Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Associate Professor and Thomas Malone Faculty Fellow

Office: ES&T  L1224

Ph: (404) 894.2856

Fax: (404) 894.2866

Email: ykawajiri(at)chbe.gatech.edu

 Education

B.Eng. 1997 Kansai University, Japan
M.Eng. 1999 Kansai University, Japan
Ph.D. 2007 Carnegie Mellon University

Research Interests

Dr. Yoshiaki (Yoshi) Kawajiri's research interests are in the interdisciplinary area of process systems engineering and separation engineering. In particular, his interests include dynamic optimization, control, and parameter estimation techniques applied to novel separation processes. Some specific topics include optimal design and operation of simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography, and modeling of crystallization process.

1. Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography

SMB chromatography has a long history of use in the sugar and petrochemical industries. It is now recognized as one of the most important separation techniques also in the pharmaceutical industry, in particular for enantiomer separation. Dr. Kawajiri's work addresses efficient process development, operation, and control of SMB processes utilizing nonlinear optimization techniques as well as experimental studies.

2. CO2 Capture

Our group addresses CO2 capture by adsorption. We model and design effcient CO2 recovery systems from flue gas and air.

3. Modeling of crystallization processes

Although crystallization is recognized as one of the most powerful and cost-effective separation methods, design, and operation remain challenges. Dr. Kawajiri's approach to this problem is to apply computational techniques such as mathematical modeling, parameter estimation, and nonlinear programming utilizing in-situ particle characterization techniques.

Biography

Dr. Kawajiri joined the Georgia Tech faculty in 2008 after completing his Ph.D. study at Carnegie Mellon University and post-doctoral study at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Systems in Magdeburg, Germany as an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow. He had previously engaged in research and development of separation processes at Organo Corporation, Japan for four years.

Awards

The PSE Model-Based Innovation Prize Runners-up Award (with Jason Bentley), 2013

W. David Smith, Jr. Graduate Publication Award, Computing and Systems Technology (CAST) Division, American Institute of Chemical Engineer (AIChE), 2012

Creating Energy Options Award, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2011

Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany, 2007

Shikon-sho, Kansai University, Japan, 1999