Dr. John Van Der Schaaf

Professor

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Biography

John van der Schaaf focuses on the development of catalytic and non-catalytic multiphase reactors that use rotation to create high gravity and high shear conditions. These conditions lead to excellent interphase mass transfer, intraphase mixing, and fluid-to-wall heat transfer. His research particularly targets applications where (exothermic) fast reactions are constrained by mass transfer or mixing limitations. Additionally, under high gravity fields, phases of different densities can interact countercurrently. This makes processes such as distillation (gas-liquid), extraction (liquid-liquid), and crystallization (liquid-solid) feasible. The advantages of using high-gravity high-shear conditions allow the chemical industry to employ compact equipment, which can be up to one hundred times smaller than conventional units. Smaller equipment not only reduces the financial burden associated with expensive construction materials and coatings but also permits the safe operation at high temperatures and pressures, extending the economic process window. Future research efforts will explore the performance of high-gravity high-shear equipment, focusing on functional design and the optimization of operating conditions and fluid properties in industrially relevant systems. The transition to renewable resources necessitates the development of a new generation of chemical production plants, producing compact, versatile production units that contribute sustainably to local communities' welfare and well-being.

Research Interests

Experience

Full Professor

2003-01-01 — Present

Eindhoven University of Technology • Eindhoven, Netherlands

Joined as an assistant professor and progressed to full professor, contributing extensively to research in chemical engineering.

Courses

Chemical reactors Reactor Design

Requirements for Eindhoven University of Technology

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:90
PTE
Listening
Required:65
Reading
Required:65
Writing
Required:65
Speaking
Required:65
Overall
Required:70
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline Specific subject knowledge related to the chosen program (e.g., Calculus, Linear Algebra) Maximum 15 ECTS deficiency for international applicants
Application Checklist
  • Certified copy of Bachelor's degree and transcript
  • Authenticated English/Dutch translation of documents
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivation Letter
  • Two letters of reference
  • Summary of Bachelor thesis/dissertation
  • Concise course descriptions of relevant subjects
  • Copy of passport
  • Proof of payment of application fee (EUR 100)
Specialization Notes

Specific departments like Industrial Design require a portfolio. Programs like Data Science and AI require a GRE-General test for certain international backgrounds.