Phone: +44 121 204 3398
Email: y.makkawi@aston.ac.uk   

Profile
I obtained my PhD in Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Prior to that, I worked as a process engineer for eight years, serving the oil and gas industry sectors in the Middle East. My first academic post was at Heriot-Watt University, where I worked as a Research Associate. I then moved to the University of Edinburgh as a Research Fellow, then to the University of Sheffield as a Teaching and Research Fellow. I joined the Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at Aston University as a lecturer in 2008.

Qualifications & Education 

• Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Practice (PGCPP) in Higher Education, Aston University, Birmingham, UK, 2012.
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, 2003.
• MSc in Chemical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, KSA, 1995.
• BSc in Chemical Engineering, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan, 1991

Employment

• Aug 2008 – date: Lecturer, Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Aston University, Birmingham
• Nov 2006 – Jul 2008: Teaching and Research Fellow, Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield
• Jun 2006 – Oct 2006: Research Fellow, Chemical Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
• Jun 2003 – May 2006: Research Associate, Chemical Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

Teaching Activity

• Separation Processes (1^st and 3^rd years)
• Process Design (2^nd year)
• Advanced Transfer Processes (3^rd year)
• Advanced Process Design (3^rd year)
• Process Laboratory (2^nd year)
• Particle Technology (2^nd and 3^rd years)

Research Interests (See more details)

• Mathematical modelling and simulation of particle suspension systems
• Fluidized bed chemical, thermal and physical processing
• Energy conversion and renewable energy sources
• Carbon capture technologies
• Adsorption and desorption processes

Recent Research Grants (See sponsors)

• EPSRC case-award with Dow Corning Ltd.- 2011-2014; £92,000 (PI)
• The Leverhulme Trust - 2012-2015; in collaboration with Prof Raffaela Ocone (Heriot-Watt) and Sotos Generalis (Aston University); £175.162 (PI)
• Royal Society travel grant- 2011; £2,500

Research Group Members and Projects

• Mr Mohamed Hassan - PhD (Writing-up): Modelling and simulation of biomass thermal conversion to syngas in a CFB reactor.
• Mr Jai Lad - PhD (2011-2014): A greener approach for the purification of methyl Chloride for silicone industry.
• Dr Xi Yu - Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2012-2015): Wet and dry particle flow at the intermediate regime.
• Mr Muktar Bashir - PhD (2013-2016): A novel approach for the integration of concentrated sold energy with biomass thermochemical conversion.  

• Mr Francis Elewuwa - PhD (2012-2015): Modelling and simulation of a novel adsorption/desorption process for gas purification and hydrogen production.   

Membership of Professional Bodies

• Associate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (AMIChemE)
• Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) 

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) 

External Activities

• Peer review of EPSRC grant applications
• Peer review of several international scientific journals
• External examiner for PhD thesis  
• Industrial collaboration with Dow Corning Ltd. (UK)  

Selected Publications (See the full list)

Patent

Yassir Makkawi, sole inventor, “Process and apparatus for thermochemical conversion”. UK application -  PAT-2011-036 - RPG/CP6796916 (Submitted)

Book Chapter 

Yassir Makkawi “Reactor design and its impact on performance and products” a chapter in a new book under the title “Transformation of Biomass: Theory to Practice”, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Submitted)

Journal Papers

1. Kelwin, C, Makkawi, Y., Hounslow, M., A priori prediction of aggregation efficiency and rate constant for fluidized bed melt granulation, Chemical Engineering Science 2013 (In press).

2. Kelwin, C, Makkawi, Y., Hounslow, M., Time scale analysis for fluidized bed melt granulation I: granule-granule and granule-droplet collision rates, Chemical Engineering Science 2011, Volume 66, Issue 3, 318-326.

3. Kelwin, C, Makkawi, Y., Ocone, R., Integration of ECT measurements with hydrodynamic modelling of conventional gas-solid bubbling bed. Chemical Engineering Science, 2007. 4304-4315.

4. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P. C., Electrical Capacitance Tomography for conventional fluidised bed measurements- remarks on the measuring technique. Powder Technology 2004, 148. 142-157.

5. Makkawi, Y., Y. Demirel and H. H. Al-Ali, Numerical analysis of convection heat transfer in a rectangular packed duct with asymmetric heating, Energy Conversion and Management 1998, 39 (56), 455-463. 

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RESEARCH

Particle Suspension and Processing (PSP) 

In the process industry suspended solids is of particular interest due to the enhanced heat and mass transfer characteristics. This is found in most of the chemical processes, including food production, pharmaceutical, petrochemicals and energy. Our research is uniquely combining knowledge on particle technology and energy conversion in order to solve challenging engineering problems and develop novel and sustainable processes for future industrial applications.

We are particularly interested in applying mathematical modelling and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) for studying the physical, chemical and thermal processing of particles during suspension. This is of direct relevance to fluidized bed processing such as in granulation, drying, gas cleaning, chemical looping, catalytic cracking and biomass thermal conversion. We are currently looking at developing new models for the interaction of wet/dry particles at the micro-scale level, working with our industrial collaborator on a novel adsorption process for gas separation and building the first 3D predictive model of biomass gasification in a circulating fluidized bed. Our theoretical approach is supported by state of the art experimental facilities including a range of modern fluidized bed systems, gas adsorption unit, biomass gasifiers and supporting analytical techniques. 

We have established links with national and international institutions including Heriot-Watt University, The University of Sheffield, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and the Arab Academy for Science, technology and Marine transport. In addition, our research is funded by industrial collaborator (Dow Corning Ltd) and research councils such as EPSRC and The Leverhulme Trust.

Research Sponsors

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Group Members

Mr Mohamed Hassan (osmanmi@aston.ac.uk)

I started my PhD at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in October 2009. I hold a BSc degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Nassir in Libya and MSc degree in Chemical Process Technology from Aston University in Birmingham, UK. I have more than 5 years hands-on experience on powder processing through my work as Tablets Section Supervisor in one of the main pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Sudan (Amipharma Laboratories). My current research interest is focused on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling and biomass thermal conversion. My PhD research project is focused on developing a three dimensional predictive model for biomass gasification in a circulating fluidized bed reactor.

Mr Jai Lad (ladj@aston.ac.uk)

I joined Aston University in Oct 2006 to carry out my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering. I undertook a one year industrial placement in 08/09 at Ovivo Water, formerly known as Christ Kennicott Water Technology Ltd (CKWT). I then returned back to Aston to complete my masters as part of my undergraduate degree to graduate with a First Class Honours in 2010. Currently I am undertaking a case award PhD in Chemical Engineering in collaboration with Dow Corning Ltd, the global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovations. My research project is focused on developing a novel and green gas separation process by adsorption. My general research interest includes adsorption/desorption, biomass Conversion, renewable energies, oil and Gas

Dr Xi Yu (x.yu3@aston.ac.uk)

 As a Research Fellow (The Leverhulme Trust) at Aston University, Xi is responsible for developing new constitutive equations for the solid stresses in dry/wet particle flow at the intermediate regime. The developed equations will be implemented, as a user defined function, in a CFD code, for the simulation of relevant industrial processes, with particular focus on fluidized bed biomass conversion reactors. Xi is a chemical engineer with a BE degree (first class, Sep 2004) from Tianjin University in China and a PhD degree (Apr 2012) from The University of Sheffield in UK. His research interest also includes the development of predictive, rate-based approaches to particle processing, such as crystallization, granulation by using various forms of CFD and Population Balance Model.

Mr Francis Elewuwa (elewuwaf@aston.ac.uk)

My first year at Aston University was in 2006 to undertake an Engineering Foundation Programme which was a qualifying stage to further study for a degree in Engineering.  Successful completion of the programme prompted me to study Chemical Engineering integrated master’s degree (MEng) and I graduated with a first class in 2011. I am currently studying for a PhD sponsored by EPSRC and Dow Corning Ltd.  My research is focused on the modelling of gas separation by adsorption and production of hydrogen through gasification in a dual fluidised bed reactor.  My general research interests encompass separation, heat transfer, process simulation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Mr Muktar Bashir (bashima1@aston.ac.uk)

I graduated from University College London (UCL) with a Master degree (MEng) in Chemical Engineering in 2012. Currently I am studying a PhD at Aston University under the European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI). My research project is focused on studying the thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis and gasification) of biomass to bio-oil and syngas using concentrated solar energy. The study is mainly theoretical and involves using mathematical modelling and  Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations. My broad research interests comprises of multiphase flow, bioenergy, concentrated solar energy, thermochemical processes, and CFD. 

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Full list of publications

Patents:

1. Yassir Makkawi, Lead inventor, “Syngas production from paper mill waste”. UK application (Submitted in 2013) 

2. Yassir Makkawi, Sole inventor, “Process and apparatus for thermochemical conversion”. UK application (Submitted in 2011) 

Book Chapters:

1. Yassir Makkawi and Raffaella Ocone "Mass transfer in fluidized bed drying of moist particulate” a chapter published in a new book under the title “Mass Transfer”, ISBN 978-953-307-215-9, INTECH (2011).

2. Yassir Makkawi "Reactor design and its impact on performance and products” a chapter in a new book under the title “Transformation of Biomass: Theory to Practice”, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd (Submitted).

Journal papers:

1. Kelwin, C, Makkawi, Y., Hounslow, M., A Priori prediction of aggregation efficiency and rate constant for fluidized bed melt granulation, Chemical Engineering Science, 2013 (In press).

2. Kelwin, C, Makkawi, Y., Hounslow, M., Time scale analysis for fluidized bed melt granulation- I: granule-granule and granule-droplet collision rates, Chemical Engineering Science 2011, Volume 66, Issue 3, 318-326.

3. Kelwin, C, Makkawi, Y., Hounslow, M., Time scale analysis for fluidized bed melt granulation- II: binder spreading rate, Chemical Engineering Science 2011, Volume 66, Issue 3, 327-335.

4. Kelwin, C, Makkawi, Y., Hounslow, M., Time scale analysis for fluidized bed melt granulation- III: binder solidification rate, Chemical Engineering Science 2011, Volume 66, Issue 3, 336-341.

5. Makkawi, Y. and Ocone, R., Mass transfer coefficient for drying of moist particulate in a bubbling fluidized bed. Chemical Engineering Technology 2009, 1-10.

6. Makkawi, Y. and Ocone, R., Integration of ECT measurements with hydrodynamic modelling of conventional gas-solid bubbling bed. Chemical Engineering Science, 2007. 4304-4315. 4

7. Makkawi, Y. and Ocone, R., A model for granular flows in a horizontal duct with a smooth merge of rapid-intermediate-dense flows. Chemical Engineering Science, 2006. 4271-4281.

8. Makkawi, Y., Wright, P. C. and Ocone, R., The effect of friction and inter-particle cohesive forces on the hydrodynamics of gas-solid flow: a comparative analysis of theoretical predictions and experiments. Powder Technology 2006, 163. 69-79.

9. Makkawi, Y. and Ocone, R., Modelling of particle stress at the dilute-intermediate-dense flow regimes: A review. KONA - Powder Science and Technology 2005, No.23. 49-63.

10. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P. C., Electrical Capacitance Tomography for conventional fluidized bed measurements- remarks on the measuring technique. Powder Technology 2004, 148. 142-157.

11. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P., Tomographic analysis of dry/semi-wet bed fluidization: the effect of small liquid loading and particle size on the bubbling behaviour. Chemical Engineering Science 2004, 59 (1), 201-213.

12. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P. C., The void function and effective drag force for fluidized beds. Chemical Engineering Science 2003, 58 (13), 2035-2051.

13. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P. C., Fluidization regimes in a conventional fluidized bed characterized by means of Electrical Capacitance Tomography. Chemical Engineering Science, 2002, 57 (13), 2411-2437.

14. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P. C., Optimisation of experiment span and data acquisition rates for reliable Electrical Capacitance Tomography measurement in fluidization studies- a case study. Measurement Science and Technology 2002, 13 (12), 1831-1841.

15. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P. C. (2002). Tomographic analysis of dry and semi wet fluidization, Short article. The Chemical Engineer Journal.

16. Demirel, Y., Abu-Al-Saud, B. A., Al-Ali H. H. and Makkawi, Y., Packing size and shape effects on forced convection in large rectangular packed ducts with asymmetric heating, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 1999, 42 (17), 3267-3277.

17. Makkawi, Y., Y. Demirel and H. H. Al-Ali, Numerical analysis of convection heat transfer in a rectangular packed duct with asymmetric heating, Energy Conversion and Management 1998, 39 (56), 455-463.

Conference presentaions and papers: 

1. Makkawi, Y., Yu, X., Ocone, R., Berruti, F., Briens, C., Huard, M., A CFD study of the hydrodynamics and thermochemical behaviours of gas-sand-biomass phases in a novel pyrolysis downer reactor. AICHE Annual meeting, Nov 3-8, 2013, San Francisco, USA (Submitted).

2. Yu, X., Ocone, E., Sotos, G., Makkawi, Y., A new constitutive equation for solid stress in a slightly wet particulate flow, UK-China International Particle Technology Forum IV, October 15-19, 2013, Shanghai, China (Accepted).

3. Yu, X.., Ocone, R., Makkawi, Y., CFD study of gas-solid behaviour in a downer pyrolysis reactor: An Eulerian-Eulerian approach. BioEnergy IV: Innovations in Biomass Conversion for Heat, Power, Fuels and Chemicals, June 2-7, 2013, Otranto, Italy (Accepted).

4. Makkawi, Y., Hassan, M., Modelling and simulation of biomass thermal conversion to hydrogen-rich gas in a short circulating fluidized bed riser. BioEnergy IV: Innovations in Biomass Conversion for Heat, Power, Fuels and Chemicals, June 2-7, 2013, Otranto, Italy. (Accepted).

5. Yu, X., Ocone, R., Sotos, G., Makkawi, Y., Inter-particle force and stress models for wet and dry particulate flow at the intermediate flow regime. 2^nd IMA Conference on Dense Granular Flows, July 1-4, 2013, Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cambridge, UK. (Accepted).

6. Makkawi, Y., Particle to gas heat transfer coefficient in a circulating fluidized bed riser. International Conference on Circulating Fluidized Beds and Fluidization Technology- CFB 10, 01-06 May 2011, USA, Oregon.

7. Makkawi, Y. Prediction of the hydrodynamics in slightly wet suspended particles. IMA Conference on Dense Granular Flows, 5-9 Jan 2009, Cambridge, UK. 

8. Nitert, B. J., Makkawi, Y., Hounslow, M. J.. Product engineering for crystallization: A step by step process. 17th International Symposium on Industrial Crystallization- ISIC 17, 14-17 September 2008, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

9. Makkawi, Y., Duncan, J., McAndrew, M., Ocone, R.. Drying of moist particulate in bubbling fluidized bed. AICHE annual meeting, 4-9 Nov 2007. Salt Lake Utah- USA.

10. Makkawi, Y., Wright, P. C., Ocone, R., Experimental observations of wet bed fluidization hydrodynamics. 5th World Congress on Particles Technology, 23-27 April 2006. Orlando FL- USA.

11. Makkawi, Y. and Ocone, R., Validation of CFD model for fluidized bed over broad ranges of operating conditions. 5th World Congress on Particles Technology, 23-27 April 2006. Orlando FL- USA.

12. Makkawi, Y. and Ocone, R., Simulation of dense and intermediate granular flow in a horizontal duct. Proceedings of the 7th World Congress of Chemical Engineering- 2005. Galsgow- UK.

13. Chuntanapum, A, Makkawi, Y, Arrighi, V, Ocone, R., Particles suspension in viscous fluids. 7th World Congress of Chemical Engineering- 2005. Galsgow- UK.

14. Makkawi, Y. and Ocone, R., Hydrodynamic simulation of gas-solid flow in a horizontal duct using kinetic-frictional stress models. AICHE annual meeting, 7-11 Nov 2004. Austin TX- USA.

15. Makkawi, Y. Wright, P. and Ocone, R., Comparative analysis of experimental and modelling of gas solid flow hydrodynamics: Effect of friction and interparticle cohesion forces. AICHE annual meeting, 7-11 Nov 2004. Austin TX- USA.

16. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P. C., Hydrodynamics in a conventional fluidized bed analyzed by electrical capacitance tomography.4th World Congress on Particles Technology,Sydney-Australia,20-25 July 2002.

17. Makkawi, Y. Wright, P. C. Meeyoo, V., Dechsiri, C., Zwan, E., Paans, A.M.J. and Hoffmann A.C., Observations on cross-sectional non-uniformity on fluidized beds using two different imaging techniques. 4th World Congress on Particles Technology, Sydney-Australia, 20-25 July 2002.

18. Makkawi, Y., Tomographic analysis of semi-wet bed fluidization. Particle Technology UK Forum IV. The University of Leeds, UK. 11-12 April 2002.

19. Makkawi, Y. and Wright, P., Application of Process Tomography as a tool for better understanding of fluidization quality in fluidized beds, Proceedings of 2nd World Congress on Industrial Process Tomography, Hanover, Germany, 28-31 August 2001.