Brian F. Towler

Bio: Brian F. Towler is an academic researcher from University of Queensland. The author has contributed to research in topics: Coal & Enhanced oil recovery. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 114 publications receiving 2647 citations. Previous affiliations of Brian F. Towler include Rolls-Royce Limited & University of Wyoming.

Coal Gasification and Its Applications

Abstract: Skyrocketing energy costs have spurred renewed interest in coal gasification. Currently available information on this subject needs to be updated, however, and focused on specific coals and end products. For example, carbon capture and sequestration, previously given little attention, now has a prominent role in coal conversion processes. This book approaches coal gasification and related technologies from a process engineering point of view, with topics chosen to aid the process engineer who is interested in a complete, coal-to-products system. It provides a perspective for engineers and scientists who analyze and improve components of coal conversion processes. The first topic describes the nature and availability of coal. Next, the fundamentals of gasification are described, followed by a description of gasification technologies and gas cleaning processes. The conversion of syngas to electricity, fuels and chemicals is then discussed. Finally, process economics are covered. Emphasis is given to the selection of gasification technology based on the type of coal fed to the gasifier and desired end product: e.g., lower temperature gasifiers produce substantial quantities of methane, which is undesirable in an ammonia synthesis feed. This book also reviews gasification kinetics which is informed by recent papers and process design studies by the US Department of Energy and other groups, and also largely ignored by other gasification books. This book approaches coal gasification and related technologies from a process engineering point of view, providing a perspective for engineers and scientists who analyze and improve components of coal conversion processes. It describes the fundamentals of gasification, gasification technologies, and gas cleaning processes. It emphasizes the importance of the coal types fed to the gasifier and desired end products. It covers gasification kinetics, which was largely ignored by other gasification books. It provides a perspective for engineers and scientists who analyze and improve components of the coal conversion processes. It describes the fundamentals of gasification, gasification technologies, and gas cleaning processes. It covers gasification kinetics, which was largely ignored by other gasification books.

Polymer/Silica Nanocomposites: Preparation, Characterization, Properties, and Applications

Abstract: 5. In Situ Polymerization 3907 5.1. General Polymerization 3907 5.2. Photopolymerization 3910 5.3. Surface-Initiated Polymerization 3912 5.4. Other Methods 3913 6. Colloidal Nanocomposites 3913 6.1. Sol-Gel Process 3914 6.2. In Situ Polymerization 3916 6.2.1. Emulsion Polymerization 3917 6.2.2. Emulsifier-Free Emulsion Polymerization 3919 6.2.3. Miniemulsion Polymerization 3920 6.2.4. Dispersion Polymerization 3921 6.2.5. Other Polymerization Methods 3923 6.2.6. Conducting Nanocomposites 3924 6.3. Self Assembly 3926 7. Other Preparative Methods 3926 8. Characterization and Properties 3928 8.1. Chemical Structure 3928 8.2. Microstructure and Morphology 3929 8.3. Mechanical Properties 3933 8.3.1. Tensile, Impact, and Flexural Properties 3933 8.3.2. Hardness 3936 8.3.3. Fracture Toughness 3937 8.3.4. Friction and Wear Properties 3937 8.4. Thermal Properties 3938 8.5. Flame-Retardant Properties 3941 8.6. Optical Properties 3942 8.7. Gas Transport Properties 3943 8.8. Rheological Properties 3945 8.9. Electrical Properties 3945 8.10. Other Characterization Techniques 3946 9. Applications 3947 9.1. Coatings 3947 9.2. Proton Exchange Membranes 3948 9.3. Pervaporation Membranes 3948 9.4. Encapsulation of Organic Light-Emitting Devices 3948

Membrane Gas Separation: A Review/State of the Art

Abstract: In the last years membrane processes for gas separation are gaining a larger acceptance in industry and in the market are competing with consolidated operations such as pressure swing absorption and cryogenic distillation. The key for new applications of membranes in challenging and harsh environments (e.g., petrochemistry) is the development of new tough, high performance materials. The modular nature of membrane operations is intrinsically fit for process intensification, and this versatility might be a decisive factor to impose membrane processes in most gas separation fields, in a similar way as today membranes represent the main technology for water treatment. This review highlights the most promising areas of research in gas separation, by considering the materials for membranes, the industrial applications of membrane gas separations, and finally the opportunities for the integration of membrane gas separation units in hybrid systems for the intensification of processes.

Complex Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage

Abstract: Note: Times Cited: 875 Reference EPFL-ARTICLE-206025doi:10.1021/cr0501846View record in Web of Science URL: ://WOS:000249839900009 Record created on 2015-03-03, modified on 2017-05-12

CO2 Capture and Separations Using MOFs: Computational and Experimental Studies

Abstract: This Review focuses on research oriented toward elucidation of the various aspects that determine adsorption of CO2 in metal–organic frameworks and its separation from gas mixtures found in industrial processes. It includes theoretical, experimental, and combined approaches able to characterize the materials, investigate the adsorption/desorption/reaction properties of the adsorbates inside such environments, screen and design new materials, and analyze additional factors such as material regenerability, stability, effects of impurities, and cost among several factors that influence the effectiveness of the separations. CO2 adsorption, separations, and membranes are reviewed followed by an analysis of the effects of stability, impurities, and process operation conditions on practical applications.