Extraordinary Senior Lecturer | Polymer thermodynamics | Sustainable process technoeconomics | Uncertainty analysis

Short Bio

Dr Riccardo Swanepoel obtained his BEng degree cum laude in 2016 and completed his PhD degree in 2019, both at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University. He joined Sasol South Africa in 2020, where he has been working in the Research and Technology division since 2022, having previously worked in the production and expert operations divisions. He also currently serves on the Early Career Board of the Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data.

Riccardo’s doctoral research focused on the high-pressure, high-temperature thermodynamics of (solvent + polyolefin) systems, which included thermophysical property measurements, polymer equation-of-state modelling, and corresponding states theory derivation.

Among others, Dr Swanepoel was the recipient of the Stellenbosch University Chancellor’s Medal in 2016 as well as the award for the best doctoral dissertation at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University in 2020. He was also awarded the Helmut Knapp Poster Award in 2018 at the European Symposium on Applied Thermodynamics.

Research Interests

Riccardo’s research interests include the thermodynamics of asymmetric systems, experimental uncertainty analysis, and sustainable process development. His current work focuses on the development, simulation, and evaluation of novel process technologies for the conversion and utilisation of bioenergy and renewable power within the sustainable fuels and chemicals space.

Selected Publications

Dr Swanepoel has published five peer-reviewed articles as first author in academic journals. Visit his Google Scholar Profile for a complete list of his publications.

Teaching

Riccardo presents a one-day workshop on experimental uncertainty analysis, and a three-day course on Aspen Plus.