Dr. Eric Scharpf

Adjunct Faculty

Eric originally hails from the United States. He completed a B.Ch.E. at the University of Delaware in 1985 before moving on to Princeton University. Here he held a position as a Teaching and Research Assistant while studying a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, which he completed in 1991. From 1991 - 2000, he was employed as a process chemical engineer for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc, where he developed several of the cryogenic gas processing, combustion, and separation techniques now used for hydrogen, synthesis gas, and power generation. He is generally recognized as an expert in chemical process efficiency analysis, optimisation, and safety.

Eric began lecturing at the University of Otago in 2000. Currently he teaches EMAN 402 - Process Optimisation, as well as CHEM 342 and 343 for the Department of Chemistry. He is also a partner in exida.com, a safety and automation consultancy firm where he is responsible for their Australasian efforts. In addition, Eric also provides coordination and development support for the overall Programme in Applied Science.

Eric’s research interests and areas of expertise include:

• Steam Methane Reformer & Furnace Systems
• Process Efficiency and Reliability Improvement
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemical Process Control
• Project Execution
• Operations and Manufacturing
• Cooling Tower Systems
• Gas Turbine Systems
• Process and Machinery Safety

Contact Details

Tel +64 3 472 7707
Email escharpf@exida.com

Selected publications

• "Safety Integrity Level Selection: Systematic Methods with Layer of Protection Analysis”. ISA Publishing, 2002. With Ed Marszal.
• “Integrated Cryogenic and Non-Cryogenic Gas Mixture Separation” US Patent 6,161,397. 19 December 2000. With B.A. McNeil and D.G. Winter.
• “Implementing IEC61508 in the Process Industries.” Presented at SCS2000, Melbourne, Australia, November 2000. With W. M. Goble.
• “Gasification Combined Cycle Power Generation Process with Heat-Integrated Chemical Production.” US Patent 5,865,023. 2 February 1999. With J. Sorenson.
• “Heat Recovery and Power Generation from Industrial Process Streams.” US Patent 5,842,345. 1 December 1998.
• “Cryogenic Adjustment of Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide Content of Syngas.” US Patent 5,832,747. 10 November 1998. With B. A. McNeil and J. D. Bassett.
• “Gasification Combined Cycle Power Generation Process with Heat-Integrated Chemical Production.” US Patent 5,666,800. 16 September 1997. With J. Sorenson.
• “Integrated Air Separation Gas Turbine Electrical Generation Process.” US Patent 5,406,786. 18 April 1995. With A. R. Smith.
• “Adsorption Process to Recover Hydrogen from Low Pressure Feeds.” US Patent 5,294,247. 15 March 1994. With R. Kumar.

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