SUSTAINABLE PROCESS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTRE (SPERC)
ABOUT US
Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE) is a multidisciplinary approach and is relevant to a wide range of industrial sectors. It impacts on each step in the production, manufacture and use of materials and chemical feedstocks and recovery & disposal of wastes. The sustainable processing of materials requires a wide understanding of chemical processes, and of the required energy and utilities supporting them. It includes the development of future process technology, the use of alternative resources or new reaction routes, and the design and operation of systems such that they use energy and resources more sustainably.
The overall goal SPERC focus on a whole systems approach can support understanding of the environmental, safety, economic, social and sustainability aspects of new technologies and processes, and can include entire product life cycle management, material reuse and waste reduction. By applying a system understanding, policies and interventions can be explored that would support embedding sustainable technologies in existing systems at different scales (single organizational, local and national).
The research niche areas includes a broad range of activities such as utilization of the renewable feedstocks; the development of novel routes for production of chemicals (i.e the use of catalysis and bio-catalysis; biomass conversion and bio-refining, process intensification, nanotechnology, and the development of renewable and low carbon energy) and emphasize on industrial reliability ( design, modeling, optimization and control). It also includes assessment of the sustainability of products and processes in terms of environmental, social and economic studies. is developing newer, greener and more efficient processes for diverse applications. Our
Recognizing the agricultural sector as the main key sector in Malaysia, ensuring that these materials conversion is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable is the core focus of the proposed research centre. With a multidisciplinary of an integrated specialist team that draws experts together from chemical engineering, environmental, and computer engineering combining their resources and skills in order to meet the industrial and environmental challenges of the new millennium, SPERC can be one of the focus areas in strengthening the research activities and productivity in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
VISION
Developing solutions towards sustainable Energy and environmental, socioeconomic challenges
MISSION
- To develop relationships with the key stakeholders such as governments, communities, non-governmental (NGOs) and industries in order to develop a strategy for application of basic and applied research in areas of proposed niche areas.
- To strengthen research networking within the universities, communities & industries through various collaborations, projects, research grants and consultations both locally & internationally.
- To strategize and generate the research activities and consultations works between the universities, industries & communities thus greater impact through this symbiosis.
- To develop scholars and credible experts which are in line with the status of UPM as the lead university in the niche areas.
NICHE AREAS
- Renewable feedstocks/products (synthesis, characterization & recoveries)
- Innovative processes/technologies development (thermal, bioprocess, catalytic, electrochemical, etc)
- Industrial Realiability ( prosess design, optimization & simulation, process safety)
- Sustainability ( environmental, social-economic studies)
RESEARCHERS
- KEY RESEARCHERS
- Prof. Ir. Wan Azlina wan ab karim ghani
- Dr. Robiah yunus
- Dr. Luman chuah Abdullah
- Dr. Thomas choong shean yaw
- Prof. Dr. Mohamad amran mohd salleh
- prof. Dr. Salmiaton Ali
- ASSOCIATE RESEARCHERS
- Dr. Azni Idris
- Prof. Dr. Mohd Razif Harun
- Prof. Dr. Rozita Omar
- Dayang radiah Awang Biak
- Nur Syakina Jamali
- Mohd Syazaruddin Mat Said
- Nik Norliyana Nik Ibrahim
RESEARCH FACILITIES
- Gas Chromatography with Automated Thermal Desorber for VOC
- Gas Chromatography with TCD and FID Detector
- FTIR (functional group detection)
- HPLC System
- SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy – surface morphology)
- Bomb Calorimeter (calorific value)
- Thermogravimetric Analyzer (proximate analysis)
- Differential Scanning Calorimeter
- ICP-AES & AAS (metal determination)
- And others
ACTIVE RESEARCH GRANTS
No |
Project Leader |
Research Title |
Approved Amount (RM) |
Year |
Grant Name |
10 |
Wan Azlina Wan Abdul Karim Ghani |
Understanding Of Biomass And Energy-Food-Environmental-Water (BEFEW) Nexus |
505,600 |
2017-2019 |
NEWTON FUND |
11 |
Wan Azlina Wan Abdul Karim Ghani |
Simultaneous Sox-Nox Removal Using Impregnated Metal Oxide |
148,000 |
2017-2019 |
Geran Putra |
24 |
Thomas Choong Shean Yaw, Omale Sunday Ogakyu |
Carbon Idoxide Sequestration By Direct Mineral Carbonation Using Malaysa Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Slags |
20,000 |
2017-2019 |
Geran Putra |
25 |
Thomas Choong Shean Yaw, Lee Siong Hoong |
Horizontal Separator Performace Study |
20,000 |
2017-2020 |
Geran Putra |
27 |
Luqman Chuah Abdullah@Chuah Teong Guan, Thomas Choong Shean Yaw, |
Synthesis Of Spherical Nanocellulose -Nano Silver Hybride |
137,000 |
2017-2019 |
Geran Putra |
28 |
Mohamad Amran Bin Mohd Salleh, Wan Azlina Wan Ab Karim Ghani, Azni Idris |
Enhanced Pyrolysis Using Biomass Microwave Carbonizer (Bmc) To Convert Palm Oil Biomass (Empty Fruit Bunch) Into Biochar As Alternaive Fuel Source |
426,800 |
2017-2019 |
Geran Putra |
30 |
Wan Azlina Binti Wan Ab Karim Ghani |
Microwave-Derived EFB Biochar As Potential Solid Fuel For Power Generation |
20,000 |
201818-2019 |
Geran Putra |
31 |
Chuah Teong Guan @ Luqman Chuah Bin Abdullah |
Particle Sizing, Mechanical, Mophological, Rheological And Powder Behavior Or Mixing Of Methyl Ester Sulfonates Under High Shear Mixer |
25,000 |
2018-2020 |
Geran Putra |
32 |
Wan Azlina Binti Wan Ab Karim Ghani |
Optimization Of Enzymatic Hydrolysis From Microalgae And Bioactive Peptide Fractionation Using Ultrafiltration Membrane As Antioxidants |
25,000 |
2018-2020 |
Geran Putra |
33 |
Robiah Binti Yunus |
Crude Palm Oil Extraction System For High Oil Recovery |
2,851,400 |
2018-2020 |
Smart fund |
LIST OF COLLABORATIONS (INDUSTRIES & UNIVERSITIES)
No |
Title of Project/Programme |
Collaborator |
1 |
Menilai Sistem Pengeluaran Biochar Dan Activated Carbon |
KNR Systems Inc. Korea |
2 |
Biochar To Treat Contaminated Curcas Burial Site In Korea |
Biochar Research Center, Kangwon University, Korea |
3 |
Production, Characterization Of Biofuels From Selected Seeds Of Lagenaria Species |
University Usmanu Danfodiyo, Nigeria |
4 |
Design Small Scale Biochar Production System |
Hakita Engineering Sdn. Bhd |
5 |
Perunding Fermentation Processes For Johnson&Johnson |
Olive Global Sdn. Bhd. |
6 |
Committee Of International Biochar Institute Product Standardization And Definition |
International Biochar Initiatives (IBI) |
7 |
Memorandum Persefahaman (Mou) |
Green Technology Corporation |
8 |
Biochar Plant |
Nasmech Technologies Sdn Bhd |
9 |
Biochar Carbonization System |
Majari Sdn Bhd |
10 |
Municipal Solid Waste (Msw) Characterization And Composition Analysis From Jeddah Landfill, Saudi Arabia For The Proposed Development Of Waste To Energy Plant In Jeddah |
Green Energy Sdn Bhd |
11 |
Gasification Testing And Analyses On 1 Kw And 5kw Reactor |
Crops for the future research centre |
12 |
Design, Fabrication And Training Of 30KW Gasifier System For Power Generation |
Crops for the future research centre |
13 |
Design And Testing Of Gasification System For Eureka Synergy Sdn Bhd |
Eureka Synergy Sdn Bhd |
14 |
Understanding Biomass On Energy-Food-Environmental-Water Nexus (BEFEW) |
University of Bath, UK, UKM, UTP, UNMC |
15 |
Optimisation Of Biomass For Future Biorefineries |
UNMC,UKM,UTP,UMP |
16 |
Biodisel Production From Fat Oil And Grease |
Pakar Go Green Sdn Bhd |
PUBLICATIONS FOR 2018
- M Javidi Gharacheh, M Khojastehpour, M Ebrahimi-Nik, WAWAK Ghani(2018),Theoretical and Experimental Study of Potato Shoot Gasification in Fluidized-and Fixed-Bed Gasifier, International Journal of Agricultural Management and Development, 8
- J Rambli, WAWAK Ghani, MAM Salleh(2018),Characterization of Sago-based Biochar as Potential Feedstock for Solid Fuel,Journal of Energy and Safety Technology (JEST) 1 (2)
- K Silas, WAWAK Ghani, TSY Choong, U Rashid (2018), Activated carbon monolith Co3O4 based catalyst: Synthesis, characterization and adsorption studies, Environmental Technology & Innovation 12, 273-285
- K Silas, WAWAK Ghani, TSY Choong, U Rashid (2018), Breakthrough studies of Co3O4 supported activated carbon monolith for simultaneous SO2/NOx removal from flue gas,Fuel Processing Technology 180, 155-16
- NSN Shaharum, HZM Shafri, W Ghani, S Samsatli(2018),Mapping of the distribution of oil palm using Landsat 8 data by comparing machine learning and non-machine learning algorithms, Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science
- N Fuad, R Omar, S Kamarudin, R Harun, A Idris, WW Azlina(2018), Effective use of tannin based natural biopolymer, AFlok-BP1 to harvest marine microalgae Nannochloropsis sp.,Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 6 (4), 4318-4328
- AN Farhana, AB Alias, N Talib, ZA Rashid, WAWAK Ghani(2018),Ciri-ciri gabungan biochar dari sekam padi dengan abu terbang arang batu sebagai potensi bahan penjerab, Malaysian Journal of Analytical Sciences 22 (2), 326-332
- M Ngabura, SA Hussain, WAWA Ghani, MS Jami, YP Tan(2018),Utilization of renewable durian peels for biosorption of zinc from wastewater Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 6 (2), 2528-2539
- NH Meri, AB Alias, N Talib, ZA Rashid, W Ghani(2018),Comparison of H2S adsorption by two hydrogel composite (HBC) derived by Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) biochar and Coal Fly Ash (CFA)
- IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 334 (1), 012038
- M Ngabura, SA Hussain, WAWAK Ghani, MS Jami, YP Tan(2018),Optimization and activation of renewable durian husk for biosorption of lead (II) from an aqueous medium, Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology
- NSN Shaharum, HZM Shafri, W Ghani, S Samsatli, B Yusuf (2018),Image classification for mapping oil palm distribution via support vector machine using Scikit-learn module,International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial mapping
- H Madzaki, WAWAK Ghani, TCS Yaw, U Rashid, N Muda(2018),Carbon Dioxide Adsorption on Activated Carbon Hydrothermally Treated and Impregnated with Metal Oxides, Jurnal Kejuruteraan 30 (1), 31-38
- NH Abdullah, K Shameli, EC Abdullah, LC Abdullah(2018),Solid matrices for fabrication of magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties, and application for the adsorption of heavy metal ions and dyes,Composites Part B: Engineering
- R Zolfaghari, LC Abdullah, DRA Biak, S Radiman(2018), Cationic Surfactants for Demulsification of Produced Water from Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer Flooding,Energy & Fuels
- M Abdullah, RA Majid, LC Abdullah, MF Abdul-Wahab, M Aziz(2018),Functionalization of polyacrylonitrile-grafted cellulose with amidoxime and its antimicrobial property,AIP Conference Proceedings 2045 (1), 020042
- S Saalah, LC Abdullah, MM Aung, MZ Salleh, DRA Biak, M Basri(2018),Colloidal stability and rheology of jatropha oil-based waterborne polyurethane (JPU) dispersion,Progress in Organic Coatings 125, 348-357
- F Ghaemi, LC Abdullah, H Kargarzadeh, MM Abdi, NFWM Azlin(2018),Comparative Study of the Electrochemical, Biomedical, and Thermal Properties of Natural and Synthetic Nanomaterials,Nanoscale research letters 13 (1), 112
- N Othman, M Masarudin, C Kuen, N Dasuan, L Abdullah(2018), Synthesis and Optimization of Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with L-Ascorbic Acid and Thymoquinone,Nanomaterials 8 (11), 920
- SY Lee, LC Abdullah, RA Rahman, F Abas, WK Tan, GH Chong(2018), Solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS): An approach in particle engineering to modify aqueous solubility of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculate,Chemical Engineering Research and Design 138, 176-18
- AMRN Alrashidi, NM Adam, AA Hairuddin, LC Abdullah(2018), A review on plasma combustion of fuel in internal combustion engines,International Journal of Energy Research 42 (5), 1813-1833
- A Ali, CH Chong, SH Mah, LC Abdullah, TSY Choong, BL Chua(2018),Impact of Storage Conditions on the Stability of Predominant Phenolic Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Dried Piper betle Extracts Molecules 23 (2), 484
- TSY Choong, CM Yeoh, ET Phuah, WL Siew, YY Lee, TK Tang(2018),Kinetic study of lipase-catalyzed glycerolysis of palm olein using Lipozyme TLIM in solvent-free system,PloS one 13 (2), e0192375
- Ferial Ghaemi, Luqman Chuah Abdullah, Hanieh Kargarzadeh, Mahnaz M Abdi, Nur Farhana Waheeda Mohd Azli, Maryam Abbasian (2018), Comparative Study of the Electrochemical, Biomedical, and Thermal Properties of Natural and Synthetic Nanomaterials, Nanoscale research letters,13(1)
- Siti Hasnah Kamarudin, Luqman Chuah Abdullah, Min Min Aung, Chantara Thevy Ratnam, Emiliana Rose Jusoh(2018), A study of mechanical and morphological properties of PLA based biocomposites prepared with EJO vegetable oil based plasticiser and kenaf fibres, International Journal of Energy Research, 42(5)
- IJ Idan, LC Abdullah, TSY Choong, SNABM Jamil(2018),Equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic adsorption studies of acid dyes on adsorbent developed from kenaf core fiber,Adsorption Science & Technology 36 (1-2), 694-712
- SH Lee, TSY Choong, LC Abdullah, ZH Ban(2018),Experimental and CFD Modelling: Impact of the Inlet Slug Flow on the Horizontal Gas–Liquid Separator,Energies 12 (1), 1-32
- LJ Wei, OT Haan, TCS Yaw, LC Abdullah, T Cionita, A Toudehdehghan(2018),Heavy metal recovery from electric arc furnace steel slag by using hydrochloric acid leaching, E3S Web of Conferences 34, 02007
- RMHR Shahruzzaman, A Salmiaton, R Yunus, YH Taufiq-Yap(2018),Modified local carbonate mineral as deoxygenated catalyst for biofuel production via catalytic pyrolysis of waste cooking oil,AIP Conference Proceedings 2030 (1), 020006
- H Abd Hamid, R Yunus, U Rashid, TSY Choong, S Ali, AM Syam(2018),Synthesis Study of High Oleic Palm Oil-based Trimethylolpropane Triesters: Response Surface Methodology Based Optimization,CHIANG MAI JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 45 (2), 984-996
- L Jassim, R Yunus, SA Rashid, A Salleh(2018),Potential of Ethylhexyl Ester Oil to Enhance Drilling of HTHP Wellbores,Engineering and Technology Journal 36 (1 Part (C)), 30-37
- Bashir, M.T., Salmiaton, A., Idris, A., Harun, R.(2018), Monitoring kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of fluoride adsorption from aqueous solution by pks-based anion resins, Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Sciences,12(2), pp. 3624-3632
- Mageed, A.K., Dayang Radiah, A.B., Salmiaton, A., Izhar, S., Razak, M.A.(2018), Study the Thermal Stability of Nitrogen Doped Reduced Graphite Oxide Supported Copper Catalyst, Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Sciences,12(2), pp. 3624-3632
- Shahruzzaman, R.M.H.R., Salmiaton, A., Yunus, R., Taufiq-Yap, Y.H.(2018), Modified local carbonate mineral as deoxygenated catalyst for biofuel production via catalytic pyrolysis of waste cooking oil, AIP Conference Proceedings, 2030,020006
- Hafriz, R.S.R.M., Salmiaton, A., Yunus, R., Taufiq-Yap, Y.H.(2018), Green Biofuel Production via Catalytic Pyrolysis of Waste Cooking Oil using Malaysian Dolomite Catalyst, Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis,13(3), pp. 489-501
- Ali, A., Chong, C.H., Mah, S.H., Choong, T.S.Y., Chua, B.L.(2018), Impact of storage conditions on the stability of predominant phenolic constituents and antioxidant activity of dried piper betle extracts, Molecules,23(2),84
- Idan, I.J., Abdullah, L.C., Choong, T.S.Y., Jamil, S.N.A.B.M.(2018), Equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic adsorption studies of acid dyes on adsorbent developed from kenaf core fiber, Adsorption Science and Technology,36(1-2), pp. 694-712
- Hoh, K.-F., Syam, S., Phuah, E.-T., Choong, T.S.-Y.(2018), Computer modelling of phase change materials using the orthogonal collocation method, ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences,13(11), pp. 3617-3625
- Lee, S.H., Choong, T.S.Y., Abdullah, L.C., Razak, M.A., Ban, Z.H.(2018), Experimental and CFD Modelling: Impact of the inlet slug flow on the horizontal gas-liquid separator, Energies,12(1),41
- Agudosi, E.S., Salleh, M.A.M., Abdullah, E.C., Khalid, M., Azni, A.A.(2018), Characterization of crystallized struvite on wastewater treatment equipment: Prospects for crystal fertilizer production, Desalination and Water Treatment,113, pp. 205-212
- Cretescu, I., Harja, M., Teodosiu, C., (...), Sluser, B.M., Salleh, M.A.M.(2018), synthesis and characterisation of a binder cement replacement based on alkali activation of fly ash waste, Process Safety and Environmental Protection,119, pp. 23-35
- Yu, K.L., Show, P.L., Ong, H.C., (...), Chen, W.-H., Salleh, M.A.M.(2018), Biochar production from microalgae cultivation through pyrolysis as a sustainable carbon sequestration and biorefinery approach, Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy,20(9), pp. 2047-2055
ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED IN 2018
No |
Acitivites |
Date |
Outcomes |
1 |
Meeting with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (Research)R |
12/1/2018018 |
Potential collaboration discussion with TNBR |
2 |
Networking sessions ARPOS |
18/1/2018 |
Potential collaborators for research |
4 |
Writing workshop, Bangi |
2/4/2018 |
Publications planning & paper writing |
5 |
MPOB-UKM Mini Seminar, bangi |
24/4/2018 |
Research collaboration & networking |
6 |
Oxford & Bath workshops & visit |
20-27/4/2018 |
Promotions, research networking & collaborations |
7 |
MRUN-MTUN-MCUN research proposal |
31/5/2018 |
Proposal submissions |
8 |
Lafarge meeting |
30/7/2018 |
Potential collaborators for research |
9 |
Stakeholder engagement meeting (SEDA, KETTHA, DOE, SIRIM, etc), Dorsett, Putrajaya |
31/7/2018 |
Engagement |
10 |
Cinergi visit (luqman, wan, din, kina) |
6/9/2018 |
Potential collaboration discussion |
11 |
Awards : KANS award, Iran |
11-13/11/2018 |
Research recognition |
12 |
BEFEW conference (workshop, conf, visit) |
10-14/12/2018 |
Research collaboration & networking , engagement, dissemination & publications |
CONTACT INFO
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Wan Azlina Wan Ab Karim Ghani
Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 UPM, Serdang
Tel : 603-9769 6287 Fax : 603-86567120
email : wanazlina@upm.edu.my