Chemical Engineering capstone

Team Members Pierrick Buzangu, Mohammad Fauzaan, Brianne Tulk, and Fedor Vrbaski, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵, are undertaking a project to address the significant CO2 emissions from the Iron and Steel industry, which constitute around 8% of the world's direct emissions. The project aims to reduce these emissions through end-of-pipe solutions such as carbon recycling and gas separation technology. Utilizing Aspen Plus, simulations are conducted to assess the viability, productivity impacts, and economic feasibility of these solutions.

Team Members Ahmad Abou-Hawach, Hala Alchammah, Riyadh Baksh, and Callie Zhu, under the supervision of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗔𝗜 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮, are working on a project focusing on the enthalpy of formation, a crucial property that signifies the energy required to form a compound. Traditionally determined through experiments, the enthalpy of formation holds significant thermodynamic importance. To improve prediction accuracy for compounds with multiple elements, the project involves implementing and training machine learning models to capture intricate correlations.

Team Members Caleb Winkelhorst, Chenyao Wang, Xi Wang, Austin Yap, and Alana Siason, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮 𝗚𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗵 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮, are engaged in a project focusing on addressing pressing global challenges by expanding the food supply and developing innovative farming solutions. With the deadline of 2050 looming for businesses to set economic and social goals, the project aims to explore net-zero vertical farming as a viable solution. Investigating proof-of-concept designs integrated within cooling towers, the project seeks to utilize the untapped resources of space, steam, and heat in collaboration with Copeland. By assessing two related designs within the cooling tower, the team aims to achieve net-zero goals while reducing waste by leveraging waste heat and moisture efficiently. Research into crops suitable for the tower's conditions was conducted, and the proposed designs underwent evaluation based on net-zero emissions and profitability criteria through comprehensive Life Cycle and Net Present Value analyses.

Team Members Lina Hamed, Andrea D'Souza, Sayf Koheeallee, Xiaoxue He, and Anissa Hines, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵, are undertaking a project focusing on implementing Model Predictive Control (MPC) for water resource recovery facilities using Python. The project entails harnessing the hybrid modeling capabilities of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) within the MPC strategy. The primary objective is to optimize effluent concentrations and operational costs while assessing the feasibility of integrating this advanced control strategy into GPS-X for potential future use.

Team Members Adi Gelb, Ashleigh Warren, Connor Black, and Lucas Jarett, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵, are involved in Project West-Li, which focuses on designing a lithium carbonate production plant. The design is based on utilizing a direct lithium extract (DLE) feed stream sourced from underground aquifers. This scoping level study adopts a sustainable approach to process design, incorporating environmentally conscious process technologies chosen for impurity removal, feed strengthening, and the reaction to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate.

Team Members Erica Lanteigne-Wilkins, Renique Robinson, Owaiz Merchant, and Kashaf Amir, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮 𝗚𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗵 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗙𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, are working on a project aimed at improving the detection of potential membrane failures in industrial wastewater treatment processes. Fibracast, a global leader in membrane technologies for wastewater treatment, seeks to enhance its turbidity analysis system to address membrane wear and sudden mechanical failures that impact plant efficiency. The project focuses on minimizing noise in readings to ensure accurate turbidity analysis. It explores alternative turbidimeters and machine learning approaches for redesigning Fibracast's system, aiming for compliance within Title 22 specified turbidity ranges 95% of the time and exceeding the limits less than 5% of the time.

Team Members Heidi Abdilla, Kevork Baghdassarian, Cameron Holmes, Ian Lewis, and Leena Noorbhai, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗰., are working on constructing a lab-scale prototype for a chemical plant to produce Ecolene™, a carbon-neutral biomethanol. This project involves implementing a patented process developed by Next Methanol Inc. to generate a renewable energy alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The prototype is designed and simulated using real-world kinetics to showcase proof-of-concept to potential investors.

Team Members Ahmad Omar, Jonathan Que, Kajanth Kirupananthan, Salma Abdelrahman, and Sapna Mathew, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗶 𝗫𝗶 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, are working on developing and optimizing a scale-up process for manufacturing bioplastic bottles in North America. The project aims to meet the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions while mitigating the environmental impact associated with traditional plastic bottles.

Team Members Vanessa Falcon, George Hashimoto, Zachary Low, Sharmiga Saseekaran, and Katelyn Tam, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗶 𝗫𝗶 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, are working on a project aiming to develop an eco-friendly wound dressing as a sustainable alternative to traditional band-aids. Acknowledging the environmental consequences of single-use bandages, the team intends to craft a natural dressing using biodegradable materials sourced from renewable sources. Their goal is to enhance properties like adhesion, breathability, and moisture control for optimal effectiveness and comfort. Laboratory experiments will assess mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties, while sustainability considerations, including material sourcing, life cycle assessment, production, and disposal, will be thoroughly examined. The ultimate objective is to minimize environmental impact while ensuring patient safety and comfort, thus promoting sustainable practices in wound care.

Team Members: Allison Suichies, Huilin Liu, Jiayue Zhu, Lucas Ning, and Yousef Hassanin, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀-𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰̧𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆, are collaborating with 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗼-𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝗯 (𝗠𝗰𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝗯 (𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼), for a project focusing on an integrated bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) system for ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE). This innovative approach aims to combat ocean acidification and mitigate the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, while also reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The design integrates a BMED system into a full-scale chemical plant that utilizes seawater to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH), subsequently added to the ocean surface to stimulate natural ocean carbon capture. The project entails various design considerations, including the creation of a piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID), estimation of capital/operating costs, and decision-making on unit inclusion, process stream directions, and capacity/performance based on simulations and experimental data. Additionally, potential applications for the hydrochloric acid (HCl) by-product were explored, with the Canadian and US markets analyzed for viability, particularly in industries like vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production, chlorine production, oil and gas acidizing, and metal acid-washing processes. Further purification steps, using sulfuric acid as the optimal solvent, were deemed necessary for the HCl by-product, necessitating careful consideration for storage and transportation due to its highly corrosive nature.

Team Members: Joel Baarbe, Owen Davidson, Melissa Schulze, Sara Razzaghi, Siobhan Jennings, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀, are collaborating with industry partner 𝗡𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲 on a project involving the development of a simulation for the entire synthesis process of BS700D, a specific type of nylon 6, using AspenTech software. The project aims to design simplified Excel-based tools utilized in a case study to optimize the drying section of the synthesis process.

Team Members Jaan Dhillon, Brayden Bene, Zhizheng (Derek) Zhang, Shalimar Ramos, and Qianyi (Daisy) Yang, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗯 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗰., are conducting a capstone project focused on investigating hydrogen as an alternative fuel source and reducing agent at the blast furnace and hot strip mill, with consideration given to different flow rates. The project utilizes a technology decision matrix to select two technologies for simulating hydrogen production: steam-methane reforming (SMR) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Through simulations using Aspen Plus across eight different cases, hydrogen production and integration are evaluated for economic and environmental comparisons with current operations. Recommendations for a new energy strategy will be based on criteria such as CO2 reductions, capital, and operating costs, offering a well-considered approach to optimize operations.

Our team, consisting of Zainab Ishfaq, Sogand Shookohi, Ola Adebayo, Maya Fik, and Dylan Atreo, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲, is collaborating with industry partner 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻, specifically Adam Toma, to explore and engineer an industrial steel manufacturing process that integrates carbon-reduction strategies for an ESG-conscious operation. The project investigates the applicability, feasibility, and implementability of various alternative sustainable fuels such as Green H2, Blue H2, and RNG.

Our team, consisting of Agustina Gallegos, Katherine Goetz, Myles Harrison, and Jorge Lopez, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 and industry partner 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝘁𝗱., is focused on the decarbonization of the iron and steel industry, which accounts for 9% of global carbon emissions. The project explores end-of-pipe solutions, specifically using chemical looping combustion and membrane separations in the basic oxygen furnace to capture carbon for sequestration and minimize atmospheric emissions.

Our team, consisting of Fabiola Gonzalez Rios, Anjuli Joachim, Lauren LaValley, Sara Milla, and Melissa Vu, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 and industry partner 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗛𝗧𝗦), is developing an Excel-based energy model and lifecycle cost analysis for the design process of new buildings. The model will show emissions and costing data for both heat pump and boiler systems, providing consultants with insights into the environmental and financial benefits of heat pumps. HTS can use this model to demonstrate to clients how various factors, such as heat pump type, location, and temperature inputs, impact total cost savings and carbon reduction over the equipment’s lifetime.

Our team, consisting of Jamie Koscak, Kathy Hua, Jagan Palraj, Krishna Prakash, and Moses Barriffe, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗴 and industry partner 𝗥𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀, is focused on the design and creation of a USP Type-4 Flow-Through Cell Device. This apparatus will pump a continuous simulated medium from a reservoir into a vertical column (the cell) containing the implant/drug test articles for agitated release. The contacted medium will then flow into a sample collector for continuous concentration sampling via HPLC/UV-VIS, enabling increased drug clearance estimation times, determination of kinetic release rates, and utilization of In-Vitro-In-Vivo Correlations (IVIVCs).

Our team, consisting of Jenna Bullard, Kieran McKenzie, Danny Nguyen, Yusra Rao, and Emma Seese, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 and industry partner 𝗔𝗜 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮, is focused on studying materials properties for the design of additive manufacturing materials. This project aims to address the challenges posed by small, sparse, noisy, and expensive materials data sets from experimental and computational measurements. We will propose a method for predicting missing materials data, searching for erroneous entries, and comparing the methodology to different approaches to enhance data accuracy in materials design and development.

Our team, consisting of Carmine Spedaliere, Michael Alemayehu, Tanya Hodkinson, James Kraliz, and Ammar Lodhi, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲 and industry partner 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘆, is focused on improving the environmental and operational safety of Solvay’s Welland site, which produces phosphine and phosphine derivatives for various industries. Currently, the site uses granular activated carbon (GAC) vessels to scrub hazardous chemical contaminants from reactor vent streams. While effective, the disposal of saturated GAC is costly, dangerous for operators, and environmentally damaging. Our project aims to develop a system to either replace the GAC beds entirely or regenerate the activity of the GAC in situ, thereby extending its usable lifetime and reducing the hazards associated with its disposal.

Our team, consisting of Flora Liu, Yue Tan, Karen Yang, Amber Zhang, and Susu Zhang, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶 and industry partner 𝗩𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀, is focused on upgrading and expanding Hamilton’s Woodward Avenue wastewater treatment plant. By 2040, the plant's capacity needs to increase from 409,000 m³/day to 502,000 m³/day. Without this upgrade, excess wastewater could be discharged into natural water bodies with insufficient treatment, posing risks to the environment, human health, and wildlife. Our project aims to prevent this by ensuring the treatment plant can handle the increased capacity.

Team Members Katherine Zapata, Elody Julien, Kerstin Leitzinger, and Yae Ji Kwon, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗻 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, are tasked with designing a combined electrolysis and catalytic exchanger, also known as a heavy water upgrading system, to serve a four-unit CANDU nuclear station. The project involves designing two heavy water upgraders—one for the Heat Transport System and one for the Moderator System—both with similar designs but differing capacities. The aim is to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the nuclear station while meeting stringent safety and operational requirements.

Our team, consisting of Emily Izzotti, Parizad Katila, Lara Musharbash, Afaf Sohail, and Michelle Yip, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗲 and industry partner 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, is focused on improving wound-care adhesives for individuals with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a condition characterized by fragile skin. Current adhesives can be irritating and contain harmful substances such as carcinogens. Our project explores the use of plant-derived polysaccharides, such as guar gum, to enhance product sustainability and minimize skin damage upon removal.

The project aims to design a PVC recycling plant tailored for recycling PVC roofing membranes, utilizing a process involving selective dissolution with chloroform solvent and precipitation with water as an antisolvent. The resulting pure PVC material is intended to possess physical and mechanical properties comparable to virgin PVC, enabling higher concentrations of recycled material to be integrated into the formulation of new roofing membranes. With team members Phuc Michael Nguyen, Rifat Khan, Kavitha Sivanathan, Zisang Yan, and Alexander Widla, alongside faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗲 and industry partner 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, the project strives to address environmental concerns and contribute to sustainable practices in the construction industry.

Aimen Aleem, Barry Chen, Spencer Cetinic, and Arjunan Rathakrishnan, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗻 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛, are undertaking a project to optimize and automate the design process of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. The project involves implementing GPS-X and metaheuristic optimization algorithms in Python to streamline the current laborious and time-intensive design process at HATCH. By automating parameter generation to meet design objectives, the team aims to significantly reduce the need for manual iterations of simulations while ensuring compliance with effluent metrics.

Team Members Karunpaul Lottey, Seemaab Yousuf, Stephen Gobrial, Thomas Varghese, and Zachary Burley, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗴 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰., are undertaking a project aimed at reducing CO2 emissions within an integrated steel plant. The project involves utilizing in-house biomass creation through pyrolysis units and investigating the logistics of acquiring material for these units at Stelco. The goal is to implement sustainable practices that mitigate environmental impact while enhancing the efficiency of steel production processes.

Our team, consisting of Ravneet Randhawa, Kara DiPasquale, Nameer Kamal, Chiamaka Maduekwe , Aryan Alidadi-Shamsabadi, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶, is collaborating with industry partner 𝗦𝗨𝗘𝗭. This project is an investigation into the SUEZ membrane water treatment system in Peel Region's Lorne Park drinking water plant. The focus is on determining when to migrate ultrafiltration (UF) membranes to membrane gravity filters (MGF), how MGFs compare to the current media filters being used, and how increasing the longevity of the membranes helps improve its sustainability. This is done by investigating plant data and literature articles, with the overall goal to increase the membrane lifetime, while maintaining permeate quality and quantity.

Our team, consisting of Brathakine Pusparajah, Annika Yardy, Sarah Saqib, Kevin Gulo, Mohammad Osama Riaz , with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 and industry partner 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗳𝗶.This project entails designing an interactive database on Microsoft Access that will support the manufacturing of vaccines protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis at Sanofi's B100 facility in Toronto. Data pertaining to the single use technologies (SUTs) used in the antigen manufacturing processes (e.g., process-related and vendor-related information) will be organized to streamline access to this critical information.

Our team, consisting of Daulet Jailaubekov, Yovana Racic, Adam Best, Riya Suthar, Conor Marko, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗴 and industry partner 𝗕𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱. This project focuses on the area of the plant responsible for processing crude canola oil. Canola oil extraction begins from cleaning, flaking, and conditioning the received canola seed. The crude canola oil is sent to refining where it undergoes settling, filtration, chemical refining, degumming and bleaching. Canola oil has a low amount of saturated fat, allowing for higher efficiency within parts like engines compared to alternate biofuels like soyabean oil. These positive environmental attributes, along with fuel efficiency contribute to the increase in Canola oil market demand for non-human consumption. For instance, from 2019 to 2025, the goal of the Canola oil Industry is to increase the global production from 18.7 to 25 million metric tonnes. Therefore, there is a need to expand the canola processing line at Bunge to accommodate for the foreseeable increase in market demand, as Canada exports about 90% of canola oil globally. Additionally, canola oil production has increased by 7.4% in Canada over 2020 partially due to increased oil consumption and global demand. It is anticipated that the process at Bunge will produce 40% more canola oil by the end of the project.

Our team, consisting of Stephanie Kozdras, Hannah Mann, Thomas Baker, Vaniza Arshad, Mahdi Harb, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶 and industry partner 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗮. The recent popularity of electric vehicles has changed the efficiency requirements of engine oil coolers. New heat transfer unit designs and new strategies for research and rapid prototyping these designs are needed to meet the new demands. We have been simulating dimpled heat transfer surfaces to test their performance, with the goal of mitigating parasitic losses to reduce energy consumption. At the same time, maintaining effective heat transfer and turbulent flow are important aspects of this design. We have also been using 3D printing with additive manufacturing to create low cost prototyping equipment, allowing for affordable lab scale testing.

Our team, consisting of Nicole Perna, Alejandra Arauz, Abeera Islam, Chaochen Song, Janany Kugathasan, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 and industry partner in hydrometallurgical facility. A hydrometallurgical process generates significant quantities of trace metals-bearing gypsum residue, a calcium sulfate material. The objective of this project is to design and evaluate a process  that  will  increase the value of the trace metals-bearing gypsum residue or increase its options for resale. For example, the proposed solution may economically recover the trace metals from the gypsum residue, convert the gypsum residue into a more valuable product, or identify a new application for the gypsum residue. The proposed solution must have a low environmental impact and be aligned with the hydrometallurgical facilities mission to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Our team, consisting of Tong Sun, Chuanqi Li, Xiaotian Luo, Luxin Wang, Yifan Wang, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗶 𝗫𝗶 and industry partner 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿. The objective of the project is to use nanofabrication technology to improve the hydrophobicity of biopolymers. Incorporate the process into the existing facility and develop a processing operating window that will achieve hydrophobicity and economic analysis of the process. Lab work to prove that the chosen method is effective at improving hydrophobicity

Our team, consisting of Eugene Wu, Troy Stoner, Stephanie Hassey, Elizabeth Lee, Gurkaran Arora, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶 and industry partner 𝗦𝗨𝗘𝗭. The population of Hamilton is expected to grow to 1 million residents by 2040, putting stress on the Hamilton's Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). With an expected increasing population, the WWTP needs to be able to accommodate for increased flow rates and loadings, while maintaining safe levels of effluent organics and nutrients. As time goes on, it is expected that the regulatory standard for wastewater treatment will also become stricter, thus indicating that the quality of effluent water must also be improved. By examining the current operating conditions of Hamilton's Woodward Avenue WWTP, it was identified that additional technologies would be required in several parts of the WWTP in order to accommodate for the projected 2040 capacities and effluent concentration targets. Current WWT technologies were investigated and compared to newly developed technologies from SUEZ. Based on the comparison, the best suited technologies were chosen to be implemented in the final plant design.

Team Members Karasira Awi, Tia Ghantous, Amber Monteiro, Archana Sripathy, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗮𝗿 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘂𝘀. This project is a continuation of a Capstone design started in the 2020/2021 school year for manufacture of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) enabled by Aspen Custom Modeller. The model includes a bioreactor and chromatography for protein A capture, which are typical steps in a mAb production chain. The goal for the project this year was to continue development of this system to allow continuous modelling of both units and further optimize the system to maximize robustness.

Our team, consisting of Tracy Huynh, Hansika Chawla, Muhammad Owais Marwat, Amaara Ranmal, Charles Lawson-Wokoma, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝗶𝗺 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 and industry partner 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻. The future of agriculture must accommodate a growing urban population with shrinking arable farmlands due to climate change and natural disasters. One solution to these challenges is vertical farming. Our project uses food waste from grocery stores in an anaerobic digester to power a net-zero GHG emissions vertical farm growing lettuce and basil.

Integrated aerators for the Fibracast UF Membrane Cassettes have been shown to clog at times during usage for various reasons. Dry solid cake, wastewater debris, mineral fouling block aeration channels overtime reducing membrane performance and efficiency. Our team has delivered a conceptual design for in-situ aerator cleaning process for the Fibracast UF Membrane Cassette in order to maintain effective operation of the membrane system in the bioreactor. This automated cleaning process has the means to determine the extent of fouling and self-cleaning capabilities to reduce MBR downtime and save the manual effort and expense of ex situ cleaning. An economic and productivity analysis is included in our final report to evaluate our designs cost and effectiveness. With team members Jennika Davidson, Runshu Li, Vaishnavie Sripathy, Yichen Zhou, Yingyan Huang, alongside faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮 𝗚𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗵 and industry partner 𝗙𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁.

Samantha Usas, Rica Yacon, Adrian Di Pietro, Avinash Nagendra , under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗶 𝗫𝗶 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, are undertaking a project to design a method for the conversion of plastics processing plants to bioplastics processing plants, with a focus on the use of thermoplastic starch and hemp fibers as raw materials.

Team Members Aly Mahmoud, Nigel Mathias, Xiaonian Wang, Pengfei Fu, Ahmed Ismail, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 and in collaboration with industry partner 𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛. The project began with the identification of the primary sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a wastewater treatment plant through an extensive literature review, wherein each component's contribution to the plant's carbon footprint was analyzed. Subsequently, a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was modeled and optimized based on the gathered research and data. A simulation was constructed, and critical inputs and parameters influencing GHG emissions were identified and managed after validation through comparison with empirical data from Woodward. Lastly, the team formulated an emissions reduction strategy based on the simulation results, aiming to mitigate the carbon footprint of the wastewater treatment plant.

Our team, consisting of Cynthia Pham, Kieran Hampson, Abishake Indran, Long Vo, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 and industry partner 𝗥𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀. Drug products to the eye require vigorous testing with animal studies and clinical trials. However, these studies are costly and timely. Therefore, an initial screening for drug formulation and dosage prior to animal studies is critical for drug formulation and dosage. This project, supervised by Ripple Therapeutics, aims to develop an in vitro eye model for this initial screening step.

Our team, consisting of Sean Fraser, Ryan Roshan, Gustavo Chen, Cesar Sosa-Miranda, Kevin Esfarayeni, with faculty advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆 and industry partner 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗠𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗼. Working with ArcelorMittal Dofasco utilities business unit on primary wastewater treatment, aiming to improve the process and lower costs of dewatering and disposing of by-product sludge from the KOBM gas cleaning process.

Team Members Angela Battista, Lauren Weir, Jacqueline Powichrowski, and Natalie Ifraimov, under the guidance of Faculty Advisors 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗿. 𝗚𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗵, are collaborating with industry partner 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘂𝘀 on a project focusing on improving monoclonal antibody production processes. Currently utilizing batch processing, the project aims to transition towards continuous processing, which has shown to be more favorable. Sartorius, as a biopharmaceutical supplier, is leading efforts to enhance their process platform by introducing continuous processes and developing methods for model scaleup. Continuous processing offers increased productivity and lower production costs by parallelizing unit operations and enabling faster and greater output of continuous batches per year. To support model-based approaches for continuous production of monoclonal antibodies, a continuous simulation model, incorporating a bioreactor and multi-column chromatography, has been developed using Aspen Chromatography™. The simulation will generate process specifications necessary to achieve desired scale-up parameters, with support from Sartorius.

Team Members Sebastian Simic, Lindsay Kuyltjes, Bryan Mitchell, Jordan Sullivan, and Graham Van Every, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲, are collaborating on a project aimed at developing a comprehensive hydrogen-fueled production, separation, and electricity generation process that utilizes existing natural gas infrastructure in Canada. The goal is to leverage the support of Jenny Chen and Sebastien Lee from 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 to achieve this objective.

Team Members Ana Arežina, Kristen Abels, Patrick Hehl, Maddison Kargus, and Cassandra Stothers, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗶 𝗫𝗶, are embarking on a project addressing oil contamination of water, a common issue in industrial process streams, storm drainage, and environmental oil spills. Despite the existence of commercially viable separation products, challenges such as separation time, efficiency, operating costs, and treatment of emulsions persist. The capstone project aims to tackle these challenges using superwetting materials. The objective is to design a guar gum hydrogel-coated woven fabric filter for oil-water separation, building on literature findings, and evaluating its potential for industrial-scale and commercial viability. The project is supported by 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿.

Team Members Kugenthini Tharmakulasekaram, Husain Tapia, Ibrahim Awan, Aayush Pokhrel, and Daniel Pourkhatai, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲, are tasked with redesigning and optimizing an existing copper removal process from pickling liquor (HCl) at ArcelorMittal Dofasco to enhance customer throughput and quality key performance indicators (KPIs). The project involves modifications such as process and piping rerouting, informed by lab data and theoretical sizing calculations, aimed at achieving improved efficiency and quality. Support for the project is provided by 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗠𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗼.

Team Members Marina Manoraj, Chloe Dawson, Mariam Sidawi, Jillian Ma, and Shane Park, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗮𝗿, are working on a project involving the transformation of an Emerson Copeland scroll compressor into an expander for an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) to recover low-grade waste heat. The project explores low global warming potential (GWP) working fluids for the reversed compressor, along with varying fluid properties and system parameters to optimize the system's efficiency. It aims to demonstrate how energy-efficient solutions can be utilized across various applications while addressing the need for energy production from sustainable sources. The project evaluates the design's viability, overall system efficiency, cost, operability, safety, and environmental impact. Support for the project is provided by 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻.

Team Members Zaid Alnasseri, Beatrice Benigno, Yang Chen, Selena Fahim, and Eric Pioli, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶, are working on a project centered around Ecolene, a carbon-neutral bio-methanol produced using biomass, water, and surplus energy. Next Methanol Incorporated holds the license to develop a process for Ecolene, aiming to generate renewable energy and reduce fossil fuel emissions. The Capstone project's objective is to conduct a feasibility study encompassing technical, economical, and environmental assessments for the Ecolene plant. Support for the project is provided by 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗰.

Team Members Aemon Shariq, Phoebe Barrion, Kenna Chai, Andrew Vleming, and Christine Huh, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶, are engaged in a project aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions in steel production, which currently accounts for approximately 8% of total global emissions. The project focuses on integrating green hydrogen technologies into the ironmaking process, specifically through the H2-DRI route. The team is simulating an H-DRI plant to assess its effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions and its long-term feasibility. Support for the project is provided by 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵.

Team Members Kevin Da, Lukas Lenarczyk, Han Lin, and Alexander Sotra, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲, have undertaken a project commissioned by 𝗭𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰. The task involves designing heating configurations for the regeneration of packed-bed adsorbent columns. This is achieved by generating transient temperature distribution profiles and validating simulation results. The analysis encompasses various column sizes, accompanied by economic evaluations for each heating configuration. The project culminates in presenting a set of recommendations to Zeton Inc. for each column size. 𝗭𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗻 supports this project.

Team Members Joseph Pavkovic, Shrujal Patel, John Liakakos, and Michel Syriani, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶, are engaged in an applied engineering design project aimed at improving the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in residential and light commercial industries. Approximately 20% of global electricity used in buildings is attributed to heating and cooling. The project focuses on the implementation of heat pumps, which extract heat from the air and transfer it inside or outside the building depending on the season or transfer it to water. While heat pumps have been successful in reducing climate impacts in countries reliant on coal or fossil fuels, Canada's fluctuating annual temperatures present a challenge for consistent year-round operation. The project aims to address this challenge by transforming traditional heat pump technology for modern applications, focusing on utilizing waste heat. The team will conduct research to understand heat pump processes comprehensively and then utilize technical skills to design heat pumps that maintain high efficiency ratings as per standards set by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 supports this project.

Team Members Conor Marshall, Daniel Khokhlov, Folarin Ologunagba, Ahmed Elmoursi, and Ali Mahmoud, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀, are engaged in a project with the 𝗢𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗢𝗣𝗚) thermal power plant in Atikokan. The project aims to investigate new technologies to promote a clean energy future in Ontario by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the Atikokan facility seeks to upgrade its operations to align with OPG's and Ontario's commitment to environmental sustainability. The project involves the selection and evaluation of three distinct but related process technologies: capturing biogenic CO2 from stack gases, producing hydrogen with renewable electricity, and combining these outputs into renewable methanol. The team's responsibilities include examining the feasibility of these upgrades from process, economic, environmental, and safety perspectives.

Team Members Raisa Hoq, Ezra Widajat, Adam Opolski, Moira Song, and Ace Maizer, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲, are collaborating on a project focused on mitigating CO2 emissions within the steelmaking industry. 𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 has identified end-of-pipe technologies as a promising solution for this purpose. The project involves investigating the implementation of end-of-pipe separation and utilization technologies. The team's objective is to design and model the process using selected technologies to effectively capture and utilize CO2, thereby mitigating plant-gate CO2 emissions and generating further value-added products within the steelmaking industry.

Team Members Lisa Tran, Evan Krushelnycky, Ryan Seto, and Jonathan Tong, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗶 𝗫𝗶 and industry support from 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, are conducting research on roofing materials and compositions to minimize the severity of hail damage, particularly in regions prone to frequent hailstorms such as "Hail Alley" in Alberta, Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Given the significant market demand for hail-resistant roofing, the project's main goal is to develop a production plan focusing on scaling up the existing patented formulation for a client at McMaster University. This initiative aims to enhance the structural integrity of buildings by offering effective protection against hail damage through innovative roofing materials and manufacturing processes.

Team Members Evan Ubene, Alexander Mckay, Erik Frechette, Tracy Savery, and Kyle Heyblom, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀, are working on a project for a lubricants refinery company located in Ontario, which is one of the largest refineries of its kind in Canada and the largest White Oil producer globally. The plant produces various lubricant base oils, including specialty food-grade White Oils and high-viscosity index Group 3+ base oils. As part of its environmental responsibility, the company needs to monitor sulfur dioxide emissions. The main objective of this project is to develop a real-time system that utilizes an atmospheric air dispersion model to calculate point of impingement (POI) concentrations caused by plant emission sources as they occur. This system will enhance the company's ability to monitor and manage emissions effectively in real-time.

Team Members Melissa Cusack Striepe, Matt Csordas, Christina Hassey, Natasha Reis-Murray, and Noelle Wilton, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗲, are working on a project focused on improving the manufacturing process of pharmaceutical products. Due to stringent regulatory constraints, processes like filtration are crucial for removing contaminants and ensuring product quality. However, fluctuations in upstream processes can compromise filter integrity, leading to costly investigations and potential product loss. The project aims to address these challenges at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility by evaluating the existing product transfer line and designing an improved system. This redesign will incorporate enhanced process control, new instrumentation, and alternative modes of operation to optimize efficiency and maintain product quality.

Team Members Janine Hidalgo, Henry Zihan Zhou, Arujala Thavendrarasa, Nelson Mok, and Ratul Matin, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶, are collaborating on a project proposed by 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮. The project focuses on developing a feasible closed-loop system to create value from food waste produced by McMaster University. Currently, Emerson offers Grind2Energy, a system that processes food waste into slurry for storage in on-site tanks. When the storage tank reaches capacity, the slurry is transported to a local anaerobic digestion (AD) facility for conversion into various products. However, Emerson's involvement ends at the AD facility. The project aims to extend this process into a closed-loop system that converts food waste into resources beneficial to McMaster University. Through this initiative, the team seeks to create a sustainable solution for food waste management while generating value for the university.