The conditions in the hearth of the blast furnace are largely unknown but have a significant influence on the process and largely determine the lifetime of the hearth refractory bricks. Relining involves stopping the furnace for weeks; it requires large capital investment and results in production losses. The dynamics in the hearth involve the tapping cycle, the charge rate and control of particle size and dissolution and refreshment of the cokes all influence the liquid iron flow patterns which cause the wear of the furnace lining. However, our understanding of the relation of these different aspects and prevalent time scales is currently limiting our capabilities to control the hearth lining wear.

The aim of this project is to assess the importance of these timescales and their effects on the wear of the lining of the hearth, using dedicated experiments for validation and simulations at the scale of the blast furnace.

This project is a collaboration between Tata Steel Europe and the Multiscale Modelling of Multiphase Flows research group at the Eindhoven University of Technology.

Multi-scale modelling of multiphase flows

Over the years the research group Multi-scale Modelling of Multiphase Flows has made key contributions to the fundamentals of chemical reaction engineering. Using highly advanced computer simulations we develop accurate models for multiphase chemical reactors used in the industry for the large scale production of synthetic fuels, fertilizers, detergents, polymers and numerous other products. In addition sophisticated non-invasive monitoring techniques are employed for the detailed validation of computational models.
Multi-scale Modelling of Multi-phase Flows (tue.nl)

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in chemical engineering.
• Experience in modelling of transport phenomena and catalysis.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

We offer a challenging job for four years in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together.

The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!

We offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.