Dr at Universidad Nacional del Sur Argentina
Dr. Pablo Ezequiel Hegel is a Research Scientist at CONICET and a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS) in Bahía Blanca, Argentina 🇦🇷. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering from UNS (2008), his expertise lies in high-pressure process thermodynamics . He specializes in the analysis, design, and development of high-pressure experimental research units, focusing on the measurement of phase equilibria and thermophysical properties. Dr. Hegel has extensively worked on supercritical CO₂ extraction and fractionation of natural products, as well as biomass valorization using intensified pressure technologies . He has collaborated with various industries, contributing to technological developments and experimental works. Fluent in Spanish (native), English, and with working proficiency in French, he has also authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and participated in international conferences .
Publication profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
PhD in Chemical Engineering (2008) Universidad Nacional del Sur – PLAPIQUI Thesis: “Phase Equilibria and Processing of Vegetable Oils Using Supercritical Fluids”. Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering (2002) Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Sur
👨🔬 Experience
Research Scientist at CONICET (2010–Present) Working at PLAPIQUI’s Laboratory of High Pressure – Process Thermodynamics, focusing on high-pressure experimental units, phase equilibria, supercritical CO₂ extraction, and biomass valorization. Professor at UNS (2019–Present)
Teaching “Chemical Thermodynamics for Engineers” and “Unit Operations I” in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Adjunct and Assistant Professor at UNS (2013–2019) Taught courses like Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics and supervised seminars on high-pressure process engineering. Postdoctoral Fellow at LGC-UMR 5503, ENSIACET, INP Toulouse, France (2009–2010) 🇫🇷
Worked on supercritical extraction and purification of value-added lipids from yeast.
🏆 Awards and Honors
PhD Fellowship from CONICET (2004–2008) Supported his doctoral research on supercritical fluids.. Postdoctoral Fellowship from ECOS-ALPHA Program (2009–2010) Conducted research in France on supercritical extraction technologies. Research Grants and Projects Leader
Directed multiple grants focused on supercritical technologies for biomass processing and sustainable product design. Industrial Collaborations
Led experimental technological works for companies like Procter & Gamble, YPF Tecnología S.A., and others, focusing on high-pressure processes and supercritical extraction.
🔬 Research Focus
High-Pressure Process Thermodynamics Specializes in designing and developing experimental units for measuring phase equilibria and thermophysical properties. Supercritical Fluid Extraction Expertise in supercritical CO₂ extraction and fractionation of natural products and oils. Biomass Valorization Utilizes intensified pressure technologies for converting biomass into valuable products. Technological Innovations
Develops high-pressure reactors, viscometers, and extraction units for industrial applications.
Publication
- Title: Density and viscosity of orange peel oil saturated with pressurized CO2
Authors: Fortunatti-Montoya, M., Hegel, P.E., Pereda, S.
Journal: Journal of Supercritical Fluids
Year: 2024
Volume: 214
Article: 106373
- Title: Decaffeination of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) by pressurized liquid CO2 extraction: A feasible process?
Authors: Granone, L.I., Sánchez, F.A., Pereda, S.
Journal: Journal of Supercritical Fluids
Year: 2024
Volume: 213
Article: 106368
- Title: Purification of synthetic oils using liquefied gases of reduced flammability
Authors: Pizzano, A., Rodriguez Reartes, S.B., Hegel, P.E.
Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design
Year: 2023
Volume: 195
Pages: 192–206
- Title: Citrus fruit processing by pressure intensified technologies: A review
Authors: Granone, L.I., Hegel, P.E., Pereda, S.
Journal: Journal of Supercritical Fluids
Year: 2022
Volume: 188
Article: 105646
Citations: 7
- Title: Alkaloid-rich vs. antioxidant-rich yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extracts: Exploiting the selectivity of supercritical CO2 using hydrated ethanol as co-solvent
Authors: Hegel, P., Granone, L.I., Hrnčič, M.K., Kotnik, P., Knez, Z.
Journal: Journal of Supercritical Fluids
Year: 2021
Volume: 172
Article Number: 105200
Citations: 12
- Title: Density and viscosity of mixtures of glycerol acetates saturated with CO2 for the design of a supercritical fractionation column
Authors: Fortunatti-Montoya, M., Hegel, P.E., Pereda, S.
Journal: Journal of Supercritical Fluids
Year: 2021
Volume: 168
Article Number: 105065
Citations: 4
- Title: Biodiesel production from Halamphora coffeaeformis microalga oil by supercritical ethanol transesterification
Authors: Hegel, P.E., Martín, L.A., Popovich, C.A., Damiani, C., Leonardi, P.I.
Journal: Chemical Engineering and Processing – Process Intensification
Year: 2019
Volume: 145
Article Number: 107670
Citations: 19
- Title: Fractionation of glycerol acetates with supercritical CO2
Authors: Fortunatti-Montoya, M., Sánchez, F.A., Hegel, P.E., Pereda, S.
Journal: Journal of Supercritical Fluids
Year: 2019
Volume: 153
Article Number: 104575
Citations: 6
- Title: Experimental High-Pressure Isochoric/Isoplethic Equilibrium for the Systems Propane + n-Pentane and Propane + Diethyl Ether
Authors: Menossi, M., Hegel, P.E., Milanesio, J.M., Camy, S., Zabaloy, M.S.
Journal: Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data
Year: 2019
Volume: 64(9)
Pages: 3848–3860
Citations: 1
✅ Conclusion:
Pablo Ezequiel Hegel is highly suitable for the Best Faculty Award, given his exceptional scientific contributions, innovation in high-pressure process engineering, and strong industrial ties. His expertise in supercritical technology and thermodynamics, coupled with his ability to translate research into practical applications, makes him a strong contender for this accolade. Enhancing his profile with more evidence of academic leadership and mentorship could further solidify his candidacy.