Job Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) - 4 PhD Students - SPINCHAL project

Project description
The SPINCHAL project at the Laboratory of Chemical Reactor Engineering at TU/e aims to develop the science and technology that is needed for the design of a small-scale, compact and transportable 'Plug & Produce' production unit of less than 0.5 m3 in total volume that is capable of producing 10,000 tons of a bulk chemical product per year. The project is carried out in close collaboration with a bulk chemicals company and a specialized process equipment manufacturer. At the end of the project, the 'Plug & Produce' unit will be built and tested and finally operated at the company's production site.

Project background
The bulk chemical company's present production process involves large equipment which cannot be further downscaled to an economical portable production unit. The total size of the plant can however be reduced considerably by taking advantage of novel process intensification technologies. In this SPINCHAL project, the production process is intensified by using spinning disc reactor technology. Because of the high disc rotation speeds, contact between gases and liquids involved in the process is extremely good. As a result, the required contact time, and therefore the volume of the equipment, can be much smaller than in the conventional production process. Additionally, the rotation mimics high-gravity conditions, enabling contacting of the gas and liquid flows in countercurrent mode, which significantly adds to the efficiency of the equipment and leads to further reduction of the equipment volume.

The SPINCHAL project includes four sub-projects, each to be carried out by a PhD student. The four projects are closely interrelated and will be carried out in collaboration with the industrial partners.

Appointment and Salary
The gross monthly salary increases from € 2.042,- in the first year to € 2.612,- in the fourth year. There will be an evaluation after one year. TU/e offers attractive secondary job conditions.

Information
More information about the project can be obtained from prof.dr.ir. J.C. Schouten (j.c.schouten@tue.nl) or dr.ir. John van der Schaaf (j.vanderschaaf@tue.nl). Information about the group can be found at www.chem.tue.nl/scr.

Applications
Applications are invited of candidates with an M.Sc. degree in chemical engineering or related discipline. A sound background in physical transport phenomena, chemical reactor design and/or applied catalysis is required. Applications including a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, list of courses followed (with grades) and the names and details of at least two references can be directed to Mrs Denise Tjallema-Dekker. Please submit your application by using one of the 'apply now'-buttons at the top or at the end of this page.