Laboratory of Process Analysis and Design, LPAD (former Laboratory of Unit Operations) is essentially the evolution of the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemical Technology (due to the update of its objectives), which was founded in 1908 long before the establishment of the School of Chemical Engineering at 1917.
According to Government Gazette (GG) 307B/ 22.04.1994 the aim of the laboratory is:
- The experimental and application study of the physical industrial processes (e.g. distillation, drying, extraction, filtration, evaporation, reverse osmosis, etc) in order to analyze basic phenomena.
- The development of mathematical models describing the physical processes and thermophysical properties of materials.
- The design of physical processes in order to determine operational and dimensioning parameters of devices / machines and their optimization.
Apart from these, LPAD covers the educational needs of the following undergraduate courses:
- Unit Operation I (5th Semester)
- Unit Operation II (6th Semester)
and supports the laboratory part of them.
Students are theoretically and practically trained in laboratory exercises, which aim to familiarize them with the study of Physical Processes, e.g. Heat Exchange, Drying, Distillation, Extraction, Fluidization, Crystallization, Evaporation, Reverse Osmosis, etc.
LPAD has been involved (since the 90's) with the design and optimization of processes and systems (from simple processes up to large productive plants / systems). Among others, the processes that have been extensively studied are drying, reverse osmosis, extraction, gas purification processes, food processing in oily environment, integrated complex systems related to metallurgy and refineries, energy integration, management of utility systems. Nowadays, the research activity of the Laboratory is continued (participating in Greek and European research programs and article-books writing) and customized to the current technological developments concerning Physical Processes.
The research activity of LPAD is focused to the following main scientific areas:
1. Food Processing and Engineering. As a solid philosophical approach, LPAD combines food engineering with technology advancements, treating these areas as one. Considering the current requirements of consumers and European directives for foods with high nutritional value and improved sensory characteristics, the reduction of the use of ingredients such as sugar, salt, synthetic additives, the reduction of carbon footprint, energy, water and raw materials consumption, LPAD has focused on the following subjects of Food Processing and Engineering:
- Process modeling and simulation
- Process design and optimization
- Investigation of the effect of process conditions on the quality of the final products
- Design and development of innovative products with predetermined thermophysical properties and advanced nutritional and sensory characteristics, using innovative food processes
- Development of foods with defined structure with low concentration in sugar and salt
- Innovative extruded products enriched with legume proteins, fiber, probiotics and natural additives
- Development of extracts by applying "green" extraction methods (microwave, ultrasound, PLE) from by-products of food industry
- Development of natural food additives from plants and microalgae
- Development of bakery products with the addition of soluble and insoluble fibers
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of processes
2. Design and energy integration. LPAD, harmonized with the current requirements in the field of Energy and the target of carbon neutrality, is active in the exploitation of renewable energy sources: Thermal, Wind, Photovoltaic, Cogeneration systems. Based on the above, LPAD deals with the following subjects:
- Design of new industrial applications
- Optimization of existing industrial applications
- Creation of computer design and optimization tools (Simulators)
LPAD currently has over 50 (small and large) laboratory devices and a continuous effort is made to supply new devices according to the current trends in the fields of its activity.
- Some of the laboratory devices are:
- Spray dryer
- Dynamic mechanical analyzer, DMA
- Differential scanning calorimetry, DSC
- High performance liquid chromatography, HPLC
- Apparatus for determining mechanical properties (tensile, compress)
- Food extruder
- Aerosol sampling and recording systems
- Complete 3D Printing system
- Apparatus for microbiological measurements
- Ultrasonic and microwave extraction device (US / MW)
- Pressurizedliquid extraction
- System for detection - determination of size distribution and distribution of emulsion particles
- Electrohydrodynamic device for encapsulation
- Laboratory bioreactor
- Apparatus simulating stomach and intestinal process
