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Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula

Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences, Coimbatore

Qualification: B-Tech, M.Tech, Ph.D
u_bhaskarreddy@cb.amrita.edu
Research Interest: Catalysis and Reaction Engineering, Development of Process Models for the Production of Renewable Energy, Flow Dynamics and Control, Process Modeling and Simulation, Regenerative Granular Filters to Replacements for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters, Study of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis for the Production of Liquid Fuels in Microchannel Reactors, Study of Ignition Time Delays in High Energy Materials Such as Gel Propellants

Bio

Dr. Udaya joined as a faculty at Amrita in 2011. He finished his Ph. D. from Florida USA in 2010. Prior to obtaining his doctoral degree, Dr. Udaya worked as a Research Specialist at AKZO NOBEL Coatings, Bangalore, India. He worked on projects funded by Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE) USA. During his doctoral studies, he also worked as a consultant for RENTECH Clean Energy Solutions, Colorado, USA for separating sub-micron catalyst particles from wax-catalyst slurry. Dr. Udaya has expertise in Reaction Engineering (Especially microreactor design and fabrication), Solid-Fluid Separations, Process Modeling, Simulation and Control. He has two Patents on Microchannel Reactors. He also Designed, Modeled and Simulated a DYNAMIC Settler for RENTECH.

AFFILIATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS

YEAR DEGREE/PROGRAM INSTITUTION
2011 Post doctoral Fellow Applied Research Laboratory, Florida Institute of Technology, USA
2010 Ph. D., Chemical Engineering Florida Institute of Technology, USA
2003 M.Tech., Chemical Engineering Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore
2001 B. Tech., Chemical Engineering Bharathiar University, Coimbatore

CERTIFICATES, AWARDS, HONORS, AND SOCIETIES

  • Cognizant Best Faculty Award, 2014
  • Distinguished Alumnus Award, 2013
  • TITAN’s of Innovation Award, 2013
  • Member, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2003- Present
  • Member Board of Studies, Chemical Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore
  • Life Member, Indian Society for Advancement of Materials and Processing (ISAMPE), 2011-Present

RESEARCH

RESEARCH THEMES

  • Distributed Fuel Production
  • Process Intensification

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Primary research focus of the group is to study the kinetics in small reactors, reactor design, process models for chemical reactors and model based control.

Catalysis and Reaction Engineering

Microchannel rectors gained importance in recent years due to high surface-to-volume ratios available for heat transfer. These reactors are of great importance when a high selectivity of products is required such as in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. An integrated microchannel reactor has been designed and developed at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham having a sensible heat transfer co-efficient of 5000 W/(m2. K), which is 50 times higher when compared to the conventional reactors. Deposition of catalysts onto microchannels is another challenge.
We are preparing catalysts such as cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, Pt-Sn catalyst for paraffin dehydrogenation, and mixed-oxide catalysts for Biomass and Coal gasification.
We are also studying the kinetics of oxide complexation in multi-phase reactors such as Cement rotary kilns using in situ radioisotope particle tracking.

Process Modeling and Simulation

A process model gives an edge over experiments in terms of cost and information availability but limited to real situations even under similar conditions. From modeling and simulation, we are able to simulate the heat and mass transfer, and reaction rates. The Process Modeling and Simulation group works on modeling and simulation of paraffin dehydrogenation, biomass gasification and pyrolysis, cement rotary kilns, and microchannel reactor stack.
We are developing General Reactor Modeling (GRM) Software to facilitate every reaction engineer to simulate different kind of reactors available in the chemical reactor supermarket.

Flow Dynamics and Control

Process control is very important for chemical engineers where the variables such as temperature, pressure and concentration are controlled using manipulated variables. We are currently working on model-based control of interacting systems for liquid level and temperature control. We are also working on interface tracking for drop-to-drop collisions using imaging techniques.

KEYWORDS

  • Microchannel reactors
  • Biomass gasification
  • Flow imaging
  • Catalysis

INVITED TALKS

  1. Mathematical Modeling of Fluidized Bed Coal-Gasifier, Fluid Dynamics and Its Applications, P.S.G.R.Krishnammal College for Women, December 23, 2014.
  2. Low-CO2 Refining Technologies, Advances in Green Technologies for Pollution Free Energy Sources, J.C.T. College of Engineering, August 24, 2014.
  3. Chemical Reactor Modeling, Faculty Development Workshop on Computer Aided Simulation, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, August 13, 2013.
  4. Comparison of Various Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CCHP) Cycles and Working Fluids for the Minimization of Carbon dioxide (CO2) Emissions Using Aspen HYSYS, Chemical Control Strategies and the Contribution of Green Chemistry for Sustainable Environment, Kongu Engineering College, March 16, 2013
  5. Computer Applications of Chemical Engineering, Association of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter, Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, December 31, 2011

COURSES

CODE SUBJECT
CHE 211 Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineers
CHE 212 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
CHE 311 Chemical Reaction Engineering
CHE 393 Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory
CHE 397 Computational Methods in Chemical Engineering
CHE 461 Chemical Process Modeling and Simulation
CHE 462 Computational Methods in Fluid Dynamics
CHE 491 Computer Aided-Design of Chemical Processes
CL 601 Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering
CL 603 Chemical Reactor Design and Analysis
CL 717 Process Intensification

Summary

My professional interests circle around multiphase and compact integrated microchannel reactors. We are trying to address the issues with design of compact microchannel heat exchanger starting from feed mal-distribution, short-circuting, efficient gasket design, catalyst design and deposition onto microchannels and catalyst regeneration. We have designed and fabricated a microchannel reactor which has 500 times more heat transfer capability when compared to commercially available multi-phase reactors. We are in the process of addressing the mixing phenomenon in rotary kilns using radiotracer techniques. We are also designing a two-stage biomass gasifier for efficient conversion of Biomass/Plastic waste to syngas. We are also currently involved in developing General Reactor Modeling Software, which is a single step solution for all types of Chemical Reactor Simulations.

Publications

Journal Article

Year : 2020

Kinetics of catalytic and non-catalytic pyrolysis of Nerium Oleander

Cite this Research Publication : Sindhu S. and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Kinetics of catalytic and non-catalytic pyrolysis of Nerium Oleander”, Fuel, vol. 280, p. 118591, 2020.

Publisher : Fuel, Volume 280

Year : 2020

Effect of Reduction of Pt–Sn/α-Al2O3 on Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Mixed-Paraffin Feed

Cite this Research Publication : S. Avithi Kanniappan and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Effect of Reduction of Pt–Sn/α-Al2O3 on Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Mixed-Paraffin Feed”, Catalysts, vol. 10, p. 113, 2020.

Publisher : Catalysts

Year : 2020

Modeling & optimization of renewable hydrogen production from biomass via anaerobic digestion & dry reformation

Cite this Research Publication : R. Kaashyap Balaji, Rajan, K. Prasad, and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Modeling & optimization of renewable hydrogen production from biomass via anaerobic digestion & dry reformation”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2020.

Publisher : International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Year : 2019

A Regenerative Adsorption Technique for Removal of Uremic Toxins: An Alternative to Conventional Haeomodilayis

Cite this Research Publication : S. Suresh and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “A Regenerative Adsorption Technique for Removal of Uremic Toxins: An Alternative to Conventional Haeomodilayis”, Materials Today Proceeding (Accepted), 2019.

Publisher : Materials Today Proceeding (Accepted)

Year : 2019

Effect of particle size and heating rate on pyrolysis kinetics of Nerium oleander

Cite this Research Publication : Sindhu S. and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Effect of particle size and heating rate on pyrolysis kinetics of Nerium oleander”, Chemical Engineering Communications, pp. 1-14, 2019.

Publisher : Chemical Engineering Communications

Year : 2018

Pyrolysis kinetics of Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Nerium oleander

Cite this Research Publication : Sindhu S. and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Pyrolysis kinetics of Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Nerium oleander”, Biofuels, pp. 1-15, 2018.

Publisher : Biofuels

Year : 2017

Kinetics and characterization of transesterification of cottonseed oil to biodiesel using calcined clam shells as catalyst

Cite this Research Publication : M. Shobana, R. Prasad, K., Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, and Kumaresan, D., “Kinetics and characterization of transesterification of cottonseed oil to biodiesel using calcined clam shells as catalyst”, Biofuels, pp. 1-9, 2017.

Publisher : Biofuels, Taylor & Francis

Year : 2015

Process Simulation and Modeling of Fluidized Catalytic Cracker Performance in Crude Refinery

Cite this Research Publication : N. Rajeev, Dr. Krishna Prasad R., and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Process Simulation and Modeling of Fluidized Catalytic Cracker Performance in Crude Refinery”, Petroleum Science and Technology, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 110–117, 2015.

Publisher : Petroleum Science and Technology

Year : 2015

Simulation and Optimization of Ethanolamine production, Manuscript under preparation

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula and R., K. Prasad, “Simulation and Optimization of Ethanolamine production, Manuscript under preparation”, 2015.

Publisher : 2015.

Year : 2015

Ignition time delay in hypergolic gel bipropellant combustion

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Dutta, S., and Jennings, P., “Ignition time delay in hypergolic gel bipropellant combustion”, 2015.

Publisher : 2015.

Year : 2014

Modeling and Simulation of Mixed-paraffin Dehydrogenation in an Adiabatic Fixed-bed Reactor

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Rangarajan, M., and S.R, S., “Modeling and Simulation of Mixed-paraffin Dehydrogenation in an Adiabatic Fixed-bed Reactor”, 2014.

Publisher : (2014)

Year : 2014

Design and Implementation of Model Predictive Control in a Three Tank Interacting System

Cite this Research Publication : Rasana Nanoth, Rangarajan, M., and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Design and Implementation of Model Predictive Control in a Three Tank Interacting System”, in International Conference on Recent Advances in Chemical, Environmental and Energy Engineering (RACEEE2014), S.S.N College of Engineering, Chennai, 2014.

Publisher : International Conference on Recent Advances in Chemical, Environmental and Energy Engineering (RACEEE2014)

Year : 2014

Nano- and micro-hexagons of bismuth on polycrystalline copper: Electrodeposition and heavy metal sensing

Cite this Research Publication : A. R. Rajamani, Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Kothurkar, N., and Rangarajan, M., “Nano- and micro-hexagons of bismuth on polycrystalline copper: Electrodeposition and heavy metal sensing”, CrystEngComm, vol. 16, pp. 2032-2038, 2014.

Publisher : CrystEngComm

Year : 2004

CFD Analysis of Turbulence Effect on Reaction in Stirred Tank Reactors

Cite this Research Publication : U. Bhaskar Reddy and Gopalakrishnan, “CFD Analysis of Turbulence Effect on Reaction in Stirred Tank Reactors”, Chemical Engineering Science, vol. 59, pp. 458-469, 2004.

Publisher : Chemical Engineering Science

Conference Paper

Year : 2019

Efficiency Improvement in Solar Co generation using Micro channel Heat Exchangers

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula and Dr. Sriram Devanathan, “Efficiency Improvement in Solar Co generation using Micro channel Heat Exchangers”, in 2nd Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry Conference, Budapest, Hungary, 2019.

Publisher : 2nd Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry Conference

Year : 2019

Modeling and Optimization of Product Profiles in Biomass Pyrolysis

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Devanathan, S., and Subramanian, S., “Modeling and Optimization of Product Profiles in Biomass Pyrolysis”, in Pyrolysis [Working Title], 2019.

Publisher : Pyrolysis [Working Title]

Year : 2019

Catalytic and Non-Catalytic Pyrolysis of Nerium Oleander

Cite this Research Publication : Sindhu S. and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Catalytic and Non-Catalytic Pyrolysis of Nerium Oleander”, in 2nd Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry Conference, Budapest, Hungary, 2019.

Publisher : 2nd Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry Conference

Year : 2019

Effect of Catalyst Preparation Method on Mixed-paraffin Dehydrogenation

Cite this Research Publication : S. A.K. and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Effect of Catalyst Preparation Method on Mixed-paraffin Dehydrogenation”, in International Conference on Applied Materials for Energy and Health, Jafna, 2019.

Publisher : International Conference on Applied Materials for Energy and Health

Year : 2018

Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis over Alumina Supported Cobalt Catalyst in a Fixed-Bed Reactor

Cite this Research Publication : A. H.B., M., M., ,, A.K., S., and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis over Alumina Supported Cobalt Catalyst in a Fixed-Bed Reactor”, in AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, USA, 2018.

Publisher : AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, USA .

Year : 2018

Dynamic Split-Flow Separation of Micron-sized Slurry Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Dynamic Split-Flow Separation of Micron-sized Slurry Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst”, in AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, USA, 2018.

Publisher : AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, USA .

Year : 2017

Modeling of Particle Breakage and Dispersion in a Slurry Fischer-Tropsch Reactor

Cite this Research Publication : D. Adapa, Aruna, C. M., and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Modeling of Particle Breakage and Dispersion in a Slurry Fischer-Tropsch Reactor”, in AIChE Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, USA, 2017.

Publisher : AIChE Annual Meeting

Year : 2016

Solar based lemon grass essential oil distillation for sustainability and livelihood in tribal community

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Dr. Sriram Devanathan, and Mohan, R., “Solar based lemon grass essential oil distillation for sustainability and livelihood in tribal community”, in GHTC 2016 - IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference: Technology for the Benefit of Humanity, Conference Proceedings, 2016, pp. 738-744.

Publisher : IEEEXplore

Year : 2016

Modeling of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis in a Microchannel Reactor with Alumina Supported Cobalt Catalyst

Cite this Research Publication : A. M., R., S. Nithya, and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Modeling of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis in a Microchannel Reactor with Alumina Supported Cobalt Catalyst”, in AIChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, 2016.

Publisher : AIChE Annual Meeting

Year : 2015

Direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in a microchannel reactor/heat exchanger

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Dutta, S., and Jennings, P., “Direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in a microchannel reactor/heat exchanger”, 2015.

Publisher : 2015.

Year : 2014

Modeling and Simulation of Mixed-Light Paraffin Dehydrogenation in a Multi-tubular Packed bed Reactors

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, S.R., S., and Rangarajan, M., “Modeling and Simulation of Mixed-Light Paraffin Dehydrogenation in a Multi-tubular Packed bed Reactors”, in International Conference on Recent Advances in Chemical, Environmental and Energy Engineering (RACEEE2014), Chennai, 2014.

Publisher : International Conference on Recent Advances in Chemical, Environmental and Energy Engineering (RACEEE2014)

Year : 2014

Mixed-Paraffin Dehydrogenation in Fixed-bed Reactors: Modeling and Simulation,

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Shrinidhi, S. R., and Dr. Murali Rangarajan, “Mixed-Paraffin Dehydrogenation in Fixed-bed Reactors: Modeling and Simulation,”, in Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting, , Atlanta, 2014.

Publisher : Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting,

Year : 2009

Production of Liquid fuels using Microreactor technology

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Dutta, S., Whitlow, J., and Elrod, H. Wright and, “Production of Liquid fuels using Microreactor technology”, in AIChE National Conference, Nasheville, Tennesse, USA., 2009.

Publisher : AIChE National Conference

Year : 2004

Modeling and Analysis of Reaction in Turbulent Flows

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, E., R., and S., G., “Modeling and Analysis of Reaction in Turbulent Flows”, in CRSYS-2004, IIT, Kharagpur, 2004.

Publisher : IIT, Kharagpur

Conference Proceedings

Year : 2015

Modeling of Drying Stage in a Bubbling Fluidized Bed Coal Gasifier

Cite this Research Publication : C. Karthik, Rameshwar, V., Swati, A., Murali, R., and Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “Modeling of Drying Stage in a Bubbling Fluidized Bed Coal Gasifier”, AIChE Annual Meeting. Salt Lake City, UT, 2015.

Publisher : AIChE Annual Meeting

Year : 2014

Mixed-Light Paraffin Dehydrogenation in a Catalytic Multi-Tubular Reactor: Modeling and Simulation

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, S.R., S., and Rangarajan, M., “Mixed-Light Paraffin Dehydrogenation in a Catalytic Multi-Tubular Reactor: Modeling and Simulation”, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting. 2014.

Publisher : American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting

Patents

Year : 2018

Microchannel Heat Exchanger for High Temperature Solar Cogeneration Unit

Cite this Research Publication : Ragula and .B., U., “Microchannel Heat Exchanger for High Temperature Solar Cogeneration Unit”, U.S. Patent 87582018.

Publisher : Number 8758 .

Year : 2013

A Protable Microchannel Reactors for the Conversion of Biomass Derived Syngas to Liquid Fuels

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, “A Protable Microchannel Reactors for the Conversion of Biomass Derived Syngas to Liquid Fuels”, 2013.

Publisher : Applied for Indian Patent

Year : 2010

CVD technique for the preparation/deposition of cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Whitlow, J., Dutta, S., Wright, H., and Elrod, E., “CVD technique for the preparation/deposition of cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst”, 2010.

Publisher : US Patent, 364,279

Year : 2008

A New Microchannel Reactor design for efficient production of jet fuels

Cite this Research Publication : S. Dutta, Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, Whitlow, J., and Wright, H., “A New Microchannel Reactor design for efficient production of jet fuels”, 2008.

Publisher : US Patent, 307,948

Report

Year : 2008

Selective Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst for Producing C9-C16 Hydrocarbons

Cite this Research Publication : P. Jennings, Dr. Udaya Bhaskar Reddy Ragula, and Dutta, S., “Selective Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst for Producing C9-C16 Hydrocarbons”, 2008.

Publisher : officie of Naval Research

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