Co-Investigator
University of Leeds
Valerie has been conducting original research into combustion for near zero pollutants emissions and the sustainable production of high purity hydrogen, syngas and methane through advanced reforming processes. She uses a combination of experimental investigation and of reactor modelling/process flowsheeting modelling approaches seeking to improve the efficiency of energy intensive processes by systematic comparison with predicted ideal behaviours and testing practical measures that intend to close the gap between ideal and real processes.
Part of Valerie’s process intensification research is dedicated to working on and synthesising more performant materials for reforming environments, integrating the generation and use of renewable fuels into high energy demand industrial activities, demonstrating significant carbon savings and pollution abatement through proposed integrated engineering solutions.
Valerie has applied and is currently taking these approaches to green fuels production (hydrogen, bio-SNG, biogas), process heating (catalytic combustion) and domestic heating (Hydrogen gas fired appliances), wastewater treatment, hybrid renewables based micro-grids solutions for the developing world, solid waste conversion to value added products, and valorisation of invasive aquatic species for energy purposes.
Decarbonisation of the steel industry
Banner photo credit: Val Vesa on Unsplash