Michael Bird

Biography

Dr Mike Bird holds degrees in Chemical Engineering from the Universities of Swansea and Cambridge. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, and a Chartered Engineer.

Research Interest

Mike’s research interests are in the area of biochemical and food process engineering. Research work has investigated the interaction between surfaces and bioproducts, particularly in stainless steel equipment and in pressure driven synthetic membrane systems. This includes fouling and cleaning of surfaces; a multidisciplinary area requiring an appreciation of surface chemistry, material science, biochemistry as well as chemical engineering. Chemical cleaning is of great interest to the food industry to ensure product quality. Optimisation of cleaning processes leads to a reduction in the amount of water, energy and cleaning chemicals consumed, and the downtime lost. Fouling and cleaning phenomena are critical to the operation of synthetic membranes. Such membranes are used to purify and process streams containing proteins, carbohydrates and salts in food, water and pharmaceutical industries. Mike’s work has a strong relevance to improving product quality, and reducing downtime, water and chemical consumption.