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Dr. Udara S.P.R. Arachchige

Senior Lecturer I

Contact

  • udara.a@nsbm.ac.lk
  • +94 11 544 5000
  • Department of Mechatronic and Industry Engineering
  • Faculty of Engineering
  • Google Scholar
  • Linkedin

Profile

Udara S.P.R. Arachchigereceived his B.Sc Degree (2007) in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and M.Sc degree (2010) in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Telemark University College, Porsgrunn, Norway. He received his Ph.D. in Carbon dioxide capture from power plants- modeling and simulation studies at the Southeastern University of Norway in the year 2014. He completed Postdoctoral studies at University of Calgary, Canada in Direct Air Capture to reduce Carbon dioxides from the atmosphere. He has presented and published more than 120 papers in International Conferences and journals. His research interests are CO2 capture, process modeling and simulation, air pollution control, Renewable Energy, waste to energy, and energy optimization. He has more than 5 years of teaching experience at multiple local and international universities. Currently, He is working as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka.

Research Interest

  • Air Pollution Control
  • Renewable Energy
  • Process Modeling and Optimization
  • Carbon Capture
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Waste to Energy

Memberships:

  • 2012 – Present- Associate Member-American Chemical Society
  • 2010 – Present -Associate Member, Nordic Rheology Society-Scandinavia
  • 2018 – Present – Senior member of the HKCBEES (Hong Kong Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society)
  • 2025- Present – Associate member of International Association of Engineers

Awards

  • 2019: Highest H-Index (3rd Place) and Award for publishing more than five Scopus indexed journal articles (University of Sri Jayewardenepura-Sri Lanka)
  • 2023: CANCore Canadian Government Scholarship for Post doctoral Associate position with University of Calgary.

Journal Publications

  1. P.W.T.M.C Tharukarathne, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Pabasari Arundathi Koliyabandara, Use of pine needles for producing high-calorific value bio-briquettes and pine resin for biomass boiler, Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology (JAET) Volume 3 Issue II, 2961 – 5410, DOI:10.54389/VREE8573.
  2. H.N.M.Lakshika, Udara S.P.R Arachchige, Pabasari Arundathi Koliyabandara, Rice Husk Derive Biomass Briquettes for Boilers: Ingredient-Based Product Quality Study, , Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology (JAET), Volume 03 Issue 02, February 2025, 37-50, https://doi.org/10.54389/OXZG5595
  3. Miyuranga, K.A.V.; Arachchige, U.S.P.R.; Marso, T.M.M.; Samarakoon, G. Biodiesel Production through the Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil over Typical Heterogeneous Base or Acid Catalysts. Catalysts 2023, 13, 546. https://doi.org/10.3390/ catal13030546
  4. K.A. Viraj Miyuranga, B.M.C.M. Balasuriya, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Randika A. Jayasinghe and Nuwan A. Weerasekara, Production of Biodiesel in the Presence of Co-Solvents in Transesterification: A Review, Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 35, No. 02 (2023), 254-276. https://doi.org/ 10.14233/ajchem.2023.24009
  5. U.S.P.R. Arachchige†, K.A. Viraj Miyuranga, D. Thilakarathne, R. A. Jayasinghe and N. A. Weerasekara, Impact of the Chemical Composition of Oil for Biodiesel Production to Reduce Environmental Pollution, Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 21(4), 2022, 1681-1687. https://doi.org/10.46488/NEPT.2022.v21i04.021
  6. K.A. Viraj Miyuranga, B.M.C.M. Balasuriya, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Randika A. Jayasinghe and Nuwan A. Weerasekara, Comparison of Performance of Various Homogeneous Alkali Catalysts in Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil, Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 34, No. 12 (2022), 3157-3161. https://doi.org/10.14233/ajchem.2022.23849
  7. Miyuranga, K.A.V.; Arachchige, U.S.P.R.; Jayasinghe, R.A.; Samarakoon, G. Purification of Residual Glycerol from Biodiesel Production as a Value-Added Raw Material for Glycerolysis of Free Fatty Acids in Waste Cooking Oil. Energies 2022, 15, 8856. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238856
  8. K.A. Viraj Miyuranga, B.M.C.M. Balasuriya, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Randika A. Jayasinghe and Nuwan A. Weerasekara, A Comparative Analysis of Impact of Hexane, Diethyl Ether, Toluene and Acetone on Biodiesel Transesterification Process, Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 34, No. 10 (2022), 2545-2550. DOI: 10.14233/ajchem.2022.23794
  9. S.J. De Silva, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige and A.H.L.R. Nilmini, Comparative Study of Bioethanol Production from Waste Banana Fruits and Grapefruits, Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 34, No. 9 (2022), 2253-2256. https://doi.org/10.14233/ajchem.2022.23770
  10. K.A. Viraj Miyuranga, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, S.J. De Silva, Randika A. Jayasinghe and Nuwan A. Weerasekara, Comparison of the Properties of Biodiesel-Bioethanol-Diesel Blended Fuel, Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 34, No. 7 (2022), 1809-1813. DOI: 10.14233/ajchem.2022.23767
  11. H. M. Sajath, A. R. Nihmiya and U. S. P. R. Arachchige, Handling the Sludge When Using Polyaluminum Chloride as a Coagulant in the Potable Water Treatment Process, Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 21(2), 2022, 617-624. DOI:10.46488/NEPT.2022.v21i02.020
  12. S.J. De Silva, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, and A.H.L.R. Nilmini, Production of Bioethanol using Waste Fruits under Acid and Alkali Catalytic Hydrolysis: A Review, Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 34, No. 1 (2022), 25-34. DOI: 10.14233/ajchem.2022.23466
  13. U.S.P.R. Arachchige†, K.A. Viraj Miyuranga, D. Thilakarathne, R. A. Jayasinghe and N. A. Weerasekara, Biodiesel-Alkaline Transesterification Process for Methyl Ester Production, Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 20(5), 2021, 1973-1980. DOI:10.46488/NEPT.2021.v20i05.013
  14. Danushka Thilakarathne, K.A. Viraj Miyuranga, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Nuwan A. Weerasekara, Randika A. Jayasinghe, Catalysts for Biodiesel Production: A Review, Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 33, No. 9 (2021), 1985-1999. https://doi.org/10.14233/ajchem.2021.23332
  15. Udara S. P. R. Arachchige, Kohilan Rasenthiran, Lakshan M.A.L, Lakshitha Madalagama M. K, Prabhath Pathirana P.R, Sakuna Sandupama P.W, Simulation of carbon dioxide capture for industrial applications, Energy Reports 6, (2020), 659-663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2019.11.134
  16. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Singh B., Prajapati K., Melaaen M.C. Dynamic Viscosity of Partially Carbonated Aqueous Monoethanolamine (MEA) from (20 to 150) °C. Applied Chemical Engineering (2019) 2(2),  1-9. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24294/ace.v1i2.660
  17. Udara SPR Arachchige, Sakuna Sandupama PW. Alternative fuel for biomass boilers in Sri Lanka. Int J Chem Stud 2019;7(3):729-733.
  18. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Kawan D., Melaaen M.C. Simulation of carbon dioxide capture for aluminum production process. International Journal of Modeling and Optimization, 2014, 4, No. 1: 43-50.
  19. Adhikari A., Arachchige U.S.P.R., Dotel U.R., Pokhrel R., Melaaen M.C. Role of solar flat plate collectors in reducing greenhouse gases in Nepal. IEEE CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS, 2014, Page(s): 1- 4. DOI: 10.1109/IREC.2014.6827024
  20. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Kawan D., Tokheim L.A., Melaaen M.C. Waste heat utilization for CO2 capture in the cement industry. International Journal of Modeling and Optimization, 2014, 4, No. 6: 438-442.
  21. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Singh B., Prajapati K., Melaaen M.C. Viscosities of Aqueous Solutions of Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA) and N-Methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) at T = (90-150) °C. Annual Transactions – The Nordic Rheology Society 2014, 2014, Volume 22.
  22. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Aryal N., Ghimire P., Halstensen M., Melaaen M.C. Multivariate data analysis for parameters effect on CO2 removal efficiency. Energy Procedia, 2013, Volume 37: 2011-2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2013.06.081
  23. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Kawan D., Tokheim L.A., Melaaen M.C. Model Development for CO2 Capture in the Cement Industry. International Journal of Modeling and Optimization, 2013, 3, No. 6: 535-540.
  24. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Melaaen M.C. Alternative solvents for post combustion carbon capture. International Journal of Energy and Environment, 2013, 4, No. 3: 441-448.
  25. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Nair J.U., Muhammed M., Halstensen M., Melaaen M.C. Multivariate Data Analysis for Identification of Important Parameters on Re-Boiler Duty in a Post-Combustion Chemical Absorption Process. European Journal of Scientific Research, 2013, 95, No. 2: 289-302.
  26. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Muhammed M., Melaaen M.C. Optimized CO2 flue gas separation model for a coal fired power plant. International Journal of Energy and Environment, 2013, 4, No. 1: 39-48.
  27. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Kawan D., Tokheim L.A., Melaaen M.C. Impact of kiln thermal energy demand and false air on cement kiln flue gas CO2 capture. International Journal of Energy and Environment, 2013, 5, No. 1: 45-52.
  28. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Kawan D., Melaaen M.C. New Model Configuration for Post Combustion Carbon Capture. International Journal of Modeling and Optimization, Vol. 3, No. 1, February 2013, 41-45.
  29. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Melaaen M.C. Aspen Plus Simulation of CO2 Removal from Coal and Gas Fired Power Plants. Energy Procedia, 2012, 23: 391–399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2012.06.060
  30. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Melaaen M.C. Selection of Packing Material for Gas Absorption. European Journal of Scientific Research, 2012, 87, No. 1: 117-126.
  31. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Aryal N., Eimer D.A., Melaaen M.C. Viscosities of pure and aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA) and N-Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). Annual Transactions – The Nordic Rheology Society 2012, 2012, Volume 21.
  32. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Muhammed M., Melaaen M.C. Optimization of post combustion carbon capture process-solvent selection. International Journal of Energy and Environment, 2012, 3, No. 6: 861-870.

Conference (Full Paper) Publications

  1. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Jayarathna S.A., Melaaen M.C. Comparison of temperature profiles in CO2 removal process with Aspen Plus and MATLAB. The 36th Clear water clean coal conference, Florida, USA, 2011, 3-7 June.
  2. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Melaaen M.C. Blended Amines’ Effect on Post Combustion CO2 Capture Process. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Environmental Pollution and Remediation, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2012, 28-30 August.
  3. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Aryal N., Melaaen M.C. Case study for flue gas separation of a coal fired power plant and parameters’ effect on removal efficiency. APCRE’11 chemical engineering symposium, Beijing, China, 2011, 18-21 September.
  4. Sampath P.R.A.U., Samarakoon S.P.A.G.L., Ismail F. M., Gunawardana S.H.P. Biodiesel production from high FFA non-edible oil.   Proceedings of the 14th ERU Symposium, 2008: Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
  5. Arachchige U.S.P.R., Aryal N., Melaaen M.C. CO2-flue gas separation for a gas-fired power plant, Tenth ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION, 2011, Pittsburg, USA
  6. Udara S. P. R. Arachchige, Kohilan Rasenthiran, Lakshan M.A.L, Lakshitha Madalagama M. K, Prabhath Pathirana P.R, Sakuna Sandupama P.W, Simulation of carbon dioxide capture for industrial applications, The 5th International Conference on Renewable Energy and Development ICRED 2019 September 20-23, 2019 | Okinawa, Japan.
  7. Udara S. P. R. Arachchige, Kohilan Rasenthiran, The development of a conceptual model of student satisfaction for Sri Lankan higher education, 28th ICTEL 2019 – International Conference on Teaching, Education & Learning, 26-27 December, Kuala Lumpur.
  8. Thilakarathne, U.S.P.R. Arachchige, N.A. Jayasinghe, R.N. Weerasekaara and K.A.V. Miyuranga, “Impact of the quality of waste cooking oil on biodiesel production”, in 8th ITUM Research Symposium, Homagama, Sri Lanka, 2021, pp. 98-100.
  9. P.W.T.M.C. Tharukarathne, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Pabasari Arundathi Koliyabandara, Development of high-calorific value bio-briquettes by using pine needles, and pine resin for biomass boiler.   SLIIT International Conference on Engineering and Technology, 2024, Sri Lanka.
  10. H.N.M. Lakshika, Udara S.P.R Arachchige, Pabasari Arundathi Koliyabandara, Production of Rice Husk Derived Biomass Briquettes for Boilers, SLIIT International Conference on Engineering and Technology, 2024, Sri Lanka.
  11. W.P.S. Navanjani Perera, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Pabasari Arundathi Koliyabandara, Process optimization of essential oil extraction using Pomelo peels as the raw material, SLIIT International Conference on Engineering and Technology, 2024, Sri Lanka.

Books/Book Chapters

  1. Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Reduction of NOx Emissions from Exhaust Gases by DeNOx Technology, AkiNik Publications, India, 2019. (Master Thesis) ISBN: 978-93-5335-597-5.
  2. Udara S. P. R. Arachchige, Carbon Dioxide Capture by Chemical Absorption: Energy Optimization and Analysis of Dynamic Viscosity of Solvents, University of South-Eastern Norway, 2019. (Ph. D Thesis) ISNB: 978-82-7206-515-6.
  3. Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Boiler Operation and Maintenance Technology, Nine Publishing, Sri Lanka, 2020. ISBN: 978-955-7688-26-8.
  4. Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, S.J. Ranaweera, A.A.L.T. Ampemohotti, Spices and Herbs, Nine Publishing, Sri Lanka, 2020. ISBN: 978-955-7688-30-5
  5. Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, Nine Publishing, Sri Lanka, 2021, ISBN: 978-624-5717-11-8
  6. Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Green House Gas Accounting and Emission Control, Nine Publishing, 2021, Sri Lanka, ISBN: 978-624-5717-02-6
  7. Udara S.P.R. Arachchige, Boiler Operation, Question and Answers, Multidisciplinary Research Publishers, 2022, Sri Lanka, ISBN: 978-624-99225-0-1
  8. Sampath Arachchige, Mathematics-Grade 6, Susara Publications, Sri Lanka 2018  ISBN: 978-955-33-0736-1
  9. Sampath Arachchige, Mathematics-Grade 8, Susara Publications, Sri Lanka 2018 ISBN: 978-955-33-0735-4
  10. Sampath Arachchige, Mathematics-Grade 9, Susara Publications, Sri Lanka 2018 ISBN: 978-955-33-0892-4
 Book Chapters
  1. Bioethanol from Waste Biomass: A Sustainable Approach in Circular Economy
    2. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on University-Industry Collaborations for Sustainable Development, Proceedings in Technology Transfer, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-5944-6_23. 2025. Springer.ICSD 2024 16–17 March Colombo, Sri Lanka
  2. Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Recovery, Recycling, and Upcycling of Mixed Plastic Waste into FuelG.K.K. Ishara, Pabasari A. Koliyabandara, Udara S.P.R. Arachchige,1st Edition, Published2025, CRC Press, Pages53, ISBN9781003487593

Awards

  1. Development of bio-briquettes using waste cotton flock generated by a glove manufacturing industry: (M. Phil Student: D.M.C.O. Ranaraja)
    Funded By: University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2021-2025
  2. The Novel Hybrid System of HHO Generator Coupled with Internal Combustion Engines: (M. Phil Student: Buddhika Dasun Kaushalya Siriwardena Mirinchige)
    Funded By: University of South-Eastern Norway2023-2026
  3. Techno economic analysis of biogas production from agricultural waste in Sri Lanka: (M. Phil Student: Ilyas Fathima Aroosa)
    Funded By: University of South-Eastern Norway, 2023-2026
  4. Evaluation of the applicability of phyto extraction of heavy metals released from industrial waste by selected plant types and examine the capacity of producing biofuel from their biomass: (M. Phil Student: A G W D Wijekoon), 2021-2025
    Funded By: University of Sri Jayewardenepura
  5. Integrated Approach to Process Design, Simulation, and Sustainability Analysis in Biodiesel Production: (M. Phil Student: M.G. S.S. Bandara)
    Funded By: University of South-Eastern Norway, 2024 Dec-2026 Dec
  6. Life Cycle Assessment of Bioenergy Conversion from Corn Stover: A Comparative Study of Biogas and Bioethanol Production: D.M.S.M. Dissanayaka
    Funded By: University of South-Eastern Norway, 2024 Dec-2026 Dec
  7. Optimizing Public-Private Partnerships for the Scalable Implementation of Waste-to-Energy Technologies in Sri Lanka: (Phase 1) -Eco-Friendly Briquette Production Using Municipal Solid Waste and Agricultural Residues for Industrial Boilers, with Bottom Ash Utilization in Construction Industry,
    Funded By: NSBM Green University, 2025 May-2026 May