NETL experts shared their innovative research and development (R&D) work with scientists from around the world at the nation’s premier educational forum for chemical engineers, the American Institute for Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE) 2020 Annual Meeting.

More than 40 NETL personnel participated in the virtual event held Nov. 16-20. Researchers from academia, government, and industry addressed a wide range of topics relevant to cutting-edge research, new technologies and emerging growth areas in chemical engineering.

NETL researchers organized more than 15 sessions and presented more than 35 papers during the conference, covering a wide range of fossil energy-related topics, such as: carbon dioxide capture from power generation; novel approaches to CO2 utilization; value-added chemicals from natural gas; advances in clean energy R&D (plenary); fuel processing for hydrogen production an storage; advances in unconventional oil and gas; design and optimization of environmentally sustainable advanced fossil energy systems; engineering geologic carbon dioxide storage systems; modular processes for coal and/or biomass conversion; advances in fluid particle separations; fluid particle separation in energy and environmental systems, and major separations challenges.  

“These sessions provide a platform for researchers in the area of fossil energy to interact, exchange ideas, discuss current developments, and develop collaborations,” said Dushyant Shekhawat, supervisor for the Lab’s Reaction Engineering team. “The papers presented by NETL researchers in the conference covered basic and applied research, modeling and simulation, and system analysis of several aspects of fossil energy related issues.”

Two researchers at NETL were recognized for their achievements and contributions in their fields during this meeting. Madhava Syamlal, Ph.D., senior fellow, Computational Sciences and Engineering, received the Elsevier Particle Technology Forum Award for Lifetime Achievements. Isaac Gamwo, Ph.D., a research chemical engineer on NETL’s Reaction Engineering Team, received the AIChE Minority Affairs Committee’s Eminent Chemical Engineers Award.

NETL also hosted an exhibit to share more information about its key lab initiatives and highlight partnership opportunities. NETL researchers frequently collaborate with industry, academia and more to accelerate the development of innovative energy technology solutions. Additionally, the Lab’s Technology Transfer office uses a variety of partnership and licensing mechanisms to move Lab-developed innovations into the marketplace for maximum public benefit.

NETL works to discover, integrate and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation’s energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations. Participation in events like AIChE’s annual meeting support that mission by elevating NETL’s successes, allowing the Lab’s technical experts to learn from the latest chemical engineering advances and facilitating critical partnerships.

AIChE is the world’s leading organization for chemical engineering professionals, with more than 60,000 members from more than 110 countries.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that produces technological solutions for America’s energy challenges. From developing creative innovations and efficient energy systems that make coal more competitive, to advancing technologies that enhance oil and natural gas extraction and transmission processes, NETL research is providing breakthroughs and discoveries that support domestic energy initiatives, stimulate a growing economy, and improve the health, safety, and security of all Americans. Highly skilled men and women at NETL’s sites in Albany, Oregon; Anchorage, Alaska; Houston, Texas; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania conduct a broad range of research activities that support DOE’s mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.