09 March, 2023

The objective to organize an Expert Talk on "Biomass to Hydrogen: Thermochemical Methods" under the banner of VGEC Research and STEM Team & VGEC Alumni Association is to provide chemical engineering students with an understanding of various thermochemical methods used to convert biomass to hydrogen. The talk aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, highlight the potential of biomass as a sustainable and renewable source of hydrogen, and encourage students to explore the use of biomass in their future research and professional endeavours.

Key Features:

• Organizing Department: Chemical Engineering Department
• Expert’s Details: Dr. Pratik N. Sheth, Associate Professor and Head, Chemical Engineering Department, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani
• Date: 09th March 2023 (11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Venue: Dual mode (Online & Offline)
• No. of Participants: 30
• Event Coordinators: Dr. Milap G. Nayak and Prof. Shuchen B. Thakore

Discussion Points:

• Biomass to Hydrogen: Thermochemical Methods for sustainable hydrogen production
• RFD gasification, Tar cracking and CFD analysis
• Technical challenges include method selection and process parameter optimization
• Economic feasibility of biomass gasification
• Safety measures required when handling the process, and the role of chemical engineering in transitioning to a sustainable energy system