1241
  • Douglas, P.L., B.E. Young, 1991, 'Modelling and Simulation of an AFBC Steam Heating Plant Using ASPEN/SP', Fuel, 70, 145 154.
  • Garg, M.K., P.L. Douglas, J.G. Linders, 1991, 'An Expert System for Identifying Separation Processes', CJChE, 69, 67 75.
  • Chien, D.C.H., P.L. Douglas and A. Penlidis, 1991 'A Method for Flexibility Analysis of Continuous Processing Plants', CJChE, 69, 58 66.
  • Chien, D.C.H., P.L. Douglas, D.H. Herman, and A. Marchbank, 1990, 'Modelling a Uranium Ore Bioleaching Process', CJChE, 68, 427 434
  • Ilias, S., P.L. Douglas, 1989, 'Inertial Impaction of Aerosol Particles on Cylinders at Intermediate and High Reynolds Numbers', Chem. Eng. Sci., 44, 1, 81 99
  • Ham, R., P.L. Douglas, 1988, 'The Effect of Steam Temperature on the Economics of a Cogeneration Power Plant', CJChE, 66, 987 994
  • Wagler, R.M., P.L. Douglas, 1988, 'A Method for the Design of Flexible Distillation Sequences, CJChE, 66, 579 590
  • Ilias, S., P.L. Douglas, 1988, 'On the Deposition of Aerosol Particles on Cylinders in Turbulent Cross Flow', J. Aerosol Sci., 19, 4, 451 462
  • Chau, R., J. Glasgow, P.L. Douglas, 1986, 'Building Expert Systems for Chemical Process Engineering using NIAL', The 6th Workshop on Expert Systems, Agence de l'Informatique, April 1986, Avignon, France
  • Douglas, P.L., R.M. Wagler, 1986, 'Distillation Sequence with Fixed Degree of Flexibility Can Handle Feed Changes', Oil and Gas Journal, March 17, 84 88
  • Kattan, M., P.L. Douglas, 1985, 'A New Method for the Synthesis of Thermally Integrated Distillation Sequences', CJChE, 64, 162 170
  • Becker, H.A., P.L. Douglas, S. Ilias, 1984, 'Development of Optimization Strategies for Industrial Grain Dryer Systems', CJChE, 62, 738 745
  • Dokurno, M.G., P.L. Douglas, 1984, 'Simulation of an Ethylene Oligomerization Reactor System Using ASPEN', CJChE, 62, 818 824
  • Douglas, P.L., F.A.L. Dullien, D.R. Spink, 1983, 'Particle Agglomeration and Capture as a Result of Synergism Between Inertial Impaction and Eddy Diffusion', CJChE, 61, 776 784
  • Douglas, P.L., F.A.L. Dullien, D.R. Spink, 1982, 'On the Deposition of Aerosols: A Review and Recent Theoretical and Experimental Results', Waste Treatment and Utilization, Theory and Practice of Waste Management, 2, 391 408
  • Douglas, P.L., F.A.L. Dullien, D.R. Spink, 1976, 'An Investigation of the Operating Parameters of a Low Energy Wet Scrubber for Fine Particulates', CJChE, 54, 173 176

Selected References

 
| Home  |  Department  |   Programs  |  Research  |
|  Environmental Engineering  |  Site Map & Search |
Last Updated
February 26, 2004