Fluids for Extraction and Energy production

Research group FEE - Fluids for Extraction and Energy production

Leader: Yohann Coulier
 

Research Topics

The research group focuses on the thermodynamic characterization of fluid systems to address issues encountered in industrial processes. The studies conducted in the laboratory combine the acquisition of experimental data with the thermodynamic modeling of phase equilibria and energetic properties.

To this end, the FEE research theme develops original experimental techniques for the determination of (i) energetic properties (enthalpies, heat capacities) and volumetric properties, (ii) phase equilibrium diagrams (LLE, SLE, VLE), and (iii) equilibrium speciation.

The experimental data allow the characterization of system properties over wide ranges of temperatures, pressures, and compositions. They are used to fit or validate correlation models or molecular simulation approaches. Classical thermodynamic models enable the correlation and interpretation of the results. However, the development of more predictive models remains a major challenge for the study of complex systems and for deepening the understanding of intermolecular interactions.

The research activities of the FEE theme are structured around four main axes:

CO2 capture and storage

One of the major technological bottlenecks for the large-scale deployment of CO₂ capture processes is the energy cost associated with regenerating the absorbing solutions. The studies conducted within the team combine the experimental determination of absorption properties, thermodynamic modeling, and molecular simulation. Current projects focus on the investigation of disruptive new fluids, in particular switchable deep eutectic solvents—i.e., solvents exhibiting a change in hydrophobicity under an external stimulus—for the selective separation of CO₂ (PhD theses of Olympe LONGERAS, Julian CASTANEDA and Bianca FELIPE de SOUZA).

Once CO₂ has been separated from industrial effluents, it must either be valorized or stored in secure storage zones. One of the envisioned options is geological storage in saline aquifers. Geological, geochemical, and thermodynamic knowledge of such environments is essential to prevent severe environmental issues (e.g., sudden releases of large quantities of gas). In this context, studying variations in physico-chemical properties (pH, etc.) and thermodynamic parameters (gas dissolution enthalpies, solubility limits, etc.) of the medium in the presence of dissolved gas is crucial. The experimental studies carried out in the laboratory under conditions close to those of storage sites (high temperatures and high pressures) will provide fundamental data for the development or refinement of rigorous thermodynamic models describing these media, thereby enabling the prediction of site behavior in the presence of dissolved gases.

Geothermal processes for energy production

The issues described for CO₂ storage are also shared by projects related to the development and operation of geothermal installations. The lack of experimental data prevents the development of thermodynamic models sufficiently tailored to the processes under consideration, and operators generally have to carry out costly tests specific to each site. The European GEOPRO project (2019–2022), funded by the H2020 research and innovation programme, aims first to provide key thermodynamic and kinetic data for the geothermal power plants involved in the project. The project focuses on recovering the energy contained in subsurface geothermal fluids through CO₂ injection. The objective is to establish a thermodynamic model representative of the exploitation sites. This will enable the development of process simulation tools to optimize both sustainable geothermal reservoir management, electricity production, and reinjection strategies

New working fluids for refrigeration

The most commonly used refrigeration system is the vapor-compression cycle, which operates with an electrically driven mechanical compressor and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This technology contributes both directly and indirectly to global warming, as HFCs have a high global warming potential. The indirect contribution stems from the electricity consumption—often generated from fossil energy—required to compress the refrigerant.

At the laboratory, research is conducted to propose new working fluids capable either of replacing HFCs in vapor-compression cycles or of being used in alternative processes that avoid mechanical compression. To reduce the environmental impact of these technologies, the proposed working fluids are of natural origin. Within the framework of the ANR AWARE project, bio-based solvents are being investigated for use with CO₂ in a vapor-absorption cycle.

New solvents for pollutant extraction

Following the developments on deep eutectic solvents (DES) carried out in the context of carbon dioxide capture, additional research topics related to solubility and extraction have been initiated. The extraction of pollutants (metals, dyes, etc.) from aqueous phases has been investigated using hydrophobic DES as well as switchable hydrophobic solvents. We are also working on the use of these solvents in the field of catalysis

Staff

Permanent Staff

• M. Jean-Michel ANDANSON
• Karine BALLERAT BUSSEROLLES
• M. Yohann COULIER
• M. Bruno DAUZAT
• Laurence RODIER
• Adriaan VAN DEN BRUINHORST

Bruno DAUZAT

PhD Students

Name Position Support Dates Enrique Polidore PhD Student Thèse UCA sept 2025 - sept 2028 Bianca Felipe de Souza PhD Student Thèse PEPR Catalpa sept. 2024 - sept. 2027 Alaa Hajlaoui PhD Thèse ANR AWARE Thèse soutenue le 5/05/2025 Julian Castaneda PhD Thèse UCA Thèse soutenue le 27/11/2024 Jean-Sébastien Barbier PhD Thèse ANR Thèse soutenue le 9/12/2024 Loélia Fohet PhD Thèse CIFRE, Michelin Thèse soutenue le 30/06/2023 Fernando Hevia de los Mozos Docteur (espagne) Stages courts, Thèse européenne sept-déc. 2017 et sept-déc. 2018 Students/Post-Doc/CDD Name Position Support Dates Alaa HAJLAOUI IR  Khouloud SAADALLAH Researcher

Past Students/Post-Doc/CDD

Name	Position	Support	Dates	actual position
Yohann Coulier	Chercheur	ANR SiModEx	Mai 2018 - Aout 2018
Juzaimi, Nurhazwani	Master of Science in Advanced Chemical Engineering	AAP Emergence, i-Site CAP2025, Coll. Imperial College, Londres	Juillet 2018
Yiyan ZHENG	Elève Ingénieur, cycle Ingénieur Civil	Stage de fin d’étude, coll. ICCF-CTP-Calnesis	Juillet 2018
Giovanni Ramdani	Master II	AAP Emergence, i-Site CAP2025	janvier - Juillet 2018
Ryan Wilkins	Master’s Student of Guelph, stage	ANR SiModEx	1 Mai 2018 - 27 Juillet 2018
Johan Vigier	Master I	ANR SiModEx	Avril - Juillet 2018
Alejandro Moreau	CDD Chercheur	Ademe Inv. Avenir VALORCO	février 2015 - février 2016	Imperial College, London
Javier Mesones Mora	CDD Chercheur	Ademe Inv. Avenir VALORCO	septembre 2014 - Aout 2015	URSA (resp. Qualité)
Clément Rico	Master I	ANR SiModEx, CALNESIS	Avril - Juillet 2016
William Ravisy	Master I	ANR SiModEx	Avril - Juillet 2017
Thomas Raynaud	Master I	fluides frigorifiques	Avril - Juillet 2017
Lena Marty	DUT Mesures Physiques	Coll. R. Spontak	Avril - Juin 2017

Past PhDs

Nom	Date de soutenance	Financement	Position actuelle
Julian Castaneda	27 novembre 2024	Thèse UCA	Recherche d'emploi
Olympe Longeras	4 décembre 2020	Thèse UCA	Post-Doctorante, CRPP Bordeaux
Fernando Hevia de los Mozos	2019		PROFESOR AYUDANTE DOCTOR , Univ. Valladolid, Espagne
Alexander Lowe	12 décembre 2016	ANR DACOOTA	Post-Doctorant, Pologne
Barbara Liborio	février 2017	ANR SIGARRR	Process Expert, CAS Technology Center
Mickael Simond	27 novembre 2013	MESR	Président, CALNESIS
Yohann Coulier	16 décembre 2011	FUI ACACIA	Post-Doct à Université de Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, puis CDD Chercheur ICCF
Dimitrios Almantariotis	27 mai 2011	ADEME
Hugues Arcis	15 décembre 2008	MENSR	Chercheur Associé à Université de Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada