Process automation research announced

Professor Nina Thornhill is appointed to a new research chair in process automation at the college and will take up the post in May 2007. She will lead a research programme spanning five years focusing on enhancing productivity and efficiency in the process and power generation industries. The approach adopted by this programme is distinguished by its focus on improving efficiency in the huge base of currently installed process plants. This is achieved by optimising the operation of process equipment using various techniques including the prediction, detection, diagnosis and elimination of the root causes of process inefficiencies. One example of this is to eliminate the cause of pressure variations in a site steam system, which will improve the performance of all the processes, which use the steam. The work will be undertaken by Imperial researchers, industrial research engineers on secondment and PhD students sharing their time between Imperial and industrial placements with collaborating companies. Professor Thornhill says: “A key aim of the research is to ensure that technical solutions for specific case studies evolve into best practices in automation to reduce energy consumption, boost productivity and reduce wastes.” Professor Dame Julia Higgins, principal of the faculty of engineering at Imperial College says: “ABB is the perfect partner for this research programme. Imperial College has a long-standing relationship with ABB and the research chair will extend and consolidate this collaboration.” Peter Terwiesch, ABB's chief technology officer added: “Research and development is a vital source of ABB's technology leadership. Together with our nine research centres, over 6000 scientists and developers and more than 70 university collaborations across the world, sponsoring this research chair will play a vital role in developing unique technologies that will make our customers more competitive, whilst minimising environmental impact.” And Rob Barrett, manager, research support, at The Royal Academy of Engineering, added: “We are delighted to appoint Nina Thornhill who is the second female Research Chair funded by the Academy. This exemplifies our drive to support women in science and engineering and Nina brings a wealth of experience in industry to this academic appointment.”