Alex De Visscher
Biographical Abstract
Alex De Visscher obtained degrees in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering at Ghent University, Belgium, and graduated with a Ph.D. degree in 2001. His doctoral thesis was on the fate of gases in soils, especially on transport and microbial oxidation of methane in landfill cover soils. He continued as a post-doctoral research and teaching associate at GhentUniversity, teaching applied physical chemistry and aquatic chemistry. He conducted research on isotope techniques for landfill gas studies, and on critically evaluating solubility data of alkaline earth carbonates.
In 2003, Dr. De Visscher had his first opportunity to spend some time at the University of Calgary as an International Resident Fellow, and in 2005 he took up a position as Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Air Quality and Pollution Control Engineering at the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and the Centre for Environmental Engineering Research and Education, University of Calgary.
Research Abstract
Dr. De Visscher’s main research area is air quality and air pollution control, taking a particular interest in processes leading to air emissions, technology to reduce air emissions, and the environmental transport of pollutants. Air and water pollution are often related, so he is also interested in water chemistry and wastewater treatment.
Dr. De Visscher evaluates air emissions from oilsands activities. Rather than performing measurements himself, he looks at data from different measurement techniques and other relevant information in order to arrive at better estimates of air emissions based on available data. He conducts research on BTX emission reduction from glycol dehydration units. Techniques include biofiltration and photolysis, with an intention to examine condensation techniques as well. Based on experiments, design models, will be developed to enable the design of effective technology to reduce BTX emissions.In his air dispersion modeling research, Dr. De Visscher tries to complement the methodology used by consultants, i.e. he developed a simple flare flame model based on an existing plume rise model.
Part of his research is the critical review of environmental engineering data. Examples are Henry constants, and solubility data of alkaline earth carbonates. The latter is not directly related to air quality, but important for understanding CO2 sequestration.
Additionally, Dr. De Visscher carries out contract research. However, his role as a provider of services for industry is not consulting, but rather critical evaluation of consulting activities. He checks facts, verifies underlying assumptions, and provides independent assessments.