STSM Grantee: Cristian Barón Vidán

Home Institution: University of Zaragoza, Spain

Home Supervisor: Prof. Pilar Lisbona

Host Institution: Silesian University of Technology, Poland

Host Supervisor: Prof. Anna Skorek-Osikowska

STSM Title: Methanation kinetic model validation for a wide range of operating pressures

Duration: 01/09/2024 – 30/09/2024

Within the framework of the COST Action TrANsMIT, Cristian Barón Vidán, a pre-doctoral researcher at the University of Zaragoza, completed a one-month Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the Silesian University of Technology.

Cristian’s work focused on the experimental validation of methanation kinetic models under varying pressure conditions. While the University of Zaragoza’s methanation test rig operates at atmospheric pressure, the host institution provides a reactor capable of conducting experiments at significantly higher pressures. This enabled Cristian to perform comparative studies between high-pressure and atmospheric-pressure methanation, ultimately supporting the development of a kinetic model that incorporates system pressurization effects.

The STSM also strengthened cooperation between the two institutions, culminating in a joint peer-reviewed publication presenting the results of the study. The article entitled “Pilot-plant experimental tests and kinetic model validation of Ru-based catalytic methanation: assessment of operating pressure and filler material on carbon conversion“ was published in Energy Journal (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2025.138183).

Congratulations to Cristian for his successful research stay and for contributing to the advancement of methanation processes and sustainable energy systems!

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