Process Development Group Manager responsible for developing a conceptual design and preliminary cost estimate for a first of a kind diesel fuel biodesulfurization plant. Process included biocatalyst production by fermentation, biotransformation using whole-cell catalysts, recovery of sulfinate byproducts for use in detergents, and dewatering of the desulfurized diesel. Prepared process flow diagrams, specified equipment, obtained budgetary quotations and assembled operating and capital cost estimates. Used process simulation software to quickly and efficiently evaluate operating and capital costs of alternative designs and guide research and development efforts.
| Unit operations: Fermentation, Biotransformation, Disc stack separation (centrifugation), Electrostatic coalescence, Hollow fiber microfiltration, Ion exchange separation, Liquid–liquid extraction, Hydrogen peroxide oxidation, Drying |
| Products: Desulfurized diesel fuel, Hydroxyphenylbenzene sulfinates, Hydroxyphenylbenzene sulfonates |
| Company: Energy BioSystems Corporation |
| Location: The Woodlands, Texas |
The development of a preliminary design for a diesel biodesulfurization plant to be integrated into an oil refinery was part of my biodesulfurization process development work at Energy BioSystems.