The University of Manchester

School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science

Multiphase Processing Group

Publications Presentations


Mike Cooke


Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Start date: October 2012
Project: Ultimate Liquids' Technology for Responsive, Agile & FLEXible MANUfacturing
Sponsor: EPSRC & TSB
Email: michael.cooke@manchester.ac.uk

Summary:

  • Recognised authority in practical fluid mechanics

  • Wide experience in configuration of chemical reactors

  • Specialist in modelling and design of multiphase systems

  • Education, training and development of students

  • Expert management of experimental facilities

Experience:

  • 2000–2012 Research Associate, The University of Manchester, School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science (formerly UMIST Department of Chemical Engineering)Research/consultancy projects for, BNFL, DuPont Polyesters, ICI, Invista Technologies, Ineous, GSK, Huntsman, Paxair, Polyurethane’s, Novozymes, Saffil, Unilever, GSK and more. Set up the CASTLE multi-purpose mixing laboratory in the pilot plant with a number of highly instrumented gas-liquid mixing tanks fitted with shaft torque readout and ERT. Assisted in setting up structured fluid semi tech mixing area with a number of interlinked batch vessels heat exchanger and high shear in-line mixer. These units are controlled and monitored by Emerson Delta V and are highly instrumented.

  • 1988-2000 ICI Technology, Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Manager at Widnes Experimental Centre Detailed experimental modelling of large industrial 3-phase boiling reactors. Developed new mixing technology, which was introduced internationally. Improved agitator designs evolved and successfully implemented. Optimised feed and sparger designs using RTD studies and Bourne competing reaction chemistry. Non-Newtonian mixing studies include characterisation of paint mixer designs, scale-up and scale-down and the successful implementation of novel designs.

  • 1975-1988 Fluid Mechanic Scientist, ICI Corporate Laboratory and New Science Group at Runcorn Heath

  • 1967–1975 Shift R&T Scientist at ICI Nylon Works Wilton

  • 1965–1967 Chemist at ICI Nylon Works Wilton

Publications:

  • Author of over 40 refereed papers, 40 internal ICI reports, 1 patent & 1 book chapter.

  • Cooke, M, Heggs, PJ, Rogers, TL (2008). The effect of solids on the dense phase gas fraction and gas-liquid mass transfer at conditions close to the heterogeneous regime in a mechanically agitated vessel. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 86, 869-882.
    [download pdf 0.8 MB]

  • Cooke, M, Heggs, PJ (2005). Advantages of the hollow (concave) turbine for multi-phase agitation under intense operating conditions. Chemical Engineering Science, 60, 5529-5543.
    [download pdf 0.6 MB]

  • Stocks, SM, Cooke, M, Heggs, PJ (2005). Inverted hollow spinning cone as a device for controlling foam and hold-up in pilot scale gassed agitated fermentation vessels. Chemical Engineering Science, 60, 2231-2238.
    [download pdf 0.3 MB]

  • Cooke, M (2005). Design of mechanically agitated contators or reactors with "attitude". PhD thesis, School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester.
    [download pdf 12.2 MB]

  • Cooke, M, Heggs, PJ, Eaglesham, A, Housley, D (2004). Spinning cones as pumps, degassers and level controllers in mechanicaly stirred tanks. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 82, 719-729.
    [download pdf 0.6 MB]

Presentations: