Professor Dr.-Ing. Mirko Skiborowski is the head of the Institute for Process Systems Engineering at the Technical University of Hamburg and the spokesperson for the research focus “Biobased Processes & Reactor Technologies” at his university. Before taking up the professorship at TU Hamburg, he completed his PhD in Process Systems Engineering at RWTH Aachen and his habilitation in Fluid Process Engineering at the Technical University of Dortmund.
His research topics include:
- Energy-efficient separation processes: Development of energy-efficient separation methods through the combination of different basic operations, such as membrane separation processes, extraction, and distillation, as well as energy integration, considering thermal coupling and the use of heat pumps. In addition to experimental studies on laboratory and pilot plant systems, the focus is particularly on model-based methods for design and optimization.
- Process optimization: Dedicated optimization approaches are developed to efficiently solve complex nonlinear and mixed-integer optimization problems, providing the best possible solutions. Further work focuses on optimization under uncertainty and multi-criteria optimization with competing objectives.
- Process intensification: Experimental and model-based investigations of intensified equipment (e.g., milli-structured plate reactors and membrane distillation) and processes (e.g., hybrid and reactive separation processes such as reactive distillation).
The following collaboration opportunities are offered to companies:
- Expert consultations
- Lectures at companies
- Method and knowledge transfer through workshops
- Contract research, conducting studies
- Participation in research projects
- Offer of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses after prior consultation: A student works on a task from your company in collaboration with the Institute for Process Systems Engineering for three to six months.
Various software is used for research activities. For process design and optimization, in-house methods are primarily available, based on established thermodynamic and kinetic models and implemented in modeling and optimization software such as Matlab, Python, or GAMS. The results can usually be easily transferred to common process simulation tools like Aspen Plus/Hysys.
For experimental studies and model development, the following test systems are available:
Measurement technology
- Gas chromatograph (Perkin Elmer Clarus 500)
- Analytical HPLC (Knauer AZURA / PLATINblue)
- Vapor pressure and VLE measurement stand (Scott ebulliometer)
- UV-VIS spectrophotometer (VWR – UV-1600PC)
- Single and dual-channel photometers (Avantes)
Test facilities:
- Rotary evaporator (Büchi Rotavapor R-215)
- Miniature rectification unit for small samples (glass)
- Pressure loss measurement stand for column internals
- DN 60 packed column (1.5m packed bed, glass)
- Multifunctional rectification unit consisting of a combination of a side stream and a dividing wall column (DN50/65, height 11m, steel)
- MET laboratory system (3 test cells) for the characterization of polymer membranes in aqueous and organic systems
- Centrifuge (Carl Padberg Zentrifugenbau GmbH, Z41)
- Pressure loss measurement stand for column internals
Further information can be found on the institute’s website.
Would you like to speak with an expert who can assess whether Prof. Skiborowski is a suitable cooperation partner for your project? Feel free to contact the IKS team. Of course, the team is also available for any other questions regarding collaboration between industry and academia.
The IKS is funded by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The project sponsors are the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Hamburg Innovation GmbH.
Photo: Eva Haeberle/TU Hamburg