Place of birth: Sofia, Bulgaria
Date of birth: 31^th January 1959
Nationality: Bulgarian

EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC DEGREE:

• MSc (1979-1984) in Geology-Geochemistry (Petrology-Lithology Department, Geology-Geographic Faculty) at Sofia University;
• PhD (1991) at Institute of Applied Mineralogy (at present Central Laboratory of Mineralogy and Crystallography), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
• DSc (2005) at Central Laboratory of Mineralogy and Crystallography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

FIELD OF RESEARCH: coal; biomass; municipal solid waste; petroleum coke; geology, mineralogy, geochemistry and ecology; solid waste products; fly ashes; chars; refuse-derived fuels; new building materials; catalysts; sorbents; combustion; pyrolysis; gasification; thermoelectric power stations; trace elements; environmental protection  

FELLOWSHIPS, SPECIALIZATIONS, AND AWARDS:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship award of the "Science and Technology Agency" of Japan at Hokkaido National Industrial Research Institute, Sapporo, Japan (02.1993-08.1994);
• Postdoctoral Fellowship award "Research in Brussels" of Belgium at Free University of Brussels, Belgium (01.1997-11.1997);
• Visiting European Community scientist at Free University of Brussels, Belgium (12.1997-12.1998);
• Postdoctoral Fellowship award of the "Ministry of Education and Culture" of Spain at National Institute of Coal, Oviedo, Spain (06.2000-11.2001);
• NATO Collaborative Linkage Grant between Bulgaria, Spain, and Turkey (2002-2004), with 1-month specialization at Hacettepe University, Ankara (Turkey)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Research Professor, Central Laboratory of Mineralogy and Crystallography (2007-present);
• Detached National Expert, Institute for Energy, Joint Research Centre, Petten, The Netherlands (2007-2009);
• Scientific Secretary of the Central Laboratory of Mineralogy and Crystallography (1995-1997 and 1998-1999);
• Research Associate Professor, Central Laboratory of Mineralogy and Crystallography  (1995-2007);
• Research Associate, Central Laboratory of Mineralogy and Crystallography, Institute of Applied Mineralogy (1987-1995);
• Researcher, Institute of Applied Mineralogy (1984-1987)

MAJOR PROJECTS:

• Mineralogy, geochemistry and advanced environmentally safety application of solid fuels and their combustion and pyrolysis products (Bulgaria);
• Influence of mineral and chemical composition of coal ashes on their fusibility (Japan);
• Study of the behaviour of toxic metal traces in wastes derived fuels (Belgium);
• Low cost catalytic sorbents for NOx reduction based on coal chars doped with transition metals (Belgium, ECSC 7220-EC-042);
• Chemical and phase-mineral characterization of combustion wastes from some Spanish coal-fired power stations as a basis for their advanced utilization (Spain);
• Environmental implications of power plant feed coal and ash geochemistry (Bulgaria, Spain, Turkey, NATO-EST.CLG.979151)

SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION:

• publications - 72, as 36 in international peer-review journals with impact factor;
• conference reports and posters - 22 (Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Poland, Rumania, Spain, USA);
• teaching and invited lectures (Bulgaria, Belgium, Japan, Spain, Turkey);
• project reports - 20;
• citations - ≥557

MEMBERSHIP:

• Editorial Board of the "Elsevier" journal "FUEL" (since 2005);
• Editorial Board of the "Allen Press" journal "Coal Combustion and Gasification Products" (since 2008);
• Editorial Board of the "Springer" journal "Waste and Biomass Valorization" (since 2009);
• Committee for Coal and Steel (COSCO) at European Commission (since 2007);
• Specialized Scientific Council of Geological Sciences at the Highest Testimonial Commission at the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (since 2007);
• Bulgarian Geological Society;
• Bulgarian Mineralogical Society;
• Federation of Scientific and Technical Unions in Bulgaria

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:

1. Vassilev, S. 1992. Phase mineralogy studies of solid waste products from coal burning at some Bulgarian thermoelectric power plants. Fuel, 71 (6): 625-633.
2. Vassilev, S. 1994. Trace elements in solid waste products from coal burning at some Bulgarian thermoelectric power stations. Fuel, 73 (3): 367-374.
3. Vassilev, S., M. Yossifova, C. Vassileva. 1994. Mineralogy and geochemistry of Bobov Dol coals, Bulgaria. International Journal of Coal Geology, 26 (3/4): 185-214.
4. Vassilev, S., K. Kitano, S. Takeda, T. Tsurue. 1995. Influence of mineral and chemical composition of coal ashes on their fusibility. Fuel Processing Technology, 45: 27-51.
5. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva. 1996. Mineralogy of combustion wastes from coal-fired power stations. Fuel Processing Technology, 47: 261-280.
6. Vassilev, S., K. Kitano, C. Vassileva. 1996. Some relationships between coal rank and chemical and mineral composition. Fuel, 75 (13): 1537-1542.
7. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva. 1996. Occurrence, abundance and origin of minerals in coals and coal ashes. Fuel Processing Technology, 48: 85-106.
8. Vassilev, S., K. Kitano, C. Vassileva. 1997. Relations between ash yield and chemical and mineral composition of coals. Fuel, 76 (1): 3-8.
9. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva. 1997. Geochemistry of coals, coal ashes and combustion wastes from coal-fired power stations. Fuel Processing Technology, 51: 19-45.
10. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva. 1998. Comparative chemical and mineral characterization of some Bulgarian coals. Fuel Processing Technology, 55: 55-69.
11. Vassilev, S., C. Braekman-Danheux, P. Laurent. 1999. Characterization of refuse-derived char from municipal solid waste. 1. Phase-mineral and chemical composition. Fuel Processing Technology, 59, 95-134.
12. Vassilev, S., C. Braekman-Danheux. 1999. Characterization of refuse-derived char from municipal solid waste. 2. Occurrence, abundance and source of trace elements. Fuel Processing Technology, 59: 135-161.
13. Vassilev, S., C. Braekman-Danheux, P. Laurent, T. Thiemann, A. Fontana. 1999. Behaviour, capture and inertization of some trace elements during combustion of refuse-derived char from municipal solid waste. Fuel, 78: 1131-1145.
14. Vassilev, S., G. Eskenazy, C. Vassileva. 2000. Contents, modes of occurrence and origin of chlorine and bromine in coal. Fuel, 79: 903-921.
15. Vassilev, S., G. Eskenazy, C. Vassileva. 2000. Contents, modes of occurrence and behaviour of chlorine and bromine in combustion wastes from coal-fired power stations. Fuel, 79: 923-937.
16. Vassilev, S., G. Eskenazy, C. Vassileva. 2001. Behaviour of elements and minerals during preparation and combustion of the Pernik coal, Bulgaria. Fuel Processing Technology, 72: 103-129.
17. Vassilev, S., R. Menendez, D. Alvarez, A. Borrego. 2001. Multicomponent utilization of fly ash: dream or reality. Proceedings of the International Ash Utilization Symposium, Lexington, KY, USA, October 22-24, 2001, 216-236.
18. Vassilev, S, C. Braekman-Danheux, R. Moliner, I. Suelves, M. J. Lazaro, T. Thiemann. 2002. Low cost catalytic sorbents for NOx reduction. 1. Preparation and characterization of coal char impregnated with model vanadium components and petroleum coke ash. Fuel, 81: 1281-1296.
19. Vassilev, S., J. Tascon. 2003. Methods for characterization of inorganic and mineral matter in coal: a critical overview. Energy and Fuels, 17: 271-281.
20. Vassilev, S., R. Menendez, D. Alvarez, M. Diaz-Somoano, M. R. Martinez-Tarazona. 2003. Phase-mineral and chemical composition of coal fly ashes as a basis for their multicomponent utilization. 1. Characterization of feed coals and fly ashes. Fuel, 82 (14): 1793-1811.
21. Lazaro M. J., I. Suelves, R. Moliner, S. Vassilev, C. Braekman-Danheux. 2003. Low cost catalytic sorbents for NOx reduction. 2. Tests with no reduction reactives. Fuel, 82: 771-782.
22. Vassilev, S., R. Menendez, M. Diaz-Somoano, M. R. Martinez-Tarazona. 2004. Phase-mineral and chemical composition of coal fly ashes as a basis for their multicomponent utilization. 2. Characterization of ceramic cenosphere and water-soluble salt concentrates. Fuel, 83 (4-5): 585-603.
23. Lazaro M. J., M. Galvez, I. Suelves, R. Moliner, S. Vassilev, C. Braekman-Danheux. 2004. Low cost catalytic sorbents for NOx reduction. 3. NO reduction tests using NH3 as reducing agent. Fuel, 83 (7-8): 875-884.
24. Vassilev, S., R. Menendez, A. Borrego M. Diaz-Somoano, M. R. Martinez-Tarazona. 2004. Phase-mineral and chemical composition of coal fly ashes as a basis for their multicomponent utilization. 3. Characterization of magnetic and char concentrates. Fuel, 83 (11-12): 1563-1583.
25. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva, A. Karayigit, Y. Bulut, A. Alastuey, X. Querol. 2005. Phase-mineral and chemical composition of composite samples from feed coals, bottom ashes and fly ashes at the Soma power station, Turkey. International Journal of Coal Geology, 61 (1-2): 35-63.
26. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva, A. Karayigit, Y. Bulut, A. Alastuey, X. Querol. 2005. Phase-mineral and chemical composition of fractions separated from composite fly ashes at the Soma power station, Turkey. International Journal of Coal Geology, 61 (1-2): 65-85.
27. Vassilev, S., R. Menendez. 2005. Phase-mineral and chemical composition of coal fly ashes as a basis for their multicomponent utilization. 4. Characterization of heavy concentrates and improved fly ash residues. Fuel, 84 (7-8): 973-991.
28. Liu, G., S. Vassilev, L. Gao, L. Zheng, Z. Peng. 2005. Mineral and chemical composition and some trace element contents in coals and coal ashes from Huaibei coal field, China. Energy Conversion and Management, 46 (13-14): 2001-2009.
29. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva. 2005. Methods for characterization of composition of fly ashes from coal-fired power stations: a critical overview. Energy and Fuels, 19 (3): 1084-1098.
30. Vassileva, C., S. Vassilev. 2005. Behaviour of inorganic matter during heating of Bulgarian coals. 1. Lignites. Fuel Processing Technology, 86 (12-13): 1297-1333.
31. Karayigit, A., Y. Bulut, X. Querol, A. Alastuey, S. Vassilev. 2005. Variations in fly ash composition from the Soma power plant, Turkey. Energy Sources, 27: 1473-1481.
32. Karayigit, A., Y. Bulut, G. Karayigit, X. Querol, A. Alastuey, S. Vassilev, C. Vassileva. 2006. Mass balance of major and trace elements in a coal-fired power plant. Energy Sources, 28: 1311-1320.
33. Vassileva, C., S. Vassilev. 2006. Behaviour of inorganic matter during heating of Bulgarian coals. 2. Subbituminous and bituminous coals. Fuel Processing Technology, 87: 1095-1116.
34. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva. 2007. A new approach for the classification of coal fly ashes based on their origin, composition, properties, and behaviour. Fuel, 86: 1490-1512.
35. Liu, G., C. Qi, S. Vassilev, Y. Chen. 2007. Mineral and chemical composition of Yanzhou coal and coal ash (China), with volatilization behaviour to 1000°C. Journal of the Energy Institute, 80 (4): 199-203.
36. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva. 2009. A new approach for the combined chemical and mineral classification of the inorganic matter in coal. 1. Chemical and mineral classification systems. Fuel, 88: 235-245.
37. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva, D. Baxter, L. Andersen. 2009. A new approach for the combined chemical and mineral classification of the inorganic matter in coal. 2. Potential apllications of the classification systems. Fuel, 88: 246-254.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS:

38. Vassilev, S., N. Zotov. 1989. X-ray study of phase composition of bottom ashes, fly ashes and ash mixtures from burning of Maritza-East lignites in the Maritza-East 1 TPP. Petroleum and Coal Geology, 25: 57-64.
39. Vassilev, S. 1990. Phase-mineralogical studies of waste products from burning of Maritza-East lignites in TPP. Review of the Bulgarian Geological Society, 51 (2): 35-45.
40. Vassilev, S. 1991. Phase-mineralogical and chemical composition of solid waste products from Bulgarian TPP. PhD Dissertation, CLMC-BAS, Sofia: 222 p.; Abstract: 41 p.
41. Vassilev, S. 1991. Chlorine content in Donbass coals and waste products from TPP. Petroleum and Coal Geology, 28: 46-51.
42. Vassilev, S., M. Yossifova, S. Valceva. 1991. Mineralogy-petrographical characteristic of waste products from upgrading of Bobov Dol coal - a base for the complex estimation in order to use them. Minno Delo, 2: 16-19.
43. Vassilev, S., B. Vassileva. 1992. Element composition of waste waters from thermoelectric power plants. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, 45 (7): 49-52.
44. Vassilev, S. 1993. Phase-mineralogical composition and trace elements in fly ashes from coal burning at Bulgarian thermoelectric power stations. In: K. Skarzynska (Ed.), Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on the Reclamation, Treatment and Utilization of Coal Mining Wastes, September 6-10, 1993, Krakow, Poland, vol. I: 203-210.
45. Yossifova M., S. Vassilev. 1993. Phase-mineralogical composition and trace elements in solid waste products at some Bulgarian coal-treatment plants. In: K. Skarzynska (Ed.), Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on the Reclamation, Treatment and Utilization of Coal Mining Wastes, September 6-10, 1993, Krakow, Poland, vol. II: 973-979.
46. Vassilev, S. 1993. Some notes on the mineralogical and geochemical studies of coal during heating. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, 46 (6): 57-59.
47. Vassilev, S., K. Kitano, S. Takeda, T. Tsurue. 1994. Influence of mineral and chemical composition of coal ashes on their fusibility. Proceedings of the Conference on Waste Materials and Environmental Resources, Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki, Japan, June 9-10, 1994: 119-122.
48. Vassilev, S. 1995. Phase-mineralogical studies on solid waste products from burning of Bobov Dol coal at "Bobov Dol" thermoelectric power plant. Annuaire de l'Universite de Sofia, Livre 1-Geologie, 84: 85-108.
49. Yossifova, M., S. Valceva, S. Vassilev. 1995. Petrographical, mineralogical and chemical composition of coals and waste products from Bobov Dol Central Coal-tretment Plant. I. Petrographical composition. Annuaire de l'Universite de Sofia, Livre 1-Geologie, 87: 85-101.
50. Vassilev, S., M. Yossifova, S. Valceva. 1995. Petrographical, mineralogical and chemical composition of coals and waste products from Bobov Dol Central Coal-tretment Plant. II. Mineralogical and chemical composition. Annuaire de l'Universite de Sofia, Livre 1-Geologie, 87: 103-123.
51. Vassilev, S., G. Eskenazy, M. Tarassov, V. Dimov. 1995. Mineralogy and geochemistry of a vitrain lens with unique trace element content from the Vulche Pole coal deposit, Bulgaria. Geologica Balcanica, 25 (3/4): 111-123.
52. Vassilev, S. 1995. Stack emissions from coal-fired power stations: an environmental pollution with trace elements. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, 48 (4): 45-47.
53. Vassilev, S., K. Kitano, S. Takeda, T. Tsurue. 1995. Relationship between fusibility and mineral and chemical composition of coal ashes. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, 48 (7): 51-54.
54. Vassileva, B., S. Vassilev, C. Vassileva. 1996. Effective use of mineral sorbents for purification of waste waters from thermo-electric power stations. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, 49 (4): 59-62.
55. Vassilev, S. G. Eskenazy, E. Karaivanova. 1997. Chlorine and bromine in Bulgarian coals and their combustion wastes. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, Tome 50 (7-8): 45-48.
56. Moliner, R., C. Braekman-Danheux, A. Fontana, I. Suelves, T. Thiemann, S. Vassilev. 1998. Low cost catalytic sorbents for NOX reduction based on coal chars doped with transition metals. In: D. McCaffrey (Ed.), Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Coal Utilization Science and Technology (CUSTNET), May 6-7, 1998, Bucharest, Romania, Session 3: 41-1 - 41-6.
57. Braekman-Danheux, C., R. Moliner, A. Fontana, S. Vassilev, I. Suelves. 1998. Coal chars doped with transition metals as low cost catalytic sorbents for NOx reduction. In: P. Rahimi and M. Fatemi (Ed.), Preprints of Symposia of the 216th American Chemical Society (ACS), August 22-27, 1998, Boston, USA, vol. 43, No. 4: 857-861.
58. Eskenazy, G, S. Vassilev, E. Karaivanova. 1998. Chlorine and bromine in the Pirin coal deposit, Bulgaria. Review of the Bulgarian Geological Society, 59 (2): 67-72.
59. Moliner, R., M. Lazaro, I. Suelves. C. Braekman-Danheux, S. Vassilev. 1999. NOX reduction on coal chars doped with petroleum ashes. In: B. Li and Z. Liu (Ed.), Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Coal Sciences, Shanxi Science and Technology Press, September 12-17, 1999, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China, vol. II: 1513-1516.
60. Vassilev, S, C. Braekman-Danheux, R. Moliner, I. Suelves. 1999. Characterization of coal chars impregnated with transition metals for low-cost catalytic NOX reduction. In: B. Li and Z. Liu (Ed.), Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Coal Sciences, Shanxi Science and Technology Press, September 12-17, 1999, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China, vol. II: 1517-1520.
61. Tascon, J., S. Vassilev. 2000. La materia mineral del carbon: metodos de caracterization. Proceedings of the V Congreso Nacional de Ciencia y Technologia del Carbon, Novembre 29 – Decembre 2, 2000, Valledupar, Columbia: 19-23.
62. Eskenazy, G., S. Vassilev. 2001. Geochemistry of chlorine and bromine in Bulgarian coals. Review of the Bulgarian Geological Society, 62 (1-3): 37-46.
63. Vassileva, C., S. Vassilev. 2002. Relations between ash-fusion temperatures and chemical and mineral composition of some Bulgarian coals. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, Tome 55 (6): 61-66.
64. Vassileva, C., S. Vassilev. 2002. General observations on the phase-mineral transformations in inorganic matter of some Bulgarian coals during heating. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, Tome 55 (7): 47-50.
65. Vassileva, C., S. Vassilev. 2004. Some environmental aspects related to sulphur emissions during combustion of Bulgarian coals. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, 57 (9): 29-32.
66. Vassilev, S., C. Vassileva. 2005. Mineralogy and geochemistry of coals and their combustion and pyrolysis products. Anniversary Volume “Ten Years of CLMC-BAS”, Sofia, Marin Drinov: 33-40.
67. Vassilev, S. 2005. Mineralogy and geochemistry of coals and their combustion solid waste products. DSc Dissertation, CLMC-BAS, Sofia: Vol. I - 263 p.; Vol. II - 440 p.; Abstract - 73 p.
68. Vassilev, S., N. Lihareva, C. Vassileva. 2006. Sequential leaching behaviour of some elements during chemical treatment of Bobov Dol coal fly ash. Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, 59 (6): 645-650.
69. Vassilev, S., N. Lihareva, C. Vassileva. 2006. Sequential leaching behaviour of some elements during chemical treatment of ceramic cenospheres from coal fly ash. - Comptes rendus de l'Academie Bulgare des Sciences, 59 (7): 753-758.
70. Vassilev, S. 2006. Basic and applied aspects of mineralogy and geochemistry of coals. Minno Delo i Geologia, 7: 31-37.
71. Vassilev, S. 2007. Basic and applied aspects of mineralogy and geochemistry of fly ashes from thermo-electric power stations. Minno Delo i Geologia, 2: 20-25.
72. Vassilev, S. 2008. Some aspects about the effective and environmentally safety treatment of municipal solid wastes. Minno Delo i Geologia, 1: 20-23.