Experience

• 

  Johnson matthey

  Sept 2012 - now

  PT Chemicals- 1,4-Butanediol/1,6-HexanediolConducting distillation experiments and producing vapour pressure curves for binary mixtures; comparing with mathematical models to aid in distillation column design.Operation of vapour phase hydrogenation and liquid recirculation, acetal polishing pilot-plants; including charging, activation, sampling, and control via deltaV DCS software.Stewardship of laboratory, involving daily EHS housekeeping responsibilities PT Chemicals- Oxo AlcoholsSampling and operational condition change of hydroformulation pilot-plant.Providing supporting offline rhodium stability experiments using miniture-autoclaves.Guiding tours of University students; providing history of business, overview of hydroformulation, liquid phase hydrogenation, current issues surrounding the process and development work being undertaken to resolve issues/ improve process. Providing calibration and method development of GC and HPLC. Conducting routine analysis using GC, HPLC, AAS, UV-VIS and JENA sulphur analysis. PT Chemicals- Natural Detergent Alcohols/ BiofuelsDevelopment of a process to produce biofuel from a renewable non-virgin oil source.Worked on a variety of scales whilst assessing catalysts for the Davy Detergent Alcohols process, from bench top glassware testing (esterification), pressure autoclave operation (transesterification and hydrogenation) to pilot plant operation.Utilised P&ID diagrams, macros, spread sheets and DCS software to monitor and analyse pilot plant operation.Contributed to the R&D monthly report which is formally distributed throughout the company.Kept abreast of contracts, financial results, corporate communications and competitor products. Show less Fischer-Tropsch Customer CatalystsInvolved with preparation of catalysts on a variety of scales from lab scale support modifications, to mid-scale z-blade/RT-80 catalyst impregnation, to attendance of plant production trial start-up at Clitheroe.Provided manufacturing plant support.Drew conclusions from data analysis of catalyst samples and decided how the project should proceed to meet agreed timelines.CharacterisationProvided various porous materials characterisation and thermal analyses.Maintained characterisation equipment to ensure accurate results and efficient operation.Developed a method of copper surface area measurement using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter.Made a major contribution to the writing of a research minute detailing the scientific theory and method development process.Liaised with analysis requesters to negotiate suitable timelines and discuss any specific material handling requirements.PurificationMade adjustments to the formulation of a gas feedstock purification catalyst/absorbent to reduce undesirable reactions when using feeds of a specific composition.Preliminary testing of the reformulated catalyst.Reported this work in a formal research minute, which was subsequently published internally.Involvement with customer sample investigations. Show less

  • Digital Modelling Engineer

    Feb 2022 - now

  • Chemist

    Sept 2014 - now

  • Young Scientist

    Sept 2012 - Sept 2014