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History

The Laboratory of Process Analysis and Design (LPAD), formerly known as the Laboratory of Physical Process Engineering, is essentially the evolution (through a series of renaming accompanied by the modernization of its scope) of the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemical Technology (ICT), which was founded in 1908, well before the establishment of the School of Chemical Engineering in 1917.

According to the Government Gazette (FEK 307B'/22.04.1994), the purpose of the laboratory is:"

  • The experimental and applied study of industrial physical processes (e.g., distillation, drying, extraction, filtration, evaporation, reverse osmosis) aimed at analyzing the fundamental phenomena.
  • "The development of mathematical models for describing physical processes and thermophysical properties of materials.
  • The design of physical processes aimed at determining operation parameters, sizing of equipment/machines, and their optimization.

As part of the above, the LPDA covers the educational needs and provides laboratory support for the following undergraduate courses:

Students are trained theoretically and practically through laboratory exercises, which aim to familiarize them with the study of Physical Processes. The following are examples of processes covered: Heat Transfer, Drying, Distillation, Extraction, Fluidization, Crystallization, Evaporation, Reverse Osmosis.

Research at the Laboratory has focused (since the 1990s) on the design and optimization of processes and systems, ranging from simple processes to large-scale systems. Among others, extensive studies have been conducted on: drying processes, reverse osmosis, extraction, gas cleaning processes, food processing in oily environments, integrated complex systems related to metallurgy and refineries, energy integration, and auxiliary services management. Today, the laboratory's research activities are continuous (with participation in Greek and European research programs and significant publishing activity) and are aligned with current technological advancements related to Physical Processes. Within this framework, two main areas of focus can be identified:

1. Food Engineering and Technology:As a constant philosophical approach, the Laboratory combines food engineering with the development of technology, treating these areas as an integrated whole. Taking into account the modern demands of consumers and European regulations for foods with high nutritional value and improved organoleptic characteristics, the reduction of ingredients such as sugar, salt, and synthetic additives, as well as minimizing CO2footprint, energy, water, and raw material consumption, the exploitation of Greek flora, which is rich in herbs with unique bioactive properties, the Laboratory has focused on the following areas of Food Engineering and Technology:

  • Simulation and mathematical modeling of processes
  • Design and optimization of processes
  • Examining the effect of process conditions on the quality of final products
  • Design and development of innovative products with predefined thermophysical properties and enhanced nutritional and sensory characteristics, using advanced food processes
  • Development of foods with a defined structure and low concentrations of sugar and salt
  • Innovative products derived from legume proteins, plant fibers, probiotics, and natural additives
  • Development of extracts by applying "green" extraction methods (microwave, ultrasound, PLE) from food industry by-products
  • Development of natural food additives from plants and microalgae
  • Development of bakery products with the addition of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers
  • Life cycle analysis (LCA) of food processes

2. Design and energy integration:The LPAD aligned with modern energy requirements, is involved in systems for exploiting renewable energy sources such as thermal, wind, photovoltaic, and cogeneration. In this context, it focuses on the following areas:

  • Design of new industrial applications
  • Optimization of existing industrial applications
  • Creation of computational design and optimization tools (Simulators)

To achieve the above, the laboratory currently has over 50 (small and large) laboratory devices, and efforts are being made for the continuous acquisition of new equipment in line with current trends in the fields of its activity.

The following equipment is indicated:

  • Spray Dryer
  • Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer, DMA
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
  • Mechanical Properties Testing Device
  • Food Extruder
  • Aerosol Sampling and Recording Systems
  • Integrated 3D Printing System
  • Microbiological Measurement System
  • Ultrasound and Microwave Extraction
  • High-Pressure Liquid Extraction (HPLE)
  • Particle Size Distribution and Emulsion Particle Distribution Measurement System
  • Electrospinning
  • Laboratory Bioreactor
  • Stomach and intestinal process simulator
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