Faglige nøgleord: Chemical engineering, Submersed Membrane Bioreactor, microfiltration, membrane fouling, membrane, cleaning, back pulsing
Oplæg tilgængeligt på: Engelsk
My research project focuses on advancing downstream processes to continuously separate and purify valuable bio-products, such as proteins, antibodies, and enzymes. To achieve this, I am integrating a bioreactor and a ceramic membrane into a single unit. This is the first time these two components have been combined in this way, which helps minimize the space, energy, and time required for producing pharmaceuticals, for example. Once the bioreactor and membrane are integrated, the reaction and separation occur simultaneously and continuously, eliminating the need for a separate purification process. However, since we use membranes with pore sizes in the micrometer range, they can become clogged or blocked. To ensure continuous separation over longer periods, the membrane requires cleaning, either through chemical or mechanical methods. In my project, I am exploring mechanical cleaning methods, such as sending pressurized pulses in a backward direction, which can push out the clogged particles and restore the membrane's filtration capacity.
By focusing on mechanical cleaning methods instead of chemical ones, we avoid the use of harsh and toxic chemicals, like acids and salts, which degrade membrane life (SDG 12) and harm water quality and marine ecosystems when disposed of (SDG 13). Additionally, by combining the bioreactor and membrane separation in one unit, we can save energy, space, and costs (SDG 8, 9, 12).
I was born and raised in Nepal, an impoverished country where access to quality education was always a challenge. I attended a government school where something as basic as maintaining a solid, rainproof roof was a big deal. Despite difficult social and living conditions, I was committed to educating myself, whether it was solving algebra problems or participating in and leading the Junior Red Cross in my school. Later, I moved to Nepal's capital, where I received a scholarship to attend a decent high school, majoring in Science and Math. I went on to complete my BE in Mechanical Engineering in India before returning to Nepal, where I gained 18 months of industrial experience. Seeking a more stimulating and challenging academic environment, I decided to pursue an MSc in Water Science and Engineering in Germany before transitioning to DTU. Overall, this journey has been a tremendous learning process, both academically and personally, and I look forward to continuing to grow in both areas.