Nov 10 – ChE Seminar – “The Digital Future of Process Operations” by Lawrence Megan, Praxair
November 10 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
CPE 2.218
Host: Michael Baldea
ABSTRACT:
While automation has been a significant part of the process industries for the 
last 40 years, the current
explosion in low cost sensors, communications, cloud computing and other advances is leading the next generation of safety, reliability and efficiency improvements. This talk will provide our perspective on today’s leading digital applications in process equipment, plant operations and supply chains. Furthermore, it will discuss future applications, needs, and the engineering skills required, and hopefully inspire others creativity to research the next generation of digital process advances.
BIOGRAPHY:
Lawrence Megan is currently a Director leading Praxair’s Global Analytics team and R&D Productivity program. In this role, he is responsible for managing a portfolio of programs focused on improving the efficiency of Praxair’s manufacturing operations, supply chains, and business processes.
Larry joined Praxair in 1993 as a Development Associate, later becoming an R&D manager and Corporate Fellow. He holds 4 US patents and has co-authored 13 peer reviewed journal articles. He received AIChE’s Computing Practice award in 2015, the National Academy of Engineering Eminent Young Engineer award in 2006, and multiple internal awards. He is a member of the University at Buffalo (UB)Industrial Engineering Advisory Board, the Buffalo Manufacturing Works Founders Board, and is actively involved in collaborative efforts between UB and the Buffalo Public Schools to improve science and math education.
Larry has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut.