In this project you will take on the exciting challenge of designing an enhanced experimentation setup for a molten salt reactor. Molten salt reactors may provide an efficient platform for methane pyrolysis and the production and valorization of solid carbon compounds, such as carbon nanotubes. The process is operated by bubbling methane gas into a tubular bed of molten salts. Under the influence of small catalyst particles, present in the molten salt, the methane is converted into ethane, ethene, ethyne and finally into hydrogen gas and solid carbon structures. The high specific heat of the molten salt offers an excellent thermal buffer that enables the endothermic reactions to proceed at a high rate. 

During the first year it will be your task to design, construct and test a high temperature experimental setup in the Process & Energy laboratory of the Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering faculty at TU Delft. The setup should accommodate diagnostic tools for the measurement of bubble characteristics, particle formation, and chemical conversion. During the second year, you will perform a number of experiments to investigate how the efficiency and selectivity of the conversion process, and the carbon morphology, depend on many parameters, in particular the specific salt (mixture) used, the catalyst, temperature, bubble size, residence time, and potentially pressure. 

This project is in collaboration with the department of Chemical Engineering at TU Delft.

We are looking for a highly capable experimentalist with a PhD degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field, who has a strong background in multiphase flows. Experience with experimental techniques for characterizing particle and bubble properties is highly desirable. Our candidate is highly motivated, adventurous and creative, and is willing to push boundaries. We expect a good track record in designing and building experimental setups (in collaboration with a technician), interpretation of experimental results as well as in preparing scientific papers and conference contributions. Our candidate has an excellent command of the English language, with excellent professional communication and team working skills.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits. 

The Department of Process and Energy (P&E) focuses on process and energy technology in a mechanical engineering context, meaning that a process or energy conversion is part of an apparatus. We envision that in the coming decades a transition from fossil/conventional energy conversion towards full electrification will take place in society. Our objective is to develop processes supporting this transition by making existing processes more efficient and developing novel green technologies that use electricity as a primary energy source to produce heavy transportation fuels and bulk chemicals. Continuum fluids are the common denominator, either as a process material, carrier, or solvent, or as a medium through which a transport, separation, or chemical process is carried out. 

The vacant position is in the P&E section Complex Fluid Processing (Johan Padding), in collaboration with the P&E section Fluid Mechanics (Jerry Westerweel) and the section Product and Process Engineering at the department of Chemical Engineering (Ruud van Ommen). In these groups, research is done using state-of-the-art numerical tools (CFD-DEM, Lattice Boltzmann) and experimental techniques (e.g. PIV, PTV, chemical analysis, diffraction). 

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me