Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer

Biography

Dr. Philip (Phil) Schonewill is a chemical engineer and team leader of the Experimental Fluids Engineering team, a part of the Experimental and Computational Engineering Group in the Energy and Environment Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The Experimental Fluids Engineering team conducts testing and development of nuclear treatment technologies—typically involving larger-scale experiments with simulants—in support of the Hanford Site and its contractors, with a focus on relevant topics in fluid mechanics, mixing, transport phenomena, physical and chemical characterization of materials, and chemical engineering.

Over his career at PNNL, Dr. Schonewill has investigated several nuclear waste treatment technologies via experimentation—ranging from bench-scale to full-scale—and data analysis. He led a series of multiyear PNNL technology development support programs for pretreatment systems planned for use in the Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste process, which included simulant development, filtration testing, ion exchange media testing, flammable gas generation measurements, testing to develop a flammable gas safety basis, and pilot-scale limits of performance testing. He was a key technical leader investigating full-scale deep sludge gas retention and release behavior, assessing alternative supplemental mixing technologies for the Waste Treatment Plant Pretreatment Facility, and studying high-pressure aerosol physics for nuclear facility safety accident analyses. Dr. Schonewill has expertise in nuclear waste filtration: he has authored a book chapter on the topic and is the steward of the cold (non-radiological) filtration experimental capability at PNNL. Another focus during his PNNL tenure has been using data analysis techniques to discover trends and/or develop models from large or difficult to manipulate data sets.

Dr. Schonewill has extensive training in fluid mechanics and transport phenomena, including studying particle-fluid interactions and other multiphase phenomena. His PhD work, completed at the University of Notre Dame in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, focused on studying the impact of applied oscillatory flows on mass transfer in direct methanol fuel cells and the inertial migration of solid particles. He also holds a MS in chemical engineering from Notre Dame and a BS in chemical engineering from Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI).

Disciplines and Skills

  • Aerosol Science
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Data Analysis
  • Experimental Design
  • Filtration
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • LaTeX
  • Matlab
  • Multiphase Flow
  • NQA-1
  • Nuclear Waste Management
  • Project Team Management
  • Transport Phenomena
  • Waste Management
  • Waste Processing

Education

  • University of Notre Dame, Doctor of Philosophy, Chemical and Biomolecular Engr
  • University of Notre Dame, Master of Science, Chemical Engineering
  • Calvin University, Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering

Affiliations and Professional Service

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

  • Past-Chair of Nuclear Engineering Division (2019-2021)
  • Session chair at AIChE Annual Meetings
  • Senior Member (2007-present)

AIChE Journal, peer reviewer

Physics of Fluids, peer reviewer

Separation Science and Technology, peer reviewer

Science of the Total Environment, peer reviewer

Awards and Recognitions

American Nuclear Society Best Oral Paper/Presentation Award, Waste Management 2022 Conference

Department of Energy Office of River Protection Grand Challenge Finalist (2018)

Energy and Environment Directorate Project Manager of the Year Nominee (2017)

Four-time Member of an EED Project Team of the Year (2010, 2014, 2016, 2019)

Nineteen-time Outstanding Performance Awardee (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)

Publications

2021

  • Schonewill P.P., P.A. Gauglitz, R.C. Daniel, C. Burns, S.D. Davidson, and G.K. Boeringa. 2021. High Solids Performance Testing in a Scaled TSCR System. PNNL-31877. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA.
  • Schonewill P.P., M.J. Minette, K.G. Rappe, A.H. Zacher, C.W. Enderlin, and E.V. Morrey. 2021. "Hanford Tank BY-108 Thermal Oxidation System Performance Testing Methodology." PNNL-SA-157465. In WM Symposium 2021.
  • Schonewill P.P., P.A. Gauglitz, R.C. Daniel, G.K. Boeringa, S.D. Davidson, and M.R. Landon. 2021. "Scaled Tank Side Cesium Removal Test System for Assessing Performance at High Solids Loading." PNNL-SA-157308. In WM Symposium 2021.

2020

  • Hardy J.S., T. Jin, M.A. Hall, G.J. Sevigny, B.P. McCarthy, J.J. Venarsky, and M.L. Kimura, et al. 2020. Vitrification of High-Cr Glass in Research-Scale Melter. PNNL-30141. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Vitrification of High-Cr Glass in Research-Scale Melter
  • Schonewill P.P., H.A. Colburn, P.A. Gauglitz, C. Bottenus, A.M. Rovira, C. Burns, and S.A. Bryan, et al. 2020. "Testing of Crystalline Silicotitanate to Support Tank-Side Cesium Removal System Operations." PNNL-SA-149274. In WM Symposium 2020.

2019

  • Colburn H.A., A.M. Rovira, S.R. Adami, D.M. Camaioni, S.A. Bryan, and P.P. Schonewill. 2019. Gas Generation Testing of Crystalline Silicotitanate Ion Exchange Media. PNNL-28842. Rev. 1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA.
  • Pease L.F., S.K. Fiskum, H.A. Colburn, and P.P. Schonewill. 2019. Cesium Ion Exchange with Crystalline Silicotitanate Literature Review. PNNL-28343. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA.
  • Schonewill P.P. 2019. "Chapter 5: Filtration." In Engineering Separations Unit Operations for Nuclear processing. Boca Raton, Florida:Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. PNNL-SA-145399.
  • Gauglitz P.A., C. Bottenus, G.K. Boeringa, C. Burns, and P.P. Schonewill. 2019. Drying of Crystalline Silicotitanate (CST) Beds by Air Flow. PNNL-28763. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Drying of Crystalline Silicotitanate (CST) Beds by Air Flow

2018

2017

  • Schonewill P.P., R.L. Russell, R.C. Daniel, H.A. Colburn, S.A. Bryan, P.A. Gauglitz, and S.D. Rassat, et al. 2017. "Low Activity Waste Pretreatment System Bench-Scale Testing: Supporting Integrated Testing and Facility Safety Analyses - 17171." In Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Waste Management Conference (WM 2017): Education & Opportunity in Waste Management, March 5-9, 2017, Phoenix, Arizona, 4, 2694-2708. Tempe, Arizona:Waste Management Symposia, Inc. PNNL-SA-123178.

2015

  • Hardy J.S., G.J. Sevigny, M.L. Kimura, D.R. Dixon, J.J. Neeway, C.D. Lukins, and P.P. Schonewill, et al. 2015. Vitrification of HWI-Al-19 Glass in Research-Scale Melter. Rev. 0, PNNL-26330, EWG-RPT-014. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA.
  • Meacham J.E., J.R. Follett, P.A. Gauglitz, B.E. Wells, and P.P. Schonewill. 2015. "Gas Retention and Release from Hanford Site Sludge Waste Tanks." In Annual Waste Management Symposium (WM2015) March 15-19, 2015, Phoenix, Arizona, 8, 5963-5973; Paper No. 15491. Tempe, Arizona:WM Symposia, Inc. PNNL-SA-108228.
  • Schonewill P.P., E.J. Berglin, G.K. Boeringa, W.C. Buchmiller, C.A. Burns, and M.J. Minette. 2015. Scoping Study of Airlift Circulation Technologies for Supplemental Mixing in Pulse Jet Mixed Vessels. PNNL-24221. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Scoping Study of Airlift Circulation Technologies for Supplemental Mixing in Pulse Jet Mixed Vessels
  • Schonewill P.P., R.C. Daniel, R.W. Shimskey, C.A. Burns, J.M. Billing, and R.A. Peterson. 2015. "Long-Time Performance of a Stainless Steel Crossflow Filter with Simulated Hanford Tank Waste." Chemical Engineering Research & Design 102. PNNL-SA-98154. doi:10.1016/j.cherd.2015.06.016

2014

  • Schonewill P.P., P.A. Gauglitz, R.W. Shimskey, K.M. Denslow, M.R. Powell, G.K. Boeringa, and J.R. Bontha, et al. 2014. Evaluation of Gas Retention in Waste Simulants: Tall Column Experiments. Rev. 0. PNNL-23340; DSGREP-RPT-005, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Evaluation of Gas Retention in Waste Simulants: Tall Column Experiments

2013

  • Bontha J.R., P.A. Gauglitz, D.E. Kurath, H.E. Adkins, C.W. Enderlin, J. Blanchard, and R.C. Daniel, et al. 2013. "Experimental Challenges and Successes in Measuring Aerosol Concentrations at Prototypic Spray Conditions Encountered at the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant - 13327." In Waste Management Symposia (WM2013): International Collaboration and Continuous Improvement, February 24-28, 2013, Phoenix, Arizona. Tempe, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-92681.
  • Gauglitz P.A., L.A. Mahoney, P.P. Schonewill, J.R. Bontha, J. Blanchard, D.E. Kurath, and R.C. Daniel, et al. 2013. "Aerosol Formation from High-Pressure Sprays for Supporting the Safety Analysis for the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant." In WM 2013: Waste Management Conference: International Collaboration and Continuous Improvement, February 24-28, 2013, Phoenix, Arizona, Paper No. WM-13183. Tempe, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-92454.
  • Schonewill P.P., P.A. Gauglitz, M.L. Kimura, G.N. Brown, L.A. Mahoney, D.N. Tran, and C.A. Burns, et al. 2013. Small-Scale Spray Releases: Additional Aerosol Test Results. PNNL-22402; WTP-RPT-222, Rev. 0. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Small-Scale Spray Releases: Additional Aerosol Test Results
  • Wells B.E., J.A. Fort, P.A. Gauglitz, D.R. Rector, and P.P. Schonewill. 2013. Preliminary Scaling Estimate for Select Small Scale Mixing Demonstration Tests. PNNL-22737. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Preliminary Scaling Estimate for Select Small Scale Mixing Demonstration Tests

2012

  • Denslow K.M., J.R. Bontha, H.E. Adkins, J.W. Jenks, C.A. Burns, P.P. Schonewill, and D.F. Hopkins, et al. 2012. "Continued Evaluation of the Pulse-Echo Ultrasonic Instrument for Critical Velocity Determination during Hanford Tank Waste Transfer Operations." In Waste Management Symposium (WM 2012): Improving the Future in Waste Management, February 26-March 1, 2012, Phoenix, Arizona, Paper No. 12518. Tucson, Arizona:Waste Management Symposia Inc. PNNL-SA-85110.
  • Edwards M.K., P.P. Schonewill, R.W. Shimskey, C.M. Niver, and R.A. Peterson. 2012. "Process Results for the Integrated Near-Tank Treatment System Pilot Demonstration." Separation Science and Technology 47, no. 14-15:2115-2120. PNWD-SA-9673.
  • Russell R.L., D.E. Rinehart, G.N. Brown, P.P. Schonewill, and R.A. Peterson. 2012. Ion Exchange Kinetics Testing with SRF Resin. PNNL-21109; WTP-RPT-214. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Ion Exchange Kinetics Testing with SRF Resin
  • Schonewill P.P., M.K. Edwards, C. Smith, R. Tranbarger, R.W. Shimskey, and R.A. Peterson. 2012. "Near-Tank Treatment of Hanford Tank Waste: Pilot-Scale Testing." In WM 2012: Improving the Future in Waste Management, February 26 - March 1, 2012, Phoenix, Arizona, Paper No. 12107. Tucson, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNWD-SA-9667.
  • Schonewill P.P., M.K. Edwards, R.W. Shimskey, and R.A. Peterson. 2012. "Generating an Estimate of the Capacity of the Near-Tank Treatment System for Processing S/SX Tank Waste." Separation Science and Technology 47, no. 14-15:2121-2128. PNWD-SA-9663.
  • Schonewill P.P., P.A. Gauglitz, J.R. Bontha, R.C. Daniel, D.E. Kurath, H.E. Adkins, and J.M. Billing, et al. 2012. Large-Scale Spray Releases: Initial Aerosol Test Results. PNNL-21333; WTP-RPT-217, Rev. 0. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Large-Scale Spray Releases: Initial Aerosol Test Results
  • Schonewill P.P., R.C. Daniel, R.L. Russell, R.W. Shimskey, C.A. Burns, J.M. Billing, and B.M. Rapko, et al. 2012. "Development of an S-Saltcake Simulant Using Crossflow Filtration as a Validation Technique." Separation Science and Technology 47, no. 14-15:2098-2107. PNNL-SA-84086.

2011

  • Billing J.M., R.C. Daniel, R.T. Hallen, P.P. Schonewill, R.W. Shimskey, and R.A. Peterson. 2011. "Chemical cleaning of porous stainless steel cross-flow filter elements for nuclear waste applications." In American Filtration and Separations Society Annual Meeting, May 10-12, 2011, Louisville, Kentucky. Kingwood, Texas:American Filtration & Separations Society. PNNL-SA-79432.
  • Bontha J.R., K.M. Denslow, H.E. Adkins, J.W. Jenks, C.A. Burns, P.P. Schonewill, and G.P. Morgen, et al. 2011. "Evaluation of Three Ultrasonic Instruments for Critical Velocity Determination During Hanford Tank Waste Transfer Operations - 11121." In 37th Annual Radioactive Waste Management Symposium (WM 2011): Global Achievements and Challenges in Waste Management, February 27-March 3, 2011, Phoenix, Arizona, 5, 3999-4013. Tempe, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-77135.
  • Mahoney L.A., B.M. Rapko, and P.P. Schonewill. 2011. "Modeling the Sodium Recovery Resulting from Using Concentrated Caustic for Boehmite Dissolution." Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 50, no. 20:11570-11575. PNNL-SA-78518. doi:10.1021/ie2008289
  • Schonewill P.P., M.K. Edwards, C. Smith, R. Tranbarger, R.W. Shimskey, and R.A. Peterson. 2011. Integrated Near Tank Treatment System Pilot Demonstration. PNWD-4298. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA.
  • Shimskey R.W., P.P. Schonewill, R.C. Daniel, and R.A. Peterson. 2011. "Complex Microfiltration Behavior of Metal Hydroxide Slurries." In WM 2011: Global Achievements and Challenges in Waste Management, February 28 - March 3, 2011, Phoenix, Arizona, Paper No. 11376. Tucson, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-77214.

2010

  • Baldwin D.L., P.P. Schonewill, J.J. Toth, J.L. Huckaby, P.W. Eslinger, B.D. Hanson, and D.E. Kurath, et al. 2010. EFRT M-12 Issue Resolution: Solids Washing. PNNL-18499, Rev. 1; WTP-RPT-187, Rev 1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. EFRT M-12 Issue Resolution: Solids Washing
  • Bontha J.R., H.E. Adkins, K.M. Denslow, J.W. Jenks, C.A. Burns, P.P. Schonewill, and G.P. Morgen, et al. 2010. Supplemental Information for Test Loop Demonstration and Evaluation of Slurry Transfer Line Critical Velocity Measurement Instruments. PNNL-19560. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA.
  • Bontha J.R., J.W. Jenks, G.P. Morgen, T.J. Peters, W.A. Wilcox, H.E. Adkins, and C.A. Burns, et al. 2010. Test Loop Demonstration and Evaluation of Slurry Transfer Line Critical Velocity Measurement Instruments. PNNL-19441, Rev. 0. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Test Loop Demonstration and Evaluation of Slurry Transfer Line Critical Velocity Measurement Instruments
  • Daniel R.C., P.P. Schonewill, R.W. Shimskey, and R.A. Peterson. 2010. A Brief Review of Filtration Studies for Waste Treatment at the Hanford Site. PNNL-20023. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. A Brief Review of Filtration Studies for Waste Treatment at the Hanford Site

2009

  • Baldwin D.L., P.P. Schonewill, J.J. Toth, J.L. Huckaby, P.W. Eslinger, B.D. Hanson, and D.E. Kurath, et al. 2009. EFRT M-12 Issue Resolution: Solids Washing. PNNL-18499. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. EFRT M-12 Issue Resolution: Solids Washing
  • Kurath D.E., B.D. Hanson, M.J. Minette, D.L. Baldwin, B.M. Rapko, L.A. Mahoney, and P.P. Schonewill, et al. 2009. Pretreatment Engineering Platform Phase 1 Final Test Report. Rev. 0, PNNL-18894; WTP-RPT-197. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA. Pretreatment Engineering Platform Phase 1 Final Test Report