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Anil
K. Mehrotra, PhD, PEng,
FCIC
Expertise & Current
Research:
My research expertise includes (i) transport and thermophysical
properties of crude oils and bitumens, (ii)
kinetics and mechanism of solids deposition and fouling, and (iii)
remediation of contaminated soils and methane oxidation by biofiltration.
(i) Transport
and thermophysical properties of crude oils and bitumens:
The research efforts of past 20 years have
resulted in a large database for thermodynamic and transport properties of
bitumens from the major oil-sand deposits in Alberta. Thermodynamic
and generalized models have been developed, and validated with the
collected data, for the viscosity and phase-behaviour
of gas-saturated bitumens and bitumen fractions.
(ii) Kinetics and mechanism of solids
deposition and fouling:
This research project examines an
industrial solids formation/deposition problem in reservoirs and pipelines
carrying waxy crude oils, which contain significant proportions of heavy, paraffinic compounds giving rise to a gel-like structure
when the crude oils are cooled below their pour point. In the past, this
research project examined this phenomenon by studying pure paraffins and their mixtures. Currently, solutions of paraffins mixed with liquid diluents are being tested to
provide an understanding of the rheological,
thermal, crystallization and deposition behaviour
of complex crude oil mixtures
. In addition, with support and cooperation of Imperial Oil
Ltd, an experimental and theoretical investigation was completed to study the
mechanism of heat exchanger tube fouling. An experimental protocol was developed
for measuring the thermal resistance of commercial heat exchanger tube
fouling.
(iii) Remediation of contaminated soils
and methane oxidation by biofiltration:
Clean up of contaminated soil/land is an
industrial environmental concern, particularly for the oil and gas industry
in Alberta.
This research initiative targets at developing efficient physico-chemical
methods for the treatment of soils contaminated with heavy hydrocarbons
and other related contaminants. In collaboration with Dr. Patrick Hettiaratchi, another project evaluates some fundamental
characteristics of methane oxidation by biofiltration,
which is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas effects.
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