current group members
- D. French
- B. Gill
- B. Spivey
- D. Weber
- I. Castillo
- R. Palma
- D. Thiele
- S. Ziaii
- B. Parkinson
- S. Abrol
- A. Nguyen
- X. Jiang
- K. Pedro Han
Douglas H. French
Research interests
I left the plush industrial setting at a major (formerly) American brewery because of my desire to reenter the industrial landscape at a higher technical level with focuses in process controls, modeling and economics.
Currently, my project is with Emerson Process Management and focuses on the effect of wireless networks on the performance of control systems.
Education
THE Ohio State University
June 2005, B.S. Chemical Engineering (Magna Cum Laude)
The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Semester abroad (Yes, I did take engineering classes)
University of Texas at Austin
August 2007- Present, PhD, Chemical Engineering
Experience
Graduate Research Assistant (August 2007- Present)
Three years industry experience (See resume for details)
Skills and Proficiencies
Programming:
Enough knowledge to be dangerous: HMI packages (RS View mostly, more limited experience with Factory Link); JMP; Fortran; ASPENExperience with: PLC programming (RS Logix), Matlab, MatchCad, Excel
Contact Information
Office: CPE 5.416
Office Phone: (512) 471-5150
Email: dhfrench@hotmail.com
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
USA
Bhalinder Singh Gill
Research Interests
Major area of my research is related to modeling and control of process related to Semiconductor manufacturing. The various processing steps fall into four general categories: deposition, removal, patterning, and modification of electrical properties.
Currently, I am working on a project with Texas Instruments Inc, Dallas which focuses on the virtual metrology in the etching step. The goal is to model this step so that the main performance variable, etch rate, does not need to be determined using an offline measurement tool. If an accurate estimate can be predicted, then a huge reduction in the measurement cost of the etched wafer could be achieved. This type of online measurement also rules out the present delays in the measurement process. Potential models such as Ordinary least squares, neural networks, Projection to latent surfaces, etc, look promising down the line. Major process variables to be used in the models are chamber pressure, optical sensor signals, etchant flow rates and RF power.
Other areas of interest include Fault Detection and Identification. Squared prediction error (SPE) and Hotelling T-square methods were used to detect faults in the process data from Texas Instruments. Most techniques used for analysis such as PCA and PLS assume that the data is already synchronized. Data synchronization entails the alignment of peaks, valleys and other important features in all the profiles corresponding to different wafers in a lot. Once the signals are synchronized, they may provide an indication of the presence of faults in the signals.
Generally, the data can be synchronized using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), but it has some shortcomings, for example, one point in new trajectory (to be synchronized) may be aligned to multiple points in the reference trajectory. This can lead to wrong alignment if the reference and new trajectories only slightly differ qualitatively and have an offset in y-direction. An improved technique called Derivative Dynamic Time Warping (DDTW) uses derivatives instead of distances for synchronization. Both these techniques were applied and the data was synchronized.
Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to detect faulty sensor signals. The technique captures the first wafer effect if the data were synchronized before using PCA. SPE values of all other wafers in the lot were below the maximum allowed value. If the raw (unsynchronized) data were used for PCA analysis, the results indicate some additional faults. Some normal wafers were wrongly found to be faulty, leading to inaccurate fault detection. So, in short, the data should first be synchronized and then fault detection should be done using PCA.
Education
Indian Institute of Technology, GuwahatiMay 2007 ,Bachelor of Technology, Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
August 2007- Present , PhD, Chemical Engineering
GPA: 4.00/4.00
Experience
- Graduate Research Assistant (September 2007 - present)
- Development of a virtual model for in-situ measurements of Etch rate in the semiconductor manufacturing’, supported by Texas Instruments Inc, Dallas, TX, USA
- Guide : Prof. Thomas F. Edgar, Department of Chemical Engineering,University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
- Bachelors Dissertation (Jul 2006 - Apr 2007)
- 'Model predictive control using Markov chain monte carlo method
- Guide: Dr. Prabirkumar Saha, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Guwahati
- Invited Research Intern (May 2006 - Jul 2006)
- Process Control Laboratory, Universität Dortmund, Germany
- Numerical sensitivity analysis of parameters of a nonlinear chromatographic Simulated Moving Bed process’
- Guide: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Engell, Head, Process Control Laboratory and Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering
- Research Project (Jan 2005- Aug 2005)
- Optimization of Styrene production process’
- Guide: Dr. Ramgopal Uppaluri, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Guwahati
- Invited Research Intern (May 2005 - Jul 2005)
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Delhi, INDIA
- 'Modeling and Simulation of Dynamics of a Countercurrent Cooled Fixed Bed Reactor'
- 'Power Consumption and Efficiency in Stirred tank heaters and mixing time analysis’
- Guide: Prof. D.P.Rao, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Delhi
Skills and Proficiencies
- Operating Systems: Windows 1998/2000/NT/XP
- Familiar to softwares like Matlab, Polymath and ASPEN
- Programming Background: C and C++ languages
- Natural Languages: Fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi
- Major strengths: High programming aptitude
Academic/Scholastic achievements
- Awarded DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship during internship at Dortmund University, Germany for the period of May 2006 to July 2006 for working on a research project 'Numerical sensitivity analysis of parameters of a nonlinear chromatographic Simulated Moving Bed process’.
- Silver medalist in National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) and recipient of the scholarship in 1995.
- Ranked 50th (in India) in National Science Olympiad in year 2002.
- Placed in National top 1 % in National Standard Examination in Physics held by Indian Association of Physics Teachers in 2003.
Term papers and Research articles
- ‘Optimization of Styrene production process’, Gill B S, Dhir S, Uppaluri, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2006
- ‘Feasibility report for Allyl alcohol production process’, Gill B S, Purkait M , Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2006
- ‘Computational Study of Laminar Heat Transfer in Backward Facing Step ’, Gill B S, Das M, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2006
- ‘Multicomponent azeotropic distillation’, Gill B S, Pugazhenthi G, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2006
- ‘Numerical sensitivity analysis of parameters of a nonlinear chromatographic Simulated Moving Bed process’, Gill B S, Engell S, Process control laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universität Dortmund, Germany, 2006
- ‘Model predictive control: A review’, Gill B S, Saha P, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2006
- ‘Vapor Liquid Equilibrium: Modeling and simulation’, Gill B S and Gumma S, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2005
- ‘Modeling of Adsorption of Non-Ideal Mixtures on a Solid Surface’, Gill B S and Gumma S, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2005
- ‘Design of Ammonia plant’, Gill B S, Saha P, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2004
- ‘Development of a code for Heat Exchanger Design’, Gill B S, Saha P, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 2004
Papers
Conference papers
- Gill B S, Dhir S, Uppaluri R, ” Optimization of Styrene production process” Proceedings of 59th Annual Session of the Indian Chemical Engineering Congress (CHEMCON 2006), 27-30 December 2006, Gujarat, India.
- Gill B S, “Numerical sensitivity analysis of parameters of a nonlinear chromatographic Simulated Moving Bed process”, Proceedings of 2nd Annual Session of Students’ Chemical Engineering Congress (SCHEMCON 2006), 15-17 September 2006, Anantapur, India.
Extracurricular Activities
- Active member Of IIChE (Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers).Participated in 2nd SCHEMCON (Student’s Chemical Congress ) at JNTU college, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh on 15-17 September 2006.
- Event Organizer of 'Deep purple' (a submarine making competition), an event of Techniche 2005 (IITG's annual technical festival)
Conferences and technical festivals participated
- The 59th Chemical Engineering Congress (CHEMCON 2006), Bharuch, Gujarat, India, December 2006.
- The 2nd Student’s Chemical Engineering Congress (SCHEMCON 2006), Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India, September 2006.
- The 10th Annual National Technical Festival of Indian Institute of Technology - Guwahati, ‘Techniche 2005’, Guwahati, India, September 2005.
- The 9th Annual National Technical Festival of Indian Institute of Technology - Guwahati, ‘Techniche 2004’, Guwahati, India, September 2004.
Professional memberships
- Student Member, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) (2005-Till date)
Contact Information
Office: CPE 5.412
Office Phone: (512) 471-1046
Email: bgill@che.utexas.edu
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
USA
Ben Spivey
Scientific Interests and Activities
Fault Detection in Petrochemical Plants
Process disturbances in petrochemical plants may be caused by gradual phenomena such as fouling and equipment wear or abrupt changes including plugging and instrumentation failure. Detection and prediction of these process disturbances enables production decision makers to improve process knowledge and control algorithms and further increase plant reliability and performance. My research is focused on improving state and parameter estimation techniques to advance fault detection capabilities.
My first research project has involved application of first-principles modeling and moving horizon estimation to develop a fouling soft-sensor for a precontacting pot based on real-time measurements from a distributed control system.* A combination of energy and mass balances, associated time lags, and experimental correlations characterizes the pot active cooling system. Moving horizon estimation (MHE) enables estimation of the heat transfer coefficient in this nonlinear system with parameter constraints. The heat transfer coefficient is a direct measure of fouling thickness. On-line operation over the first month has successfully indicated a significant change in the fouling indicator during a gradual increase in fouling during normal operation and immediate removal following a cleanout. The monitor has also operated robustly with no bad runs during this period.
My future research seeks to improve global optimization of parameter estimation and model-refinement techniques using a combination of deterministic approaches including MHE and probabilistic approaches including particle filtering.
*This research was supported by ExxonMobil Chemical during an internship in Summer 2008.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
PhD in Chemical Engineering, May 2007 - present
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
BS in Mechanical Engineering, May 2005
Experience
Graduate Research Assistant (Jan 2007 - present)
Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Fault detection and improved estimation techniques for petrochemical plants
Advised by Dr. Edgar
Diblock self-assembly for fabrication of nanodevices
Advised by Dr. Ekerdt under the IGERT Fellowship
Design Engineer (May 2005 – Jan 2007)
GE Energy, Greenville, SC
- Performed thermal FEA of turbine vane conceptual designs to assess lifing risks.
- Applied design of experiments to optimize turbine vane cooling system to reduce cooling leakage and metal temperature.
- Managed hot gas path instrumentation of the 9FB gas turbine.
Mechanical Engineer Intern (May 2004 – Aug 2004)
Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA
- Performed feasibility tests on a novel heart valve design that led to a new research initiative.
- Completed RCA of excessive vibrations in a valve testing system using system dynamics analysis.
Mechanical Engineer Co-op (May 2001 – Aug 2003)
Michelin Americas Research and Development, Greenville, SC
- Managed a project to identify source of truck tire non-uniformities; results led to improvement of the curing process.
- Developed a GUI in MATLAB that automated a process for performing tire test measurements.
Software Experience
MATLAB, VBA, FORTAN, Java, Minitab
Contact Information
Office: CPE 4.452
Phone: (678) 575-9940
Email: bspivey@mail.utexas.edu
Daniel B. Weber
Scientific Interests and Activities
With the recent increase in the demand for oil and the predicted decline in available supply, the ability to obtain oil efficiently and effectively has become increasingly important. Current research has focused on the development of “smart reservoirs” that can respond to variations in the reservoir by manipulating the injection scheme. Reservoir simulators have traditionally been too large and run times too long to allow for this kind of application. Using a recently developed capacitance model that concentrates on the relationship between injection and production wells, we can balance and optimize the effects of injection wells to produce the most oil from a given reservoir.
Education
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Pursuing Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
Current GPA: 4.0
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, April 2005
Experience
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
Intern, Well Construction Section Summer 2005
- Improved models for drilling fluid to allow access to deeper reservoirs
- Became proficient in the use of FLUENT and Design Expert software packages
International Reservoir Simulation Research Institute (IRSRI)
Research Assistant Summer 2003-Winter 2005
- Developed equations to model reservoir pressures 104 times more accurately than traditional solutions
- Worked closely with leading researchers in reservoir engineering
Brigham Young University, Chemical Engineering Department
Teaching Assistant for Computer Skills Course Fall 2003
- Taught chemical engineering students to use MathCAD, MS Excel, Visual Basic
- Performed “troubleshooting” related to the course software
Brigham Young University, Math Department
Teaching Assistant for Multivariable Calculus Winter 2003
- Taught class frequently and tutored students
Publications
Weber, D.B., H.B. Hales, and L.L. Baxter, “A New Method of Formulating Finite Difference Equations – Some Reservoir Simulation Examples”, Paper 2004-170 presented at the Canadian International Petroleum Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 8-10, 2004
Contact Information
Office: (512) 471-5150
Cell: (512) 786-5118
Email: weber@che.utexas.edu
CPE 5.416
Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
USA
Iván Castillo C.
Scientific Interests and Activities
Nowadays complex systems are very demanding in their performance goals, but these systems are also vulnerable to faults (such as sensor, actuator or process faults). These faults often lead to shut down actions in plants. In order to increase plant availability and reduce the risk of safety hazards, research on “Fault Tolerant Control” (FTC) has been addressed. A Fault Tolerant Control (FTC) system is composed for two main subsystems: (1) Fault Detection and Diagnosis, and (2) Control Re-design, a system with capabilities of fault accommodation and reconfiguration. My current research focuses on these two subsystems applied to complex chemical processes.
Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD)
There are many difficulties in developing diagnosis systems in chemical processes because of their high nonlinearity, uncertainty, large size and complexity (for instance, multivariable structure and interactive dynamic behavior). These issues have shown that no single current method (based on models, data, etc.) of fault diagnosis is capable of solving all the problems that are present in these processes. My research goal is to design a FDD system that can deal with the difficult characteristics of chemical processes.
Control Re-design:
Once one fault in the process is isolated and identified, this subsystem has to be adapted to the faulty situation. My research goal is to guarantee the safety operation (such as stability) of this adaptation or reconfiguration process and to also explore control techniques (for example predictive control) that will allow me to successfully complete reconfiguration in chemical processes.
The following pdf links show a FDD model-based technique:
Model Fault Detection and Diagnosis
Education
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
PhD in Chemical Engineering, January 2007-Present
University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
M.Sc. in Electronics and Computer Engineering, Jan. 2002-Dec 2003
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
B.Sc. in Electronics Engineering. May 2001.
Experience
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas: Graduate Research Assistant in the Chemical Engineering Department from January 2006 to present.
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas: Teaching Assistant in the Chemical Engineering Department for the undergraduate course ChE 264, “Chemical Engineering Process & PROJ LAB-W,” from August to December 2007.
University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia: Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department from July 2004 to December 2006.
Central University, Bogotá, Colombia: Assistant Professor in the Electronic Engineering Department from July 2003 to June 2004.
Javeriana University,Bogotá, Colombia: Lecturer in the Electronic Engineering Department from January 2001 to June 2004
Publications
Papers:
Castillo, I., Soto, J., Gauthier, A., and Grisales, V., “Identification and Control of Non-lineal Systems Using Clustering Techniques, Fuzzy Predictive Control and Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Models,” Engineering Magazine, Andes University, pp. 149–156, ISSN 0121 – 4993, 2004.
Conferences:
Roncancio, J., and Castillo, I., “Identification and Gain Scheduling Control applied to palanquillas’s warming in the manufacture of steel,” ANDESCON IEEE 2006, International Congress of the Andean Area, November 8-10, 2006.
Perez, C., Castillo, I., and Camargo, C., “Automation of a scale travelling crane thorough the use of an embedded platform supported by multiprogamation,” XII IBERCHIP, March 22-24, 2006.
Piñeros, J., Hernandez, C., and Castillo, I., “Design of a fuzzy controller for obstacle avoidance and path planning in a wheelchair,” The second Colombian Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Conference, October 27-28, ISBN 958-33-8404-6, 2005.
Cano, D., and Castillo, I., “Design of a predictive controller using neural networks applied to chemical reactor,” The second Colombian Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Conference, October 27-28, ISBN 958-33-8404-6, 2005.
Castillo, I., Gauthier, A., and Grisales, V., “Fuzzy predictive control using Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models,” ANDESCON IEEE 2004, International Congress of the Andean Area, August 10-12, ISBN 958-33-6534-3, 2004.
Castillo, I., Medina, H., Soto, J., and Lozano, F., "Back-propagation applied to neural PID controllers,” VI National Congress of the Colombian Association of Automation (ACA), Ibagué, ISBN 958-8028-39-6, 2004.
Contact Information
Office: CPE 5.412Office Phone: (512) 471-1046
Cell: (512) 961-2675
Email: castillo@che.utexas.edu
Mailing Address
University of Texas at Austin
Department of Chemical Engineering C0400
Austin, TX 78712
USA
Ramiro Palma
Scientific Interests and Activities
My general area of interest is in the formulation and analysis of models for dynamic systems. I am most interested in the description of biological systems, because of their extreme non-linearity, and their potential to improve human health. I am currently working with Abbott Diabetes Care on modeling of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), an autoimmune disorder that afflicts over 150 million people worldwide. Poorly managed diabetes is associated with heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage. Further, in the United States alone, poorly managed T1DM results in $58 billion in medical expenses and costs an additional $58 billion in lost productivity.
Education
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Pursuing Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, Expected Graduation 2012
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, magna cum laude, August 2008
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, summa cum laude, August 2008
Summary of Experiences
As an undergraduate, I worked in the lab of Dr. Charles Martin, on the development of molecular sensors using track-etched PET nanopores. I studied abroad in Chile, where I conducted energy audits at industrial plants, and in Hong Kong, where I developed a model for a marine life support system. I also served as a general chemistry teaching assistant for two semesters. Finally, I worked in business development at Synogen, a seed-stage venture capital firm, and in product development at Xhale, a med-tech company.
Publications
Keaffaber, J.; Palma, R.; Williams, K. R., “The Role of Water Chemistry in Marine Aquarium Design: A Model System for a General Chemistry Class”, J. Chem. Ed. 2008, 85, 225-231.
Contact Information
Office: CPE 5.412
Office Phone: (512) 471-1046
Email: palma@che.utexas.edu
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
Dirk Thiele
Scientific Interests and Activities
Methods that compensate for model uncertainty in Model predictive control applications
Model mismatch in model predictive control applications leads reduced control performance and increased variability that results in productivity losses. It affects the robustness of the control application and can lead to instabilities. The mismatch occurs due to:
- Plant drift
- Model identification error
- Non-linearities
- Abnormal conditions
- Model correction in feedback operation
- Model switching approaches
- Adaptation of prediction and model
- Non-linear adjustment of linear models
- Fuzzy numbers mathematics
- Neural network technology
- Moving horizon estimation
- Use of optimization techniques
Experience
Besides my studies at UT I am employed with Emerson Process Management (also known as Fisher-Rosemount Systems) in Austin. I have been working with the Advanced Process Control team since about 7 years and currently lead the team for embedded model predictive control and optimization. We are developing new APC tools for the scalable process system DeltaV, which is the company’s latest automation system after PROVOX and RS3.
I was awarded 2 scholarships from the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) which allowed me to do spend internship semesters at Osaka University in Osaka, Japan and at Fisher-Rosemount Systems in Austin, Texas. These and other internships in Germany involved projects such as:
- computer control of Focused Ion Beam (FIB)
- computer control of Elymat (detection of metallic trace impurities in silicon wafers)
- Advanced Process Control
- fieldbus systems
Employment
Emerson Process Management, Austin, Texas, 1998 - present
Ifak, Magdeburg, Germany, (Institut für Automation und Kommunikation), 1997 - 1998
Languages:
German, English, Japanese, Russian
Software development experience:
Assembler, BASIC, Pascal, FORTRAN, ANSI C, Borland C++, MS Visual C++, PLC
Education
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, 2001 – Present
University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
Diplom Ingenieur (FH) in Electrical Engineering (1998)
Affiliations
Member of Instrument Society of America
Member of Chemical Engineers
Publications
Papers
“MPC with integrated Optimizer at the controller level”, Dirk Thiele, invited speaker at AIChe 2004 Austin
“Achieving nonlinear MPC performance with neural network aided state update”, Dirk Thiele, Willy Wojsznis and Ashish Mehta, ISA 2004 Houston
“Constraints handling in multivariable system by managing MPC squared controller”, Ashish Mehta, Willy Wojsznis, Dirk Thiele, and Terry Blevins, ISA 2003 Houston
“Integration of Real Time Process Optimizer with a Model Predictive Control Function”, Willy Wojsznis, Dirk Thiele, Peter Wojsznis, Ashish Mehta,
ISA 2002 Chicago
“Advanced Control ganz einfach”, Dirk Thiele, Guenter Abel, GMA Kongress: Advanced Control im Spannungsfeld neuer Technologien, Baden-Baden Germany, 2001
“Adaptive Fuzzy Logic Controller”, John Gudaz, Dirk Thiele, and Willy K. Wojsznis, ISA 2001 Houston
“Simulation of multivariable Model Predictive Control”, Dirk Thiele and Ron Ottenbacher, ISA 2001 Houston
“Benefits and challenges of implementing model predictive control as a function block”, Dirk Thiele, ISA2000, New Orleans
“Process monitoring benefits from fieldbus architecture”, Terrence L. Blevins, Willy K. Wojsznis, Mark Nixon, Ken Riley, Dirk Thiele, ISA1999, Philadelphia
“Autotuning In Distributed Environment” Dirk Thiele, Terrance L. Blevins, Willy K. Wojsznis, ISA1999, Philadelphia
“Device Based Process Control In Foundation Fieldbus”, Dirk Thiele, Terrance L. Blevins, 1999, FET99, Magdeburg, Germany
“Neural Network Assisted Control Loop Tuner”, Willy K. Wojsznis, Terrence L. Blevins, Dirk Thiele, 1999
“Auto-Tuner with non-linear tuning rules estimators”, Willy K. Wojsznis, Terrance L. Blevins, Dirk Thiele, 1998
Patents
“Interface to Model Predictive Control within a Control System”, Dirk Thiele, Terrance Blevins, Willy Wojsznis, Pending
“Integrated Advanced Control Blocks in Process Control Systems”, Terrance L. Blevins, Wilhelm K. Wojszis, Vasiliki Tzovla, Dirk Thiele, 2002
“Neural Network Assisted Control Loop Tuner”, Willy K. Wojsznis, Terrence L. Blevins, Dirk Thiele, 1999
Contact Information
Office: CPE 5.416
Phone: (512) 418-7400
E-mail: dithiele at yahoo
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
USA
Sepideh Ziaii Fashami
Scientific Interests and Activities
Modeling, control and optimization of CO2 removal in power plants
The removal and sequestration of CO2 from combustion gases is an important technological alternative to address global climate change. Absorption/stripping with aqueous monethanolamine (MEA) has been commercially applied in small plants for CO2 recovery.
My current research focuses on applying more exact kinetic expressions and mass transfer models for absorber and stripper in CO2 removal plant simulations and optimizing the different schemes for this process. Also, I aim to create dynamic models of those schemes, implement control techniques and evaluate process and control performances.
Education
University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Sept. 2006 - Present
Sharif University Of Technology, Tehran, Iran
M.S. in Chemical Engineering, March 2003
Sharif University Of Technology, Tehran, Iran
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Sep. 2000
Experience
Graduate Research Assistant (Sep.2006-present)
University of Texas, Chemical Engineering, Austin, Texas
Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of Absorption/Stripping CO2 Removal Plant
Teaching Assistant (Sep.2006-Dec.2006)
University of Texas, Chemical Engineering, Austin, Texas
CHE 473K Process Design and Operation
Teaching Assistant (Jan.2002-May.2002)
Sharif University of Technology, Chemical Engineering, Tehran, Iran
Application of Mathematics in Chemical Engineering
Work Experience
Senior Process Engineer, OIEC, Tehran, (2003-2005)
Involved in Process simulation and optimization, Process Equipment Design, Hazop Review, Process control philosophy preparation and other activities for NGL plant
Junior Process Engineer, OIEC, Tehran, (2002-2003)
Involved in Process simulation and design of surface facilities of fifteen oil fields
Junior Process Engineer, NARGAN Consultant company, Tehran, (2001-2002)
Involved in Process simulation and design of Petrochemical and Gas Refinery Projects
Chemical Engineer-Internship, National Iranian Gas Company, Tehran, (Summer 1998)
Contact Information
Office: CPE 5.442
Phone: (512) 471-3169
E-mail: sziaii@che.utexas.edu
Mailing Address:
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
USA
Blake Parkinson
Scientific Activities and Interests:
APC in semiconductor manufacturing
I will be working on advanced process control (APC) systems that can be used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. As feature sizes decrease and a competitive market requires industry to look for ways to increase profit margins, process precision has become more important. APC provides a way for manufactures to increase the value of their product as well as reduce the number of materials used in research and pilot applications.
Education:
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
M.S. in Chemical Engineering (2007-Present)
The University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
B.S. in Chemical Engineering (2004-2007)
Brigham Young University-Idaho
A.A.S. in Chemical Engineering (2001-2003)
Experience:
Micron Technology, Inc., Boise Idaho
Engineering Intern-Strategic Process Development (May 2007-Aug. 2007)
- Provided support to NAND process engineers
- Research processes used in the DRAM High-Aspect Ratio Container Etch
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
Undergraduate Research Assistant-Fluid Flow in PDMS microchannels (Aug. 2006-Dec 2006)
- Studied separation technique involving applied voltage to fluids in the microchannels
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
Teaching Assistant-Engineering Thermodynamics & Material and Energy Balances, (Aug. 2006 – May 2007)
- Hosted office hours on a weekly basis
- Graded homework assignments
Micron Technology, Inc., Boise Idaho
Engineering Intern- Pilot Line Imaging/Etch Group (May 2006-Aug. 2006)
- Ran chamber matching tests for several different etch processes
- Provided support for vendors installing and qualifying a new tool
Awards:
2006 WERC Competition (April 2006)
2nd place bench-scale design: Wireless Photovoltaic Monitoring System
Micron University Scholar (2006-2007)
Nation Dean’s List (2004)
Contact Info:
CPE 5.416
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
Office: (512) 471-5150
Email: bparkins@che.utexas.edu
Sidharth Abrol
Scientific Interests and Activities
One of the major issues faced by industries, involving different chemical and biological processes of complex nature, today is the computation time required for calculation of outputs for simulated models, which are generally in the range of several hours. A widely used time intensive application would be the process simulators used for operator training, requiring repeated and frequent calculation of dynamic trajectories.
A novel technique based on the storage and retrieval of control trajectories known as in situ adaptive tabulation (ISAT) involves shifting the computational burden offline for efficient online retrieval with a goal to retain the dynamics of the original model. I am currently working on applying the ISAT algorithm to operator training simulators to perform the dynamic simulation in real time. The project is supported by Chemstations Inc.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
PhD in Chemical Engineering, Sept 2006-Present
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
MS in Chemical Engineering, Aug 2004-Dec 2005
Department of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Chandigarh, India
BE in Chemical Engineering, Aug 2000-May 2004
Experience
Research
- The University of Texas at Austin (Jan 2006-Present)
Application of In Situ Adaptive Tabulation (ISAT), a storage and retrieval technique, to operator training simulators for reducing the computational run time. - University of Southern California (Jan 2005-Dec 2005)
Atomistic simulation in molecular dynamics of Argon lattice for the NVE and NPH ensemble to ascertain various mechanical properties of the lattice. - GlaxoSmithKline ConsumerHealthCare Ltd., Gurgaon, India (Jun 2003-Aug 2003)
Development of the design and construction of beverage dispensing machines (specific to company’s products), problem identification and suggestions for design improvement.
Teaching
- The University of Texas at Austin (Fall 2006)
Process Design & Operations (ChE 473K) - University of Southern California (Fall 2005)
Basics of Atomistic Simulations for Engineers (MaSc 575)
Projects
- Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India (Jun 2002-Dec 2002)
Separation sequencing for a multi-component system in a distillation column using the rank order heuristic method (coded in LISP) - University of Southern California (Aug 2004-Nov 2004)
Using the inverse method for regenerating stochastic processes to determine future trend in oil prices
Contact Information
Workplace (512) 471 – 5150
Cellphone: (323) 369 – 3964
E-mail: abrol@che.utexas.edu
Office: CPE 5.416
Department of Chemical Engineering
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
Ahn Nguyen
Scientific Interests and Activities
As “cheap” oil is running out, optimizing new and existing oil reservoirs becomes more important to meet the increasing demand. The capacitance model is an effective dynamic model to simulate well behavior and predict oil production in the future. I will be working on improving application of capacitance model on primary recovery and enhanced oil recovery and updating the model using on-going production data.
Education
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
Pursuing PhD in Chemical Engineering, Aug 2008-Present
- Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia.
BE in Chemical Engineering, 2004-2008
Experience
- Final Year Research Project: July 2007 – May 2008, modeling and simulation of methanol reactor using finite different method (in collaboration with PETRONAS Methanol Labuan, Malaysia).
- Industrial Internship: 8 months, Dec 2006 – July 2007, Trident Consultants, Malaysia. Performed Quantitative Studies for oil and gas platforms: Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA), Fire and Explosion Analysis (FEA), Temporary Refuge Risk Analysis (TRIA), Hazard Operability study (HAZOP).
Skills and Proficiencies
- Familiar with: EXCEL, HYSIS, FEMLAB, POLYMATH, Shell FRED
- Programming skills: MATLAB, C.
- Languages: Vietnamese, English
Honors and Awards
- Vietnam Foundation Education (VEF) fellowship (2008-2013)
- Petronas full scholarship for excellent undergraduate students (2004-2008)
- ASF Cultural Exchange scholarship to Japan (2001)
Contact Information
Office: CPE 5.416
Office Phone: (512) 471-5150
Email: anh@che.utexas.edu
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
USA
Scientific Interests and Activities
Education
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
Pursuing PhD in Chemical Engineering, Aug 2008-Present - Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
MS in Chemical Engineering, 2006-2008 - Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Bachelor in Chemical Engineering, 2006-2008
Experience
- Master degree research: Sep 2005 – May 2008, Detection of multi-phase fluid by acoustic emission signals ( including liquid-solid fluidized bed , gas-solid fluidized bed and liquid-solid stirred reaction)
Skills and Proficiencies
- Programming skills: MATLAB, C.
- Languages: Chinese, English
Honors and Awards
- The first-class scholarship for excellent undergraduate students (2002-2006)
- Baosteel Scholarship for Excellent Student (2005)
- Panasonic Scholarship for Excellent Student (2005)
- Sanhe Scholarship for Excellent Student (2005)
- First-class Scholarship for Excellent Student(2007)
- Scholarship of ‘Dow’ for Excellent student (2007)
Kyounghoon Pedro Han, Ph. D
Postdoctoral Researcher
Scientific Interests and Activities
Real-time process monitoring & fault detection in semiconductor manufacturing
Plasma etching is an essential step in defining the micro-scale and macro-scale patterns in semiconductor processing. When the target material is removed, over-etching is inevitable in this plasma etching process, because of non-uniformity of the target layers. For this reason, it is essential to detect the end point of etching, to avoid excessive over-etching. This event is known as ‘endpoint detection (EPD)’. Severe over-etching can damage the underlying layer, which can decrease yield. The traditional real-time EPD method can’t cover small open area with higher sensitivity, this real-time EPD monitoring is very important to exact process control. My research goal is to develop the real-time monitoring of this EPD control using multivariate statistical method, like principal component analysis (PCA) & its relatives (MPCA, PLS) and support vector machine (SVM). The results of EPD can be also connected with real-time fault detection with higher sensitivity which can do decision making support for the process controller.
The development of an optimal measurement sampling under multiple product and process environments is another topic of monitoring problem of semiconductor manufacturing. Because the frequent measuring of processes can increase the product cost, it is really necessary to optimize the sampling plan in order to quickly identify the sources of prediction errors and decrease the metrology cost and cycle time. The goal of this research is to understand how to effectively generate and use the data available in a high-mix semiconductor manufacturing facility for process control.
Run-to-run control
The result of real-time monitoring should be related directly to the run-to-run control with decision support systems. Run-to-run (R2R) process control is the preferred techniques for model-based process control in which adjustments to the control recipe are made on a lot-by-lot or wafer-by-wafer basis. It has become apparent that some of its unique manufacturing characteristics are driving the need for enhanced algorithm development. The basic premise of run-to-run control is that there is a deterministic component to the variation of a process. This deterministic component is compensated using available process measurements and knowledge of the overall process behavior during operation. Measurement of key quality metrics are made only after a run has been completed. Thus run-to-run controller makes recipe adjustments at the beginning of a run based on data from past runs like EPD control. The standard controller used in run-to-run control is called EMWA (exponentially weighted moving average) control.
Biomedical control
Diabetes mellitus, better known jus as ‘diabetes’, is a chronic disease associated with abnormally high levels of the sugar glucose in the blood. This diabetes was first identified as a disease associated with ‘sweet urine’, elevated levels of blood glucose, hyperglycemia, lead to spillage of glucose into the urine and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. The main cause of diabetes is insufficient production of insulin (either absolutely or relative to the body’s needs). The other reasons are production of defective insulin, which is uncommon, and the inability of cell of to use insulin properly and efficiently. The insulin is a hormone that is produced by specialized cell, called as beta cells, of the pancreas. This insulin is important in tightly regulating the level of glucose in the blood. The root cause of the insufficient insulin can be the result of malfunction of pituitary posterior or interbrain. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is insulin dependent diabetes or called as juvenile onset diabetes. The patient of type 2 must rely on insulin medication for survival, which is the main topic of insulin control nowadays. Type 2 is insulin independent diabetes or adult onset diabetes, which is a direct result of poor eating habits, higher body weight, and lack of exercise. The development of effective diabetes management system is related to the insulin control for the survival of type 1 diabetes patients, especially for the out-patients cases.
Education
Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering, 2001-2008
Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, 1993-2001
* Served in the Korea military service (army) as a computer programmer during 1994-1996
Scholarships & awards:
- Academic achievement scholarship from Korea University (1997)
- Alumni association scholarship from Korea University (1998~2000)
- Academic achievement scholarship from Seoul National University (2003)
- Student paper award from Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems (2007)
Experience
Projects: Role, “title”, support, year
Manager, “Research for the endpoint detection of the plasma etching process in the semiconductor manufacturing”, DMS Co. Ltd, 2005~2007
Auditor, “Special safety inspection & auditing of Yeo-Su industrial complex in Korea”, Korea Petrochemical Industry Association, 2003~2004
Assistant, “Development of prevention safety management technology in industrial and energy facilities”, Korea Ministry of Science & Technology, 2001~2003
Manager, “DME demo plant simulation and reactor analysis”, Korea Gas Corporation, 2003
Assistant, “Advanced decision support system for chemical / petrochemical manufacturing process (CHEM), 2002~2005
Assistant, “Integrated system of process monitoring and fault diagnosis for clean manufacturing”, Korea Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, 2001~2004
Manager, “Development of a web-based intelligent system for the integrated management of process safety, health, environment and product quality”, Korea Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, 2001~2005
Manager, “Integrated management system of environment, safety and hygiene in chemical industries”, Korea Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, 2002~2003
Assistant, “Development of preventive safety management technology in large-scale facilities handling gas and/or oil”, Korea ministry of science & technology, 2002
Assistant, “Development of Risk Assessment Program in Chemical Processes”, Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency, 2001 ~ 2002
Works & Trainings: Role, institution, year
Lecturer (Process systems engineering), Department of Chemical Environmental Engineering, Soongsil University, 2008
Lecturer (Process systems engineering), Department of Chemical Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 2008
Operation Trainee (Plasma etching chamber), Semiconductor Business Part, DMS Co. Ltd., 2006~2008
Operation Trainee (Semiconductor manufacturing), Inter-university Semiconductor Center, Seoul National University, 2006
Simulation Trainee (CFD-ACE+), KyungWon Tech Co. Ltd., 2005
Simulation Trainee (FEMLAB), Korea Gas Corporation, 2004
Auditor (Process systems), Korea petrochemical industry association, 2003~2004
Lecturer (Programming & practice), Department of Chemical Environmental Engineering, Soongsil University, 2004
Teaching assistant, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, 2003
Teaching assistant, Department of Fire Protection Engineering, Worcester Polytechniq Institute, 2001~2002
Teaching assistant, School of Chemical Engineering, Seoul National University, 2001
Publications
Papers:
K. Han, J. Lee, K. H. Han, K. J. Park, H. Chae and E. S. Yoon, “Real-Time End-Point Detection Using Modified Principal Component Analysis for Small Open Area SiO2 Plasma Etching, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol.47, pp.3907-3911, 2008
K. Han, K. J. Park, H. Chae and E. S. Yoon, “Multi-Way Principal Component Analysis for the Endpoint Detection of the Metal Etch Process Using the Whole Optical Emission Spectra”, Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol.25, 2008
K. S. Woo, C. J. Lee, K. Han, J. W. Ko and E. S. Yoon, “Fault detection & SPC of batch process using multi-way regression method”, Journal of Korean Chemical Engineering, Research, Vol.45 (1), pp.32-38, 2007
K. Han, J. S. Park, K. T. Jung, K. H. Kim, D. Shin and E. S. Yoon, “Web-based Integrated Safety, Health and Environment Management System in Gas Industry (WISHE), Journal of The Korean Institute of Gas, Vol.8 (1), 2004
J. W. Nam, K. Han, E. S. Yoon, J. H. Jin, J. W. Lee, D. Lee and S. Y. Lee, “In Silico Analysis of Lactate Producing Metabolic Network in Lactococcus Lactis”, Enzyme and Microbial Technology, Vol.35 (6-7), pp.654-662, 2004
J. S. Park, S. J. Ahn, K. Han, J. P. Yoon, K. H. Kim, D. Shin and E. S. Yoon, “Hazard Evaluation of Gas Processes Using a Multi-distinction Equipment Screening Algorithm”, Journal of The Korean Institute of Gas, Vol.7 (1), 2003
Conferences (recent years):
K. Han, K. J. Park, H. Chae and E. S. Yoon, “Principal Component Analysis Based Support Vector Machine for the End Point Detection of the Metal Etch Process”, IFAC (International Federation of Automation Control) 2008, Seoul, Korea, July 6-11, 2008
K. Han, K. J. Park. H. Chae and E. S. Yoon, “End Point Detection of Plasma Etching Process Using Multivariate Statistical Method”, AdCONIP’08 (International Symposium on Advanced Control of Industrial Processes), Jasper, Canada, May 6, 2008
K. Han, K. J. Park, H. Chae and E. S. Yoon, “Modified PCA Algorithm for the End Point Monitoring of the Small Open Area Plasma Etching Process Using the Whole Optical Emission Spectra”, ICCAS 2007 (International Conference on Control, Automation and System), Seoul, Korea, Oct., 17-20, 2007
K. Han, K. J. Park, C. Han, H. Chae and E. S. Yoon, “Development of Endpoint Detection Algorithm in the Multi-Stage Plasma Etching Process”, DYCOPS 8 (8th International Symposium on Dynamics and Control of Process Systems), Cancun, Mexico, June 4-6, 2007
K. Han, K. J. Park, H. Chae and E. S. Yoon, “Multivariate statistical modeling for the endpoint detection in the plasma etching process”, WCOGI 2007 (World Conference on Safety of Oil and Gas Industry), Gyeongju, Korea, April 10-13, 2007
K. Han, H. Chae and E. S. Yoon, “Process Monitoring of Semiconductor Manufacturing”, PSE (Process Systems Engineering) Joint Workshop, Kyoto, Japan, Jan. 25, 2007
K. Han, J. W. Lee, H. Chae, K. H. Han, K. J. Park, S. K. Park and E. S. Yoon, “Automatic End Point Detection of Plasma Etching Process Using the Multi-Way PCA of the Whole Optical Emission Spectrum”, SICE-ICASE International Joint Conference 2006, Busan, Korea, Oct. 18-21, 2006
K. Han, K. H. Kim, D. Shin and E. S. Yoon, “Web-based Integrated Modeling for the Safety, Health, and Environment Management in Chemical Process”, AIChE, Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A., 2005
K. Han, K. H. Kim, D. Shin and E. S. Yoon, “Intelligent Integrated Safety Management and Audit System in Chemical Industry”, Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center Symposium, Texas A&M University, TX, U.S.A, Oct. 25-26, 2005
K. Han, J. W. Nam, D. Shin, E. S. Yoon and J. Lee, “Modeling of Lactate Producing Network in Lactococcus Latis Using the Metabolic Flux Control”, AdCONIP’05 (International Symposium on Advanced Control of Industrial Processes), Seoul, Korea, Aug. 22-23, 2005
Contact Information
Office: (512) 471-1046, located in CPE 5.412
Fax: (512) 471-7060
Email: khan@che.utexas.edu
Address: The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Chemical Engineering,
1 University Station C0400
Austin, TX 78712-106