Vincent Ndinisa

Profile:

• Nat. Dip., Chemical Engineering, Durban Institute of Technology, RSA, 1996
• B.Tech (Hons)., Chem. Eng., Durban Institute of Technology, RSA, 1998

• 1999 - present: Lecturer, Durban Institute of Technology, RSA
• 1996 - 1998: Research assistant, Durban Institute of Technology, RSA

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Summary of Project whilst at the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology:

Submerged flat sheet membranes are predominantly used in Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs). They offer several advantages over external recirculation MBRs such as small foot print plant and lower energy consumption. However, just like all other membrane processes, fouling is still a major problem hindering widespread commercialization of submerged MBRs. There are several mechanisms which have been studied in order to combat fouling but recently the use gas-liquid two-phase flow has proven to be the most efficient and economical process. This technique is mostly used by commercial plants such as the Kubota MBR and hence the information pertaining to this process is seldom published. Therefore the main aim of this project is to increase the knowledge regarding the manner in which gas-liquid two-phase flow reduces fouling and hence increasing flux. This has been done by conducting experimental as well as CFD investigations. The overall aim of the project is to optimize the application of gas liquid two-phase flow for submerged flat sheet membrane. Parameters such as nozzle size, nozzle geometry, air flowrate, operating procedures will be optimized.

A/Prof D.E. Wiley
Prof A.G. Fane

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Selected Publications:

• Ndinisa, N V; Wiley D E; Fletcher, D F; CFD simulations of single gas bubbles rising trough stagnant liquids - validation of numerical methods, Trans IChemE, submitted
• Ndinisa, N V; Wiley D E; Fletcher, D F; A CFD study of the effect of liquid extraction on wall shear stress in bubbling flow, J. Memb Sci, in preparation for submission

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