1. Dr. ZBIGNIEW E. RING
Mobile: (630) 420-3772
e-mail: Zbigniew.Ring@BP.com
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
 BP North America, Naperville, IL USA
Lead Principal Engineer, Hydroprocessing (2009– current)
Current activities:
 FFI: Leading a project aiming at measurement and then prediction of adsorption constants of nitrogen
compounds on catalyst sites for application in the LHHW-based HydroCalc process model for VGO
hydrotreating (conceptual development, oversight of program execution, and data interpretation)
o Reactive studies in HTE (developed software for modeling non-isothermal reactor pre-bed)
o Measurements of the physical constants in a novel GC-based apparatus (development of
underlying theory, measurement method, and hardware).
 FFI: Modeling of the AU60 experimental data to test the applicability of LHHW to modeling VGO
hydrotreating, to reconcile conflicting information, and to guide parameter estimation in HydroCalc.
 FFI: Developed a novel cost-effective method to significantly improve modelling the effect of
nitrogen in feedstock on conversions predicted by the HydroCalc model
 FFI: Proposed an improved TAN method for quantification of only corrosive naphthenic acids
 CTC: Providing continuing support for upgrading of FT diesel and wax streams (experimental
strategy, catalyst selection, experiment oversight and mathematical modeling of experimental data).
Conducted successful refinery trouble shooting investigations on:
 $50K/day diesel color problem in Whiting DHT. Conducted innovative heat transfer analysis that
predicted the particular spot in DHT that was responsible for creating color bodies. Working with
refinery personnel, eliminated the problem by rearranging quench rates around that spot.
 Texas City RHU catalyst slumping. Identified physical properties of the liquid saturated with small
gas bubbles (as opposed to bulk liquid) as causing the problem and worked with refinery personnel to
avoid catalyst slumping conditions.
 Toledo BGOT hydrotreater plugging with “ultra-fines” while processing Canadian synthetic crudes.
Based on the extensive experience in upgrading Canadian bitumen-derived crudes, identified the
mechanism (filtration in a reduced-voidage layer at the bottom of catalyst bed) and worked with
R&LT engineers on improved packing diagram.
Other projects and proposed activities:
 Conducted strategic project on the production of low-sulfur jet fuel.
 Conceived the method and helped develop software for improved interpretation of GCxGC/S, /N, and
/FID chromatograms (software developed for BP by an NCUT researcher and former reportee).
 Helped develop hardware and operating procedures for new hydrotreating pilot plants.
 Through seminars and in meetings, shared his experience on a number of initiatives such as:
o Molecular representations of feeds to conversion processes for predictive modelling
o Efficient HDS of diesel in novel monolithic reactors
o Methods for interpretation of GCxGC chromatograms
o Simultaneous minimizing TAN corrosion and making nono-sized iron catalyst for VCC
o etc.
Address:
595 Grosvenor Ln.
Aurora, IL
60504

2. Leader, Technology Development, Residue Hydrocracking (2007 – 2009)
 Led a group of scientists working on the development of the 2nd
generation VCC technology
including planning and execution of pilot plant experiments to optimize the technology, catalyst
development, development of analytical support, and mathematical modeling of experimental results.
 Design improvements and construction oversight of primary and secondary upgrading pilot plants.
 Developed a research program leading to new primary upgrading technologies.
 National Centre for Upgrading Technology, NCUT, Devon, AB Canada
NCUT Program Manager (2005 - 07), Technical Leader, Secondary Upgrading & Refining (1998 -
2005), Senior Scientist (1994-98),
Created and led a group of researchers working on secondary upgrading and refining of Canadian
bitumen-derived streams (high aromatics, high hard sulfur, high TAN); development of new refining
processes, advanced characterization methods, and process models as well as catalyst research.
 Conducted collaborative process research projects with UOP, Exxon, Suncor Energy Inc., Corning
Inc., Criterion Catalysts, Topsoe Catalysts, US DOE, Citgo, Conoco, VKG, etc.
 For example, provided most of the experimental process data for the Whiting WRMP expansion
project (coking, hydroprocessing, distillation)
 Developed and led $1M-per-year pilot plant process development support and catalyst evaluation
services. Clients included: BP, Shell Canada Ltd., Corning Inc., Shell Global Solutions, Petro-Canada
Ltd., Syncrude, Husky Oil, Irving Oil, UOP, Pertamina, KBC, OMV, etc.
 For example, conducted catalyst selection project for the BP Grangemouth hydrocracker
 Conceived concepts and methodologies, and oversaw research on:
 novel highly efficient diesel hydrotreating process (patent application),
 novel material to enhance the performance of hydroprocessing catalysts (patent application),
 investigation of naphthenic acid removal methods from bitumen-derived streams,
 QSPR-based speciation methods for sulphur, nitrogen and hydrocarbon type based on GCxGC,
 derivation of molecular representations of refinery streams,
 by-boiling-point distributed MS characterization of refinery streams,
 processability of bitumen-derived heavy gas oils in FCC,
 hydroprocessing process models and neural-network-based product quality models.
 Created and led Upgrading Catalyst Development Network – an NCUT/university network (7
universities) focusing on development of new catalytic processes to improve the quality of bitumen-
derived distillates as refinery feedstocks.
 As adjunct professor at the universities of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ottawa, New Brunswick, and Laval
University co-supervised Ph.D. students working on molecular representation of HC streams and
plugging phenomena in trickle-beds.
 Shell Canada Ltd., Oakville Research Centre, Oakville, ON Canada
Research Engineer (1988 - 90) and Senior Research Engineer (1990 - 94)
 Research and commercial plant support in the area of hydrocracking:
- Participated in precision testing of commercial hydrocrackers and hydrotreaters in support of refinery
de-bottlenecking and process optimization studies,

3. - developed a hydrocracker process model for on-line optimization (implemented and successfully
running on-line at Shell Canada's Scotford refinery since 1993), conducted the related pilot plant
research and developed parameter estimation software,
- conducted pilot plant programs for catalyst evaluations, process development, and modeling support
for Shell Canada and in support of Shell Group catalyst development research at KSLA, Amsterdam,
- conducted research and developed a mathematical model of accumulation of polycyclic aromatics in
recycle loop of the hydrocracker including testing of remedial technologies,
 Research in the area of residue hydroconversion:
- participated in process development and design support for the Shell Canada HYCON Peace River
upgrader,
- developed a scale-up model for moving-bed hydro-demetalization reactors that accounted for the
presence of both catalytic and hydrothermal reactions.
 Institute of Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Assistant Professor (1976-82)
 Mathematical modeling of chemical reactors and distillation processes.
 Teaching Chemical Reactor Theory, Reaction Kinetics, and general engineering courses.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. and M.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto, 1988
"Trickle-Bed Reactors: Effect of Wetting Geometry on the Overall Effectiveness Factor"
M.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Warsaw, 1975
"Decomposition Kinetics of Aluminum Hydroxide under Dynamic Temperature Conditions".

4. Selected Publications (82 publications in total)
1. Butler, G., Cook, B., Schleiffer, A., Rupp, M., Ring. Z., Spencer, R. “Maximize Liquid Yield from
Extra Heavy Oil” Hydrocarbon Processing, September 2009, p. 51
2. Chen, J., Yang, H., Wang, N., Ring, Z., Dabros, T. “Mathematical modeling of monolith catalysts and
reactors for gas phase reactions” Applied Catalysis A: General, 345 (1) 2008, p. 1
3. Hamidipour, M., Larachi, F., Ring, Z. “Cyclic operation strategy for extending cycle life of trickle
beds under gas-liquid filtration” Chemical Engineering Science, 62 (24) 2007, p. 7426
4. Hamidipour, M., Larachi, F., Ring, Z. “Three-phase monoliths versus trickle beds: Comparative
studies of gas-liquid filtration behavior” Chemical Engineering Science, 62 (18-20) 2007, p. 5538
5. Mouli, K.C., Sundaramurthy, V., Dalai, A.K., Ring, Z. “Selective ring opening of decalin with Pt-Ir
on Zr modified MCM-41” Applied Catalysis A: General, 321 (1) 2007, p. 17
6. Chen, J., Jiang, W., Yang, H., Hawkins, R., Ring, Z. “Comparative study of vapor-liquid equilibrium
during hydroprocessing of different petroleum feedstocks” 2006 AIChE Spring Annual Meeting
7. Nakajima, N., Lay, C., Du, H., Ring, Z. “Prediction of gas chromatograhic retention times of
carbazoles in light cycle oil” Energy and Fuels, 20 (3) 2006, p. 1111
8. Ha, Z., Ring, Z., Liu, S. “Derivation of molecular representations of middle distillates” Energy and
Fuels, 19 (6) 2005, p. 2378
9. Du, H., Fairbridge, C., Yang, H., Ring, Z. “The chemistry of selective ring-opening catalysts”
Applied Catalysis A: General, 294 (1) 2005, p. 1
10. Ha, Z., Ring, Z., Liu, S. “Estimation of isomeric distributions in petroleum fractions” Energy and
Fuels, 19 (4) 2005, p. 1660
11. Ha, Z., Ring, Z., Liu, S. “Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) models for boiling
points, specific gravities, and refraction indices of hydrocarbons” Energy and Fuels, 19 (1) 2005, p.
152
12. Yang, H., Fairbridge, C., Chen, J., Ring, Z. “Structure-HDS reactivity relationship of
dibenzothiophenes based on density functional theory” Catalysis Letters, 97 (3-4) 2004, p. 217
13. Chen, J., Ring, Z. “Modeling fixed bed chemical reactors with high heat release” Dynamics of
Continuous, Discrete and Impulsive Systems Series B: Applications and Algorithms, 11 (1-2) 2004,
p. 47
14. Briker, Y., Ring, Z., Iacchelli, A., McLean, N. “Miniaturized method for separation and
quantification of nitrogen species in petroleum distillates” Fuel, 82 (13) 2003, p. 1621
15. Briker, Y., Ring, Z., Iacchelli, A. “New Methods for Characterization of Products from Micro-activity
Testing (MAT) of Residue from Estonian Shale Oil” 2003 ACS Division of Fuel Chemistry
16. Yang, H., Ring, Z., Briker, Y., McLean, N., Friesen, W., Fairbridge, C. “Neural network prediction of
cetane number and density of diesel fuel from its chemical composition determined by LC and GC-
MS” Fuel, 81 (1) 2002, p. 65
17. Te, M., Fairbridge, C., Ring, Z. “Oxidation reactivities of dibenzothiophenes in
polyoxometalate/H2O2 and formic acid/H2O2 systems” Applied Catalysis A: General, 219 (1-2)
2001, pp. 267-280.
18. Yang, H., Fairbridge, C., Ring, Z. “Neural network prediction of cetane numbers for isoparaffins and
diesel fuel” Petroleum Science and Technology, 19 (5-6) 2001, p. 573
19. Briker, Y., Ring, Z. “Diesel fuel analysis by GC-FIMS: Aromatics, n-paraffins, and isoparaffins”
Energy and Fuels, 15 (1) 2001, p. 23
20. Ng, S., Briker, Y., Gentzis, Y.Z.T., Ring, Z., Fairbridge, C., Ding, F., Yui, S. “Distributions of
aromatics, nitrogen, and sulfur in cracked liquid products from microactivity tests” Energy and Fuels,
14 (4) 2001, p. 945
21. Schofield, B.A., Ring, Z.E., Missen, R.W. “Solubility of hydrogen in a white oil” Canadian Journal of
Chemical Engineering, 70 (4) 1992, p. 822
22. Ring, Z.E., Missen, R.W. “Trickle-bed Reactors: Effect of Wetting Geometry on Overall
Effectiveness Factor” Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 64 (1) 1986, p. 117