Study of particulate systems -powders and granules- in reactive and non-reactive environments

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The proposed research is aimed at studying the behaviour of particulate systems (powders and granules) in the following contexts:1. Micrometric, non-aerated particulate flows in environments without chemical reactions. The work includes (a) the study of radial and axial velocity as well as concentration profiles during non-aerated flow of particulate mixtures (mobile beds driven by gravity); (b) the development of knowledge relating flow characteristics to segregation tendencies in particulate mixtures. The proposed method is intended to measure segregation by evaluating dispersion tendencies in mixtures during flow.2. Nanometric particulate dispersions in liquid phases (slurries), acting as catalysts or reactants, in the presence or absence of a third (gaseous) phase. Investigate (a) nanometric catalysts (nano-iron carbides) in 3-phase slurry Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis reactors and (b) supported nanometric metallic catalysts, in 2-phase, fixed-bed reactors for reforming and hydrotreatment. Multi-phase reactors are typical examples of multi-step processes.The proposed work is original, multi-dimensional and it is highly significant, both at the fundamental and applied levels. Understanding the physico-chemical behaviour of nanocatalysts will greatly improve our capacity to design such catalytic systems and optimize productivity while decreasing costs and the environmental impact of industrial production processes.