Dimitrios Berk

Research interests

My research interests are mainly in the applications of catalytic and non-catalytic heterogenous reaction engineering to environmental and materials engineering problems. The projects cover a wide range of topics that include the determination of kinetics of both heterogeneous and homogenous reactions, the kinetics and modeling of crystallization, the wet etching of semiconductors such as GaAs, as well as the characterization and scale up of heterogenous reactors. Recent projects include a study of the degradation of airport wastes containing deicing fluids by activated sludge, the photocatalytic degradation of stable organic compounds, the detection of impurities on the surface of silicon wafers, and the catalytic wet air oxidation of pulp and paper wastes.

Current and future projects

• Detection of particles on semiconductor wafers
• Removal of copper ions from electronic and microelectronic processing component wastes
• Effect of crystalliser design on the morphology and quality of crystals
• Residence time distribution of solid particles in well mixed reactors
• Treatment of industrial wastes by activated sludge
• Effect of sludge age on waste treatment kinetics by activated sludge
• Precipitation of silver powders

Collaborators

• Dr G. Kubes (PAPRICAN)
• Prof R.J. Munz (Chemical Engineering, McGill)
• Prof J-L. Meunier (Chemical Engineering, McGill)
• Ms S. Graff (NORANDA Technology Centre)

Specialized laboratory facilities

• Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer
• Mercury Porosimeter
• BET Surface Area Analyser
• Digital Camera
• Control Environment Chamber

Research group

• Philip Salama (M.Eng): Photocatalytic Degradation of EDTA
• Narahari Kremadati (M.Eng.):
  Degradation Of Airport Wastes Containing Deicing Fluids by Activated Sludge
• Al-Wohoush, M., (PhD) - (G. Kubes, co-supervisor):
  Combustion of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Residues
• Daniel Duarte (M.Eng):
  Kinetics of the Biodegradation of Kraft Mill Effluents by Activated Sludge
• Terry Murphy, (MEng):
  Residence Time Distribution of Solid Particles in Stirred Tank Reactors