Yaojun Lu

• Computational analysis: Demonstrated success in delivering high-fidelity simulation solutions for product development and engineering analysis, grounded in a deep understanding of flow physics and modeling strategies. My expertise encompasses multiphase flow, heat transfer, mass transport, fluid rheology, and advanced modeling techniques including CFD, FEA, FSI, and DEM, and paired with hands-on experimental validation using PIV, LAD, LIF, shadowgraphy, and fiber-optic diagnostics. Hands-on skills in developing and implementing customized models within CFD solvers, proficient in C and FORTRAN programming and experienced in managing large-scale simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) platforms.
• Research & Development: 30+ years of global R&D leadership across government labs, industrial centers, and multinational corporations, driving innovation in mixing/separation technologies, complex fluid rheology, flow assurance, ext.; Proven expertise in theoretical analysis, computational modeling, and experimental validation for designing fluid handling equipment, evaluating unit operations, and troubleshooting flow control systems; Key research credentials: (1) Master’s and PhD investigations on gravity settlers and hydrocyclones, (2) Postdoctoral research on hydrocyclones and oil/sand separation at China’s State Key Laboratory and University of Alberta, (3) Visiting scholar and research scientist at Canadian Government Laboratory, specializing in rheology, bitumen froth treatment, and tailings management. 
• Industry Application: Specialized in oil/gas processing, produced water treatment, subsea equipment, filtration, flotation, and thickening systems across diverse industrial sectors; Proven track record in supporting product design and delivering engineering projects from concept through field implementation, with impactful roles at NATCO, FMC Technologies, Bechtel, and Wood Group; Led recent innovation in air filtration technology at Donaldson and advanced mineral processing equipment at FLSmidth; provided expert engineering consultation for oil/gas processing systems, oil/sand separation facilities, and mineral processing operations; skilled in optimal product design, equipment troubleshooting, and process debottlenecking to enhance system performance and reliability; proficient in flow assurance and thermal-flow analysis using industry-standard tools: OLGA, PIPESIM, HYSYS, PVTSim, and Multiflash.

I hold a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering, a PhD in Engineering Mechanics, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license specializing in thermal-fluid sciences. My graduate research laid the foundation for my career in multiphase flow and separation technologies—first through the optimal design of gravity settlers for oil/water separation during my master’s studies, and later through the development of liquid-liquid hydrocyclones for produced water treatment in my doctoral work.

In 1998, I began postdoctoral research at the China State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow, focusing on numerical prediction of droplet breakup in hydrocyclones, followed by a second postdoctoral appointment at the University of Alberta, where I investigated primary oil/sand settling mechanisms. In 2002, I served as a visiting scholar in a Canadian government laboratory, studying the rheology of complex fluids in the oil/sand industry. I then joined Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Technology Center as a research scientist, where I led projects on bitumen froth treatment and tailings management