Institute of Solids Process Engineering and Particle Technology

Dear visitors,

The Institute of Solids Process Engineering and Particle Technology (SPE) has been founded as one of the first institutes of the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) in 1980 by Prof. Joachim Werther and since 2008 the institute is headed by me.

The research focus of the institute is the fluidized bed technology and its industrial applications.

We investigate physical and chemical particle rate and transport processes like classification, drying, heating and cooling of solids, combustion, incineration, gasification and pyrolysis of solid fuels, including hard and brown coals, dewatered and/or dried sewage sludge, biomasses and different kinds of wastes. Hereby the research work is mainly directed towards combustion behavior, emission formation and reduction and measures for emission reduction, co-combustion and gasification.

The major research area of the institute is formulation and design of particles by coating, encapsulation, granulation, and agglomeration, mainly by spray-fluidized beds but also by spray drying.

Experimental investigations with novel developed measurement methods are supported and compared by hierarchically structured theoretical approaches. The model development includes particle based methods (e.g. DEM, population balances), continuous models (e.g. FEM, CFD) as well as steady-state and dynamic flowsheet simulations of solids processes, whereas simulations consider individual particles, bulk solids and multiphase particle laden flows. In order to meet these challenges we have also collaborations with numerous research groups, industrial partners, and federal institutions.

On this homepage, we shall provide a brief overview of our infrastructure, teaching, university courses and research activities with devotion to highlights of the projects of our PhD students within five research areas. We have well-equipped laboratories for analysis of complex particle systems as well as modern technical laboratories for pilot plant research and workshops. Especially our fluidized bed facilities are unique for a university institute.

On behalf of all members of our institute I invite you to explore our research projects and get in touch with us if you are interested.

Sincerely yours,