RAPID – Rapid Advancement in Process Intensification Deployment Manufacturing Institute of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) – was the 10th institute created by the federal government as part of the nation’s initiative to reinvigorate U.S. manufacturing by fostering collaboration between industry and academia. These institutes are focused on step-change innovations that wouldn’t be possible for any one organization to accomplish on its own.
RAPID is focused on “process intensification” technology, which represents a paradigm shift that combines industrial process steps into a single modular piece of equipment. The result is more efficient, cleaner and more economical manufacturing, especially beneficial to energy-intensive industries like the chemical industry, which is so important to Delaware. Additionally, one of RAPID’s six main focus areas is “Intensified Process Fundamentals,” led by Dionisios Vlachos, Ph.D., of the University of Delaware.
RAPID CEO Karen Fletcher explains:
What are the major initiatives that RAPID is undertaking in Delaware?
Since RAPID is a brand-new institute, we’re still developing our R&D strategy and roadmaps, and we will issue a call for projects later this year.
What are the primary industries that would profit from this research?
In addition to the chemical industry, we’re also focused on refining, natural-gas upgrading, pulp and paper and bioprocessing.
What other organizations or businesses in Delaware are collaborating with RAPID?
That remains to be seen. When we complete our technology roadmaps, we’ll issue calls for projects and select the best ideas in six distinct focus areas for funding. Ideally these projects will embrace a diverse set of partners, including industry, academia, national labs and other subject-matter experts. There are a number of Delaware-based companies that we hope will participate, including the large companies like DuPont or Chemours, along with small companies like Compact Membrane Systems.
Is there a timeline for this research, or is it open-ended?
We have a $70 million investment from the U.S. Department of Energy that covers our first five years, with matching funds from RAPID members and project participants. We intend to be fully sustainable after
that, with a strong portfolio of R&D projects that will provide ongoing and substantial commercial value
to our industry partners.
What facilities – offices, labs and so on – are being used by RAPID?
Some of our members will provide access to their test beds or facilities as part of their contribution to the Institute. Exactly which facilities will be most impactful depends on the projects selected. As for offices, our headquarters is in New York City, with six focus areas led by universities across the country, including the University of Delaware.
Can you tell us more about your parent organization, AIChE, and its ties to Delaware?
AAIChE is a global organization of 50,000 members, focused, since 1908, on advancing the profession and promoting excellence in chemical-engineering education and global practice. Approximately 300 of AIChE’s professional members work or make their homes in Delaware, and Delaware is also a leader in educating the next generation of chemical engineers at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
