Sayeed Rushd
Associate Professor
King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Sayeed Rushd is an Associate Professor at King Faisal University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he has served since his appointment in 2018. He received promotion to his current rank in 2025. Dr. Rushd is a leading expert in Transport Phenomena, with a primary focus on the fluid dynamics of rheologically complex multiphase systems. His research extensively employs ML-based AI modeling to solve advanced engineering challenges.
Dr. Rushd earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Canada, under the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Pipeline Transport Processes, where his thesis pioneered models for pressure loss in heavy oil/bitumen pipelines. He further expanded his expertise through postdoctoral research on multiphase viscous flows at Texas A&M University at Qatar.
An internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Rushd has an h-index of 16 (Google Scholar) and has published over 50 scientific studies. His innovative impact is demonstrated by three U.S. patents: he is the sole inventor of a novel zero liquid discharge (ZLD) desalination process, and co-inventor of a sensor for biofouling in pipelines and a fully automated whiteboard cleaning system.
Building on his foundational work in pipeline transportation systems, Dr. Rushd's current research program is dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions for desalination and environmental protection, leveraging his core expertise in complex fluid dynamics and artificial intelligence.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Infrastructure
The process involves diverting industrial flue gas—a primary source of emissions—from a facility’s exhaust stream and bubbling it directly into the nutrient-rich saltwater within the reactors. Here, the seaweed performs enhanced photosynthesis, efficiently converting the captured carbon dioxide into dense, harvestable biomass. This biological sequestration method is a significant departure from more energy-intensive mechanical CCS approaches.
The system’s core innovation lies in its intelligent, closed-loop design, which is deliberately modular for scalable deployment in arid environments synonymous with major oil-producing nations. This design eliminates dependence on freshwater resources and protects the cultivation process from external contaminants and predators. Operational efficiency is managed by a sophisticated smart control system, driven by a dense network of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. These sensors provide continuous, real-time data on a suite of critical parameters, including pH balance, nutrient concentration, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels. The automation system responds instantly to these readings, fine-tuning the environment to maintain optimal growth conditions 24/7, thereby maximizing both sequestration efficiency and biomass yield.
The harvested seaweed biomass serves as a sustainable, carbon-negative feedstock, creating a tangible circular carbon economy. It can be processed into a portfolio of valuable products that support broader sustainability goals. These include advanced third-generation biofuels, which offer a carbon-neutral alternative for transportation; protein-rich animal feed that can alleviate pressure on agricultural land; and organic fertilizers that promote soil health. This transformation of a liability—CO₂ emissions—into a suite of marketable commodities provides a compelling economic incentive for adoption.
Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, this project has been validated at the laboratory scale, demonstrating a practical and profitable pathway for petroleum operators to reduce their carbon footprint. It aligns perfectly with national visions for a greener future, such as the Saudi Green Initiative, by offering a viable, technology-driven CCU solution. This system not only supports the industry’s urgent decarbonization goals but also fosters economic diversification, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Infrastructure
Addressing this critical need, this research from Saudi Arabia presents the development and testing of a novel, high-efficiency plasma-based purification system engineered specifically for the rigorous demands of produced water. Plasma, often termed the fourth state of matter, is an ionized gas capable of generating a powerful cocktail of reactive species—including ozone, hydroxyl radicals, and ultraviolet radiation—within the water matrix. The technology leverages these advanced non-thermal plasma processes to initiate a rapid and comprehensive degradation of pollutants. It effectively cracks emulsified oils, mineralizes persistent organic compounds, and achieves potent disinfection by destroying harmful microbes, all without the dependency on chemical additives.
Our comprehensive study systematically focuses on optimizing the system's core operational parameters to achieve maximum treatment efficacy. This involves evaluating different carrier gases (e.g., air, oxygen, argon) and varying power inputs to determine the most energy-efficient configuration for treating both synthetic and real-world produced water samples obtained from oilfields. The ultimate performance target is to achieve full compliance with the most stringent regulatory standards for safe discharge or beneficial reuse in agriculture or industrial processes.
A key operational advantage of this modular technology is its strong potential for decentralized, on-site treatment. This capability can drastically reduce the logistical burdens, transportation costs, and safety hazards associated with moving large volumes of wastewater or handling dangerous treatment chemicals. An initial techno-economic assessment indicates a substantial potential for reducing long-term operational expenditures (OPEX) and the overall environmental footprint when compared to incumbent traditional methods.
This innovation directly aligns with the ambitious water conservation and environmental stewardship goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It offers the petroleum sector a robust, chemical-free, and sustainable technological solution for closing the water loop. By transforming a costly waste product into a valuable resource, this plasma-based system promises to dramatically enhance water recycling rates, minimize ecological impact, and significantly improve the overall sustainability and social license of oil and gas operations worldwide.
