Debanjan Chakrabarti, PhD
About Debanjan Chakrabarti, PhD
Debanjan Chakrabarti, PhD, is a Process Engineer at Enerkem in Edmonton, Canada, where he has worked since 2019. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and has extensive experience in process optimization and machine learning applications in the energy sector.
Work at Enerkem
Debanjan Chakrabarti has been employed at Enerkem as a Process Engineer since 2019. In this role, he focuses on developing and optimizing processes related to waste-to-energy conversion. His work includes applying supervised machine learning techniques to forecast operational performance and impurity levels in process streams. He also contributes to the development of project financial models, which involve forecasting expenses and potential revenues based on operating schedules. Prior to his current position, he held various roles at Enerkem, including a Postdoctoral Research Assistant and a MITACS Postdoctoral Research Fellow.
Education and Expertise
Debanjan Chakrabarti holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, where he studied from 2010 to 2014. He also earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, completing his degree from 2006 to 2010. His academic background is complemented by extensive research experience, including the development of complex numerical models using Matlab, Python, and VBA, as well as conducting parameter estimation and optimization studies.
Background
Before joining Enerkem, Debanjan Chakrabarti worked as a Research Engineer at the International Composting Corporation from 2017 to 2019. He also served as a Visiting Scientist at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research in 2013 and 2014. His earlier experience includes roles as a Graduate Research Assistant and Student Mentor at the University of Alberta, as well as internships at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and Engineers India Limited.
Research and Development Initiatives
Debanjan Chakrabarti has participated in various research and development initiatives focused on waste valorization. His projects include flare gas and landfill gas valorization, as well as the production of alternative clean liquid fuels from waste. He has developed surveillance tools to monitor the performance of catalytic reactors and distillation columns at a Waste-to-Ethanol Plant, contributing to advancements in process efficiency and sustainability.
Technical Skills
Debanjan Chakrabarti possesses a range of technical skills relevant to process engineering. He has developed complex numerical models and performed optimization studies using gradient descent methods and global search algorithms. His expertise extends to conducting Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies and process integration studies for complex process loops, showcasing his ability to apply scientific principles to real-world engineering challenges.