Lifeng Zhang PhD, P.Eng.
Professor (on Sabbatical) Chemical and Biological Engineering

Education and Experience

B.Eng.(Zhejiang University)

MSc.(Zhejiang University)

MSc.(Singapore-MIT Alliance)

Ph.D.(Waterloo)

Research Projects

• Enhanced fluidized bed drying processes;
• Biomass and bioenergy; 
• Air pollution control;
• Advanced understanding of multiphase flow in porous media;
• Eelectrostatics and electrospray

Refereed Journal Publications

• V. Hirpara, V. Patel, Y. Zhang, R. Anderson, N. Zhu, L.F. Zhang, Investigating the effect of operating temperature on dynamic behavior of droplets for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2020, 45(27), 14145-14155.
• Li, N. Zhu, H.N. Emady, L.F. Zhang, Synchrotron-based X-ray in-situ imaging techniques for advancing the understanding of pharmaceutical granulation, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019, 572, 118797.
• V. Patel, L. Battrell, N. Zhu,  R. Anderson, L.F. Zhang, Investigating Effect of Different Gas Diffusion Layers on Water Droplet Characteristics for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2019,44(33), 18340-18350.
• L. Battrell, V. Patel, N. Zhu, L.F. Zhang,  R. Anderson, Imaging of the desaturation of gas diffusion layers by synchrotron computed tomography, Journal of Power Sources, 2019, 416, 155-162.
• P. Chen, W. Du, M.H. Zhang, F.Y. Duan, L.F. Zhang, Numerical studies on heat coupling and configuration optimization in an industrial hydrogen production reformer, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2019, 44(30), 15704-15720.
• L. Battrell, N. Zhu, L.F. Zhang,  R. Anderson,  Transient, Spatially Resolved Desaturation of Gas Diffusion Layers Measured via Synchrotron Visualization, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2018, 43, 24, 11234-11243.
• P. Rahimian, L. Battrell, R. Anderson, N. Zhu, E. Johnson, L.F. Zhang, Investigation of time dependent water droplet dynamics on porous fuel cell material via synchrotron based X-ray imaging technique, Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2018, 97, 237-245.
• L. Battrell, A. Trunkle, E. Eggleton, L.F. Zhang, R. Anderson, Quantifying Cathode Water Transport via Anode Relative Humidity Measurements in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell, Energies, 2017, 10,1222.
• W. Du, J.Z. Zhang, P. Lu, J. Xu, W.S. Wei, G.X. He, L.F. Zhang, Advanced understanding of local wetting behavior in gas-liquid-solid packed beds using CFD with a volume of fluid (VOF) method, Chemical Engineering Science, 2017, 170, 378-392.
• P.E Rahimian, R. Anderson, L.F. Zhang, Predictions of flow regimes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: an analytical approach, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2017, 42(7), 4679-4689.
• M. Taghavivand, K.S. Choi, , L.F. Zhang, Investigation on drying kinetics and tribocharging behaviour of pharmaceutical granules in a fluidized bed dryer, Powder Technology, 2017, 316,171-180.
• K.S. Choi, M. Taghavivand, L.F. Zhang, Experimental studies on the effect of moisture content and volume resistivity on electrostatic behaviour of pharmaceutical powders, Internal Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2017, 519, 98-103.
• Du W., J.Z. Zhang, S. Bao, J. Xu, L.F. Zhang, Numerical investigation of particle mixing and segregation in spouted beds with binary mixtures of particles, Powder Technology, 2016, 301, 1159-1171.
• Du, W., Quan, N., Lu, P.P., Xu, J., Wei, W.S., L.F. Zhang,., Experimental and statistical analysis of the void size distribution and pressure drop validations in packed beds, Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2016, 106, 115-125.
• Du,W., L.F. Zhang, S. Lv, P.P. Lu, J. Xu, W.S. Wei, Numerical study of liquid coverage in a gas-liquid-solid packed bed, Particuology, 2015, 23, 90-99.
• L.F. Zhang, Q.M. Pan, G.L. Rempel, Bifurcation analysis and multiplicity of steady states in a multistage agitated contactor for gas liquid processes, Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2015, 93, 1891-1901.
• R. Anderson, E. Eggleton, L.F. Zhang, Development of two-phase flow regime specific pressure drop models for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2015, 40(2), 1173-1185.
• W. Du, L.F. Zhang, B. Zhang, S.H. Bao, J. Xu, W.S. Wei, Pressure drop and pressure fluctuations in spouted beds with binary mixtures, Powder Technology, 2015, 276, 134-143.
• W. Du, L.F. Zhang, B.Zhang, S.H. Bao, J.Xu, W.S.Wei, X.J. Bao, Flow regime transition and hydrodynamics of spouted beds with binary mixtures, Powder Technology, 2015, 281,138-150.
• H.J. Kim, D.K. Choi, S. Ahn, H. Kwok, H-W Lim, D. Denholm, T. Park, L.F. Zhang, GTL FPSO-An Alternative Solution to Offshore Stranded Gas, Oil and Gas Facilities, 2014, 3(3), 41-52.
• L.F. Zhang, J.T. Hou, X.T. Bi, Triboeletric Charging Behavior of Wood Particles during Pellet Handling Processes, Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 2013, 26(6), 1328-1334.
• Y.L. Ding, R. Anderson, L.F. Zhang, X.T. Bi, D.P. Wilkinson, Simulation of Two-phase Flow Distribution in Communicating Parallel Channels for a PEM Fuel Cell, International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 2013,52,35- 45.
• L.F. Zhang, J.T. Hou, X.T. Bi, J.R. Grace, T. Janke, C. Arator, Electrostatic Beneficiation of Fly Ash in a Free-falling System, Particuology, 2012, 10,154-160.
• L.F. Zhang, J.T. Hou, X.T. Bi, J.R. Grace, T. Janke, C. Arator, Fluidization Characterization and Charging Behavior of Fly Ash in a Vibrated Fluidized Bed, Powder Technology, 2012,215 ,235-241.
• L.F. Zhang, X.T. Bi, D.P. Wilkinson, R. Anderson, J. Stumper, H.J. Wang, Gas-liquid Two-phase Flow Behaviour in Minichannels Bounded with a Permeable Wall, Chemical Engineering Science, 2011, 66, 3377- 3385.
• R. Anderson, D.P. Wilkinson, X.T. Bi, L.F. Zhang, Two-phase Flow Pressure Drop Hysteresis in an Operating Proton Membrane Exchange Fuel Cell, Journal of Power Sources, 2011,196,8031-8040.
• R. Anderson, L.F. Zhang, Y. Ding, M. Blanco, H.T. Bi, D.P. Wilkinson, A Critical Review of Two-phase Flow in Gas Flow Channels of PEM Fuel Cells, Journal of Power Sources, 2010, 195, 4531-4553

• R. Anderson, D.P. Wilkinson, H.T. Bi, L.F. Zhang, Two-phase Flow Pressure Drop Hysteresis under Typical Operating Conditions for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, ECS Transaction, 2010,261.

• R. Anderson, D.P. Wilkinson, H.T. Bi, L.F. Zhang, Two-phase Flow Pressure Drop Hysteresis in Parallel Channels of PEM Fuel Cell Flow Fields, Journal of Power Sources, 2010, 195, 4168-4176.
• L.F. Zhang, Q.M. Pan, G.L. Rempel, Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Polymers in a Multistage Agitated Contactor: Experiments and Numerical Simulation, Chemical Engineering Science, 2010, 65, 6, 2027-2036.
• W. Du, L.F. Zhang, H.T. Bi, D.P. Wilkinson, J. Stumper, H.J. Wang, Gas-liquid two-phase flow in mini- channels with liquid side introduction, Industrial Engineering Chemistry Research, 2010, 49(15), 6709-6721.
• W. Du, L.F. Zhang, H.T. Bi, D.P. Wilkinson, J. Stumper, H.J. Wang, Two-dimensional Simulations of Gas- liquid Two-phase Flow in Minichannels of PEM Fuel Cell Flow Field, International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering, 2010, 8, A15.
• L.F. Zhang, H.T. Bi, D.P. Wilkinson, J. Stumper, H.J. Wang, Gas Flow Rate Distributions in Parallel Mini- channels For PEM Fuel Cells: Experiments and Theoretical Analysis, Journal of Power Sources, 2010, 195, 10, 3121-3129.
• L.F. Zhang, W. Du, H.T. Bi, D.P. Wilkinson, J. Stumper, H.J. Wang, Gas Liquid Flow Distributions in Parallel Channels for Fuel Cells, Journal of Power Sources, 2009, 189(2), 1023-1031.
• L.F. Zhang, H.T. Bi, D.P. Wilkinson, J. Stumper, H.J. Wang, Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow Patterns in Parallel Channels for Fuel Cells, Journal of Power Sources, 2008, 183(2), 643-650.
• L.F. Zhang, Q.M. Pan, G.L. Rempel, Residence Time Distribution in a Multistage Agitated Contactor: CFD Prediction and Experimental Validation, Industrial Engineering Chemistry Research, 2007, 46(11), 3538- 3546.
• L.F. Zhang, Q.M. Pan, G.L. Rempel, Liquid Phase Mixing and Gas Hold-up in a Multistage Agitated Contactor with Cocurrent Upflow: Air/Viscous Fluids, Chemical Engineering Science, 2006, 61, 6189-6198.
• L.F. Zhang, Q.M. Pan, G.L. Rempel, Liquid Phase Mixing and Gas Hold-up in a Multistage Agitated Contactor with Cocurrent Upflow, Industrial Engineering Chemistry Research, 2005, 44(14), 5304-5311.
• L.F. Zhang, Q.M. Pan, G.L. Rempel, Modeling and Simulation of a Multistage Agitated Contactor for Hydrogenation of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering, 2005, A9.
• Y.Z. Bao, L.F. Zhang, Z.M. Huang, Z.X. Weng, Absorption of Vinyl Chloride on Calcium Carbonate and Pressure/Temperature/Conversion Relationship for Vinyl Chloride Suspension Polymerization in the Presence of Calcium Carbonate, Eur. Polym. J., 2003, 39, 1001.
• L.F. Zhang, Z.M. Huang, Y.Z. Bao, Z.X. Weng, Preparation of Nano-CaCO3/PVC Composites via In-situ Polymerization, Polyvinyl Chloride, 2001, 2, 10-13.(in Chinese)
• Q.S. Ma, L.F. Feng, L.F. Zhang, K. Wang, Y.Q. Zhang, L.X. Feng, A Study of Olefin Polymer Alloy Based on Propylene, Petrochemical Technology, 1999, 28(10),666-670. (in Chinese)

Refereed Conference Proceedings

• Battrell, L.,  Trunkle, A.,  Eggleton E.,  Zhang L.F.,  Anderson R.(2016). Investigation of water transport within a proton exchange membrane fuel cell by diffusion layers saturation analysis, the ASME 2016 Power and Energy Conference, June 26-30, Charlotte, North Carolina , USA.
• Zhang, L.F., Anderson, R. (2015). An Updated Two-Phase Flow Regime Map in Active PEM Fuel Cells Based on a Force Balance Approach, ASME 2015 13th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels, and Minichannels, San Francisco, California, USA, July 6-9.
• Zhang L.F., Bi X.T., Grace J.R. (2014). Measurements of Electrostatic Charging of Powder Mixtures in a Free-fall Test Device. Procedia Engineering. 7th World Congress on Particle Technology, Beijing, China, May 19th- 22nd.
• Anderson R., Zhang L.F., Wilkinson D.P. (2014). An Analysis of Two-Phase Flow Pressure Drop in Operating Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Channels With the Lockhart-Martinelli Approach, 12th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels, and Minichannels, August 3-7, Chicago, Illinois, FEDSM2014-21288.
• Zhang, L.F., Bi, X.T., Grace, J.R. (2014). Measurements of Electrostatic Charging of Powder Mixtures in a Free-Fall Test Device, 7th World Congress on Particle Technology, May 19-22, Beijing, China.
• Zhang, L., Bi, H.T., Wilkinson, D.P., Stumper, J. and Wang, H.J. (2009). Pressure Drop of Two-Phase Flow in Minichannels Bounded with Permeable Walls, The 8th World Congress of Chemical Engineering, Montreal, August 24027, Paper No. 145, (6 pages).
• Zhang, L., Pan, Q.M. and Rempel, G.L. (2005). A Hydrodynamic Study and Mass Transfer Coefficient on a Multistage Agitated Contactor with Cocurrent Gas Liquid Upflow, The 7th World Congress of Chemical Engineering, Glasgow, Scotland, July 10-14, Paper No. 05-003, (10 pages) (CD Rom).

Conference Presentations / Poster Presentations

• Battrell, P.Milner, M. English, L.F. Zhang, R. Anderson, Experimental Investigation and Synchrotron Visualization of Water Transport of Thin Porous Media in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, InterPore 2018, May 14-17, 2018, New Orleans, USA.
• K.S. Choi, M.Taghavivand, L.F. Zhang, Experimental Studies on the Effect of Moisture Content and Volume Resistivity on Electrostatic Behaviour of Pharmaceutical Powders, 8th World Congress on Particle Technology, April 22-26, 2018, Orlando, FL, USA.
• Du, P. Chen, F. Duan, M. Zhang, L.F. Zhang, Numerical studies on heat coupling and structure optimization in an industrial methane-steam reforming furnace, The 15th International Conference on Clean Energy (ICCE-2017), December 8-11, 2017, Xi’an, China.
• Li, F. Jalalinejad, K.S. Choi, L.F.Zhang, Tribocharging Behaviour of Pharmaceutical Particles Using Turbulent Flow Tribocharger, Asia Pacific Symposium on Safety, November 30- December 1, 2017, Kitakyushu, Japan.
• Emiola-Sadiq Z. Elgalad. L.F. Zhang, A.K. Dalai, Bubbling and Fluidization Behaviour of Binary Mixtures Involving Biomass Particles in Bubbling Fluidized Beds, 67th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, October 22-25, 2017, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
• Li, Z.R. Yu, L.F. Zhang, K.S. Choi, Characterization of Tribocharging Behaviour of Polymer Particles in a Turbulent Flow Tribocharger, 67th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, October 22-25, 2017, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
• Rahimian, L.F. Zhang, L. Battrel, R. Anderson, N. Zhu, Using X-ray radiographic imaging techniques for investigation of water droplet dynamics in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, 66th Canadian Conference for Chemical Engineering, October 16-19, 2016, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
• K.S Choi, M. Taghavivand, L.F. Zhang, Investigation on effect of moisture content on tribocharging behaviour and volume resistivity of pharmaceutical granules, 66th Canadian Conference for Chemical Engineering, October 16-19, 2016, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
• Jalalinejad, L.F. Zhang, R.J. Spiteri., The effect biomass volume fraction on bubbles in sand-biomass fluidized beds, 66th Canadian Conference for Chemical Engineering, October 16-19, 2016, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
• Taghavivand M., Choi, K.S., Zhang, L.F. (2016). Investigations on tribocharing behavior of pharmaceutical powders in a fluidized bed dryer, Fluidization XV, May 22-27, Montebello, Quebec, Canada
• Taghavivand M, Zhang L.F. (2015). Investigation of tribocharging behavior of pharmaceutical powders from a vibrating device. 65th Canadian Conference for Chemical Engineering, Calgary, Canada
• Han C, Akamatsu C.M., Taghavivand M.,  Zhang L.F. (2015). Investigation of fluidization and bubbling behavior in a fluidized bed of binary mixtures with biomass particles. 65th Canadian Conference for Chemical Engineering, October 4-7, Calgary, Canada
• Zhang, L.F., Anderson R., Du W. (2015). An advanced understanding of gas-liquid two phase flows in flow channels of PEM fuel cells: Pressure drop and flow regimes, 65th Canadian Conference for Chemical Engineering, October 4-7, Calgary, Canada.
• Zhang, L., Anderson, R., Bi, X.T., Wilkinson, D.P., Stumper, J. and Wang, H.J. (2009). Investigations on Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Minichannels for PEM Fuel Cells, Hydrogen + Fuel Cells, Vancouver, BC, Canada, May 31- June 3rd.

Invited Lecture/Talk

• Zhang L.F., 2014. Innovative Multiphase Flow Research toward Sustainability, Zhejiang University, May 17, Hangzhou, China.
• Zhang L.F., 2014. Two-phase Flow in PEM Fuel Cells: Instability, Maldistribution and Flow Hysteresis, Soochow University, May 16th, Suzhou, China.