Manuel "Manny" Dekermenjian, Ph.D., P.E.

Dr. Dekermenjian specializes in the engineering analysis of chemical processes, characterization of chemical releases, and investigation of thermal and combustion related failures, including fires and explosions. He also performs sampling and evaluation of indoor air quality and atmospheric air pollution including particulates. He has expertise in the evaluation of the physical and chemical properties of substances. He has investigated incidents involving a variety of chemicals including hydrogen sulfide, silane, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, nitrogen trifluoride, natural gas, LPG gas, liquid fuels, crude oil, solvents, and acids and bases. Dr. Dekermenjian has conducted environmental chamber experiments including analysis by infrared spectroscopy. In addition, he conducts engineering analysis and experimental testing involving chemistry, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Dekermenjian held research assistant positions at the University of California, Los Angeles and at the University of Texas in Austin, as well as graduate teaching assistant positions at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Bigham G, Chan W, Dekermenjian M, Reza A. Indoor concentrations of mercury vapor following various spill scenarios. Environ Forensics 2008, in press.

Qin W, Dekermenjian M, Martin RJ. Prediction of particulate loading in exhaust from fabric filter baghouses with one or more failed bags. J Air Waste Manage Assoc 2006; 56, August.

Dekermenjian M, Reza A. Investigating candle fire. Meeting of the California Conference of Arson Investigators, Seaside, CA, July 26–28, 2004; also presented at the California Fire Prevention Institute Workshop, March 16, 2005.

Dekermenjian M. Fires and explosions—Analysis and investigative techniques. Invited Lecture, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, May 2002 and June 2003.

NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveying) standard setting study for the Professional Chemical Engineer examination, Atlanta, GA, May 2003.

Dekermenjian M, Reza A, Koonce M, Poblotzki J. Exothermic reactions between cryogenic fluorine, nitrogen trifluoride and stainless steel. Proceedings, 37th Annual Loss Prevention Symposium: AIChE 2003 Spring National Meeting, pp. 418–436, March 31-April 3, 2003.

Dekermenjian M, Shum M. Investigation of black material on household contents and walls in two residences. 9th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, Monterey, CA, July 2002.

Dekermenjian M, Allen DT, Atkinson R, Arey J. FTIR analysis of aerosol formed in the photooxidation of a series of sesquiterpenes. J Aerosol Sci Technol 1999; 30(4):349–363, April.

Dekermenjian M, Allen DT, Atkinson R, Arey J. FTIR analysis of aerosol formed in the photooxidation of naphthalene. J Aerosol Sci Technol 1999; 30(3):273–279, March.

Dekermenjian M. Chemistry of organic aerosol formation from biogenic and anthropogenic hydrocarbon sources. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 1998.

Characterized the atmospheric release of chemical compounds from manufacturing and testing of rocket engines dating back to the mid 20th century. At issue was potential impact to the downwind community.

Evaluated the extent of smoke damage to the interior of commercial and residential buildings. Both wildfires and structural fires have been analyzed. Techniques include chemical testing of materials, evaluation of smoke plume travel, and air sampling.

Performed custom tailored testing of commercial products as it relates to efficacy, failure modes or design optimization. Products include air cleaners, consumer electronics, household appliances, and candles.

Performed numerous environmental chamber tests to evaluate chemical emissions from various products or accident reconstruction scenarios. Testing included air sampling for particulates and volatile compounds.

Evaluated indoor air quality in commercial and residential buildings. Investigation included air sampling and assessment of building ventilation systems.

Investigated sources of odor complaints. Evaluation included chemical sampling, identification of potential sources and laboratory testing.

Performed fire origin and cause investigations in residential and commercial buildings. Projects included chemical sampling for accelerant use, evidence collection and laboratory testing of appliances or other potential sources.

Investigated incidents during refinery operations or other chemical processes. Incidents include emergency shutdowns, fires/explosions and atmospheric releases. Projects include petroleum, semiconductor, chemical, and energy industries.

Evaluated personal care products that allegedly caused a fire leading to burn injuries. Performed flammability testing of subject products. Evaluated various scenarios of ignition.

Characterized chemical exposure resulting from a variety of scenarios from both indoor and outdoor sources. Evaluation included assessing chemical incompatibilities, characterizing off-gassing rates, identifying chemical species, and evaluating concentrations.

Characterized atmospheric emissions from a variety or sources. Identified the chemical species being emitted and its emission rate. Projects include petrochemical industry, manufacturing industry, or chemical spills.

Evaluated new chemical or manufacturing processes focused on identifying chemical hazards, resolving deficiencies and optimizing functionality. Industries include semiconductor, pharmaceutical, medical devices, and consumer products.

Evaluated allegations of chemical contamination of various products. Projects include commercial chemicals, household contents, foods, and commercial products.

Investigated causes of explosions in residential buildings and manufacturing facilities. Projects include assessment of odorant concentrations in natural gas or propane, analysis of leak rates, process data analysis, and identification of ignition source.

• American Institute of Chemical Engineers (member)
• American Association for Aerosol Research (member)
• National Fire Protection Association (member)