Dr. Zied Soua

 Principal Technologist

Dr. Zied Soua is a highly experienced chemical engineer and academic, currently serving as the Principal Technologist in PCRC. With over 18 years of expertise in petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and pilot-scale process operations, Dr. Soua bridges the gap between industrial application and academic innovation.

Throughout his career, he has led the design, operation, and optimization of advanced pilot plant units used for refining and petrochemical research. His work supports the development and demonstration of new technologies, with a strong emphasis on process scale-up, equipment design, safety systems, and real-time data monitoring. Dr. Soua is also an active contributor to student mentorship, research supervision, and collaborative industrial projects.


Education

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
    Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC), France (2002–2006)
    Thesis: Mechanical dehydration of mineral suspension in the presence of a dispersant: Physicochemical and rheological characterisation of cake obtained by precoat filtration of deflocculated suspension (PFDS)

  • Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering
    Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC), France (2001–2002)
    Thesis: Precoat filtration of a deflocculated mineral suspension in the presence of a dispersant

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Food Engineering
    High School of Food Engineering (1996–2001)

     

Experience

Pilot Plant Engineering Head
Saudi Aramco
Dec 2023 – Aug 2024 | Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

  • Headed a team of 7 engineers overseeing 15 pilot plants.
  • Drove facility upgrades, equipment design, and procurement.
  • Supported catalyst selection for commercial refineries based on pilot data.
  • Provided process safety support (HAZOP) for demonstration-scale R&D.
  • Oversaw simulation team using kinetic, CFD, and process modeling.

Engineering and Project Management Lead
Saudi Aramco
Apr 2022 – Dec 2023 | Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

  • Managed a group of 6 handling over 60 capital R&D projects totaling $100M+.
  • Established project workflows, scheduling, and budget tracking.
  • Ensured timely project delivery through streamlined procurement and contracting.
  • Reported progress directly to R&D Director.

Pilot Plant Engineering & Operation Lead
Saudi Aramco
Jul 2017 – Feb 2022 | Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

  • Led a 35-member unit responsible for 15 pilot plants.
  • Executed over 200 pilot runs supporting various R&D programs.
  • Delivered 600K+ safe manhours.
  • Key technologies: hydrocracking, hydrotreatment, CO₂ conversion, isomerization, and membrane reforming.

Pilot Plant Operation Group Lead
Saudi Aramco
Sep 2013 – Jul 2017 | Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

  • Supervised a 13-member team managing a suite of pilot plants.
  • Improved plant utilization to over 80%.
  • Developed Safety Management System and training for junior staff.

Pilot Plant Group Leader
Solvay / La-Rochelle
Jan 2011 – Jul 2013 | Greater Paris Area, France

  • Managed 4 pilot plants supporting global customer sampling and process development.
  • Led process improvement initiatives.
  • Interfaced with major clients (e.g., BASF, JM, Cataler).
  • Provided technical guidance for plant operations and investment decisions.

Engineer – Filtration & Process Development
Solvay / La-Rochelle
Jan 2006 – Dec 2010 | France

  • Specialized in liquid-solid separation technologies for chemical and mineral applications.
  • Supported filtration R&D and pilot plant trials across multiple industrial sectors.

Publications

  1. Aldilaijan, R., Siddiqui, O., and Soua, Z., 2025. Kinetic modelling and process optimization for low-carbon hydrogen production via ammonia cracking. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, June 2025.

  2. Soua, Z., Larue, O., and Lanoisellé, J.-L., 2006. Estimation of floc size in highly concentrated calcium carbonate suspension obtained by filtration with dispersant. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 15 February 2006.

  3. Soua, Z., Larue, O., and Lanoisellé, J.-L., 2006. Precoat filtration of a deflocculated mineral suspension in the presence of a dispersant. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects.

  4. Rakib, M. A., Xu, Q., Soua, Z., and Abba, I. A., 2021. Kinetics & CFD Simulations for Industrial FCC Units. Presented at the AIChE Annual Meeting.