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Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
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CPE Faculty and Staff

Laurence R. Weatherley

Laurence R. Weatherley

Spahr Professor and Chair

B.Sc (1st Class Honours), Chemical Engineering, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, 1970
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, 1974

Chartered Engineer (United Kingdom)
Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (London)
Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand
Editor of The Chemical Engineering Journal


Room: 4132 Learned Hall
Phone: (785) 864-3553
Fax: (785) 864-4967
E-mail: lweather@ku.edu

 

Research Interests 

Liquid-liquid Systems and Intensification

These research projects are concerned with the scale-up of intensive liquid extraction processes, focusing on fundamentals of drop motion behavior (as discrete drops and in swarms), modeling of mixing and mass transfer in liquid-liquid contactors; fundamentals of electrically charged drop motion in liquid-liquid systems; interfacial mass transfer, equilibria and drop behavior in biological product extraction systems; ionic liquid solvents - synthesis, physical property measurement, partition, spraying behavior and applications; novel intensive reactors for biodiesel production. We are also looking at novel extraction methods for processing algae as a renewable source of lipids and other compounds.

Enzymatic Catalysis

This research focuses on the process intensification of enzymatic biotransformation processes in two phase liquid systems and associated downstream separations. Applications include enzymatic modification of natural oils and fats via the production of fatty acids by hydrolysis. This approach is especially of potential value for splitting of sensitive triglycerides, unconjugated systems (which may undergo thermal degradation), hydroxylated fats and oils or polyunsaturated oils. Another aspect involves developing new techniques and solvents for extractive whole cell biocatalysis using ionic liquids.

Ion-exchange and Adsorption

This research focuses on ion-exchange kinetics & equilibria in synthetic and natural ion- exchangers and on simultaneous ion-exchange and bioregeneration in zeolitic ion exchangers. Of special interest is the intensification of the supply of oxygen to aerobic microorganisms adsorption and bioadsorption processes for waste water treatment and potable water pre-treatment, development of combined physical and biological separation processes, and the development of new adsorbents and exchangers based on natural materials.


Referred Research Publication List (International Journal and Conference Proceedings since 1997)


Liquid-Liquid Systems and Intensification

  • J. Petera, L.R. Weatherley, D. Rooney, K. Kaminski (2009) "A finite element model of enzymatically catalyzed hydrolysis in an electrostatic spray reactor", Computers and Chemical Engineering 33, 144.161

  • 2. J.Petera, L.R.Weatherley, A.P Hume, T.Gawrysiak (2008) "A finite element algorithm for Particle/Droplet Trajectory Tracking tested in a liquid-liquid system in the presence of an external electric field" - Computers and Chemical Engineering, 31, 1369-1388

  • C Tsouris L.R.Weatherley, (2008) "Forward" Process intensification and innovation process (PI)2 conference II - Cleaner, sustainable, efficient technologies for the future Christchurch, New Zealand, September 24 - 29,(2006) Chem. Eng. J. 135 (1-2), 1-2

  • L.R.Weatherley, D.Rooney (2008) "Enzymatic Catalysis and Electrostatic Process Intensification for Processing of Natural Oils" - The Chemical Engineering Journal, 135 (1-2), 25-32

  • Petera, J, Strzelecki, W, Agrawal, D, Weatherley L R. (2005) Charged droplet and particle-mixing studies in liquid-liquid systems in the presence of non-linear electrical fields Chemical Engineering Science 60 (1): 135-149 A P Hume, J Petera, L R Weatherley (2004) Trajectories of charged drops in a liquid-liquid system: The effect of geometrical scale-up Ind Eng Chem Res. 43 (9): 2264-2270 Apr. 28 2004

  • A.P.Hume, J.Petera and L.R.Weatherley (2003) "T rajectories of charge drops in a liquid-liquid system", The Chemical Engineering Journal, volume 95, 171-177

  • E Jones, J. Petera,. S.C.Ting, L.R Weatherley (2003) "Experimental Residence Time Distributions in a Co-Current Electrically Enhanced Liquid-Liquid Contactor", Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Part A, Chemical Engineering Research and Design, Volume 81, part A6, 601-610

  • E.Jones and L.R.Weatherley (2003) "Modelling the kinetics of lipase catalysed oil hydrolysis in an electrically enhanced liquid-liquid system", Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, vol 78 (2/3), 194-198

  • Petera and L.R.Weatherley (2001) "Modeling of mass transfer from falling droplets", Chemical Engineering Science, 56, 4929-4947

  • J Petera, D. Rooney & L.R.Weatherley (1998) "Particle and Droplet Trajectories in a non-linear Electrical Field", Chemical Engineering Science, vol. 53 No.22 pp3781-3792


Enzymatic Catalysis

  • S.A.Gangu, L.R.Weatherley and A.M. Scurto (2009) "Whole-Cell Biocatalysis with Ionic Liquids", Current Organic Chemistry, 2009, 13, 1242-1258

  • J. Petera, L.R. Weatherley, D. Rooney, K. Kaminski (2009) "A finite element model of enzymatically catalyzed hydrolysis in an electrostatic spray reactor", Computers and Chemical Engineering 33, 144.161

  • L.R.Weatherley, D.Rooney (2008) "Enzymatic Catalysis and Electrostatic Process Intensification for Processing of Natural Oils", The Chemical Engineering Journal, 135 (1-2), 25-32

  • M.K.Vasudevamirthy, L.R.Weatherley, M.Lever (2005) "Enzyme stabilization using synthetic compensatory solutes", Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, 23(3/4): 285-291

  • D.Rooney and L.R.Weatherley (2001) "The effect of reaction conditions upon the lipase catalysed hydrolysis of high oleate sunflower oil in a stirred liquid-liquid reactor", Process Biochemistry, vol.36(10), 947-954

  • E. Jones and L.R.Weatherley (2000) "The effect of reaction conditions upon enzyme activity during electrically enhanced hydrolysis of high oleate sunflower oil", in Proceedings of CHEMECA 2000, Perth, Australia, ed A.Lees, 516-521

  • Q.Gan, F.Baykara, H.Rahmat & L.R.Weatherley(2000) "Analysis of a direct contact membrane reactor for lipase catalysed oil hydrolysis in a dynamic emulsion system", Catalysis Today, 56, 179-190

  • L.R.Weatherley Q.Gan, & H.Rahmat (1998) "An integrated reaction and separation system for enzymatic oil hydrolysis", Proc. 3rd International Conference on Membrane Catalysis, 9- 12 September 1998, Copenhagen, Denmark.

  • Q.Gan, L.R.Weatherley, & H Rahmat (1998) "Ultrafiltration of Aqueous Oil Hydrolysis Products", Proc.The International Conference on Membrane Science & Technology, June 9-13 1998, Beijing, China

  • Q.Gan,H.Rahmat & L.R.Weatherley (1998) "Simultaneous reaction and separation in enzymatic hydrolysis of high oleate sunflower oil- evaluation of ultrafiltration performance and process synergy", The Chemical Engineering Journal vol.71, pp87-96


Ion-exchange, Adsorption and Water Treatment

  • T C Jorgensen and L.R.Weatherley (2008) "Continuous ion-exchange removal of ammonium ion onto clinoptilolite in the presence of contaminants", Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering 3 (1) 57-62

  • N M Miladonovic, L R Weatherley (2008) "Intensification of Ammonia Removal in a Combined Ion-Exchange and Nitrification Column", The Chemical Engineering Journal, 135 (1-2), 15-24

  • T.C. Jorgensen & L.R. Weatherley (2006) "Removal of Ammonium in the Presence of Organic Compounds by Packed Columns of Ion Exchange Resin", Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology 81, 1151-1158

  • L.R.Weatherley, N.D. Miladinovic, (2004) "Comparison of the ion exchange uptake of ammonium ion onto New Zealand clinoptilolite and mordenite", Water Research 38 (20): 4305-4312.

  • N Miladonovic, L R Weatherley, J L Lopez-Ruiz (2004) "Ammonia removal from saline waste-water by ion-exchange",Water, Air and Soil Pollution:Focus 4, 169-177

  • L.R.Weatherley N. Miladinovic (2004) "Ammonia Removal From Aqueous Solution by the Macronet cationic ion exchanger Purolite MN 500", in Ion Exchange Technology for Today and Tomorrow, ed. M. Cox, 295-302, Proceedings of IEX2004, Cambridge UK, SCI.

  • T. C. Jorgensen and L. R. Weatherley (2003) "Ammonia removal from wastewater by ion exchange in the presence of organic contaminants", Water Research, Volume 37, Issue 8 , April 2003, Pages 1723-1728

  • L.R.Weatherley, N.D. Miladnovic, L Lopez-Ruiz (2003) "Combined Biological and Ion-Exchange Wastewater Treatment for Ammonia Removal" in Water Pollution VII, eds C A Brebbia, D Almoza, D Sales, Section 4. 251-260

  • N. Miladinovic, J Lopez-Ruix, L.R.Weatherley (2002) "Ammonia Removal From Saline Wastewater by Ion Exchange", Proc. International Conference on Protection and Restoration of the Environment VI 1-5 July 2002 Skiathos Island, Greece.

  • N.A.Hamill, L.R.Weatherley, C.Hardacre (2001) "Use of a batch rotating photocatalytic contactor for the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater", Applied Catalysis B-Environ 30 (1-2): 49-60

  • L.R.Weatherley (2001) ed. "Environmental Chemical Engineering SI - forward", Chemical Engineering Journal, 84(2), 75

  • G.A.Walker and L.R.Weatherley (2001) "COD removal from textile industry effluent", Chemical Engineering Journal, 84(2), 125-132

  • M Savage and L.R.Weatherley (2001), "Integrated Treatment Processes for Primary Wool Scouring Effluent", paper published in the Proceedings of World Chemical Engineering Congress, Melbourne, Australia, September 2001

  • G.A.Walker and L.R.Weatherley(2001) "Adsorption of acid dyes from aqueous solution - the effect of adsorbent pore size distribution and dye aggregation", The Chemical Engineering Journal, 83(3), 201-206

  • G.A.Walker & L.R.Weatherley (2000) "Textile wastewater treatment using granular activated carbon adsorption in fixed beds", Separation Science and Technology vol. 35(9) 1329-1341

  • G.M.Walker & L.R.Weatherley (2000) "Prediction of Bisolute Dye Adsorption isotherms on activated carbon", Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, vol.78 part B, 219-223

  • L.R.Weatherley & R J McVeigh (2000) "The Enhancement of Ammonium Ion Removal onto Columns of Clinoptilolite in the Presence of Nitrifying Bacteria" in Ion Exchange at the Millenium ed. J A Greig, 133-141, SCI Cambridge UK

  • G.M. Walker & L.R.Weatherley (2000) "Biodegradation and biosorption of acid anthraquinone dye", Environmental Pollution, 108, 219-223

  • G.A.Walker & L.R.Weatherley (1999) "Biological activated carbon treatment of industrial wastewater in stirred tank reactors", The Chemical Engineering Journal, vol.75, pp201-206

  • R.J.McVeigh, L.R.Weatherley (1999) "Ammonium ion (NH4+) removal from secondary effluent through ion-exchange: The effect of biological activity and the presence of other cations", Water Science & Technology. 40(2):143-149

  • G.M.Walker & L.R.Weatherley (1999) "Kinetics of acid dye adsorption onto granular activated carbon", Water Research, vol.33 (8), pp1895-1899

  • R McVeigh & L.R.Weatherley (1999) "The effect of other cations in wastewaters on the ion-exchange removal of ammonium ion", Developments in Chemical Engineering and Mineral Processing vol.7 No 1/2 pp 69-84

  • G.M.Walker & L.R.Weatherley (1998) "Fixed bed adsorption of acid dyes on to activated carbon", Environmental Pollution, vol.99, pp 133-136

  • G.M.Walker & L.R.Weatherley (1998) "Bacterial regeneration in biological activated carbon systems", Trans. Instn. Chem. Part B, vol.76 (B), pp177-182


Recent Conference Papers

  • L.R.Weatherley (2009) "Recent developments in the engineering of biodegradation processes", Proc. Vth International Scientific Conference on Microbial Degradation and Biodeterioation of Technical Materials, Lodz, Poland Sept 7-9, 2009, 1-9.

  • M. Savage, L.R.Weatherley (2009) "Development of an Improved Waste Water Treatment Process for Wool Scour Effluent - A Case Study", Proc. Vth International Scientific Conference on Microbial Degradation and Biodeterioration of Technical Materials, Lodz, Poland Sept 7-9, 2009, 10-18

  • A.Ahosseini, J.Petera. L.R.Weatherley, A.M.Scurto (2008) "Interfacial Mass Transport Properties in Biphasic Ionic Liquid Systems", - Poster paper presented at the ACS National. Meeting August 17-21, 2008 in Philadelphia

  • S. Gangu, L.R.Weatherley and J.Petera (2008) "Trajectories of charged droplets dispersed into a non-Newtonian continuous phase in the presence of electric fields", paper presented at the BHRA - Green Chemistry and Engineering International Conference on Process Intensification and Nanotechnology, Albany, New York State, US, 15th-18th September 2008

  • L.R.Weatherley, J.Qiu, J.Petera (2008) "A Novel Intensive Production Method for Biodiesel fields", paper presented at the BHRA - Green Chemistry and Engineering International Conference on Process Intensification and Nanotechnology, Albany, New York State, US, 15th . 18th September 2008

  • Z.Qiu, E.Jones, J.Petera and L.R.Weatherley (2007) "Visualization of Mass Transfer across an Electrically Charged Plane Interface", AICHE Annual Spring Meeting, Houston TX, April 22-25, 2007

  • L.R.Weatherley (2006) "Environmental Management - Advanced Process Technologies and the Achievement of Environmental Goals", Invited Opening Plenary paper at the ICENV2006 International Conference on the Environment, Grand Plaza Park Royal Batu Ferringhi Hotel, Penang, Malaysia - 13-15 November 2006

  • L.R.Weatherley (2006) "Process Intensification: A New Way of Thinking for Cleaner, Safer, More Prosperous Process Engineering, or Just Another Buzz Word?", Keynote paper and presentation - AICHE Process Development Division Conference on Process Intensification, Palm Springs CA, June 2006


Recent Invited Lectures

  • December 8, 2009 Invited Colloquium to the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Center for Energy Studies, The University of Wyoming "Meeting Energy and Environmental Challenges with the Development of Advanced Process Technology"

  • September 7-9, 2009 Invited Plenary Lecture to the International Conference on Biomaterials and Biodegradation, Lodz, Poland, September 5-9th, 2009 Recent Developments in the Engineering of Biological Degradation Processes

  • May 13th, 2009, Energy Education and Research at the University of Kansas, Presentation to the US Chamber of Commerce Conference on Meeting the Needs of America's Energy Security

  • January 2009 - Series of four invited lectures on Green Chemistry and Engineering to the - International Faculty of Engineering, The Technical University of Lodz, Poland

  • January 2009 - Series of four invited lectures on Environmental Management to the International Faculty of Engineering, The Technical University of Lodz, Poland.

  • November 2006: "Environmental Management - Advanced Process Technologies and the Achievement of Environmental Goals" - Invited Opening Plenary paper at the ICENV2006 International Conference on the Environment, Grand Plaza Park Royal Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia - 13-15th November 2006

  • November 2006: "Electrically Charged Droplet Motion in Liquid-Liquid Systems" - Invited research colloquium delivered to the Department of Chemical Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY - November 7, 2006

  • July 2006: "Writing for Researchers" - Invited lecture to a National Science Foundation workshop for tenure track minority faculty, Washington DC - Monday, July 31, 2006.

  • June 2006: "Process Intensification: A New Way of Thinking for Cleaner, Safer, More Prosperous Process Engineering, or Just Another Buzz Word?", Invited Keynote paper and presentation - AICHE Process Development Division Conference on Process Intensification, Palm Springs CA.