ESR10: Three-phase-bioreactor scalability and Anaerobic Digestion-retrofitting analysis
The retrofitting of existing Anaerobic Digestion (AD) reactors requires that existing AD units to be synergistically integrated as AgRefine’s Three-Phase-Bioreactor’s 2nd phase reactors. However, AD configurations vary significantly with regard to geometries of mixers, power input requirements, feedstock rheology, fermenter geometry (size and presence of baffles etc.) and gas productivity. To find cost effective and optimally operated retrofitting, nowadays modelling is preferably applied to predict and quantify possible achievements before any pilot or full-scale deployment can be commissioned. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) which allows the time-resolved calculation of 3D flow fields to analyse local velocities, turbulence, pressure, concentration, shear rate dependent viscosity effects, local reaction rates and more will be implemented to achieve this.
Initially based in TUW and under the supervision of Prof. Harasek (Institute of Chemical Engineering, Technische Universität Wien: https://www.vt.tuwien.ac.at/home/EN/)
with input from Mr. Mandl (TBWR), the successful candidate will:
- Learn open source CFD modelling focusing on the computation of large-scale AD reactors,
- Develop and implement modelling concepts based on DoE to improve the geometric design and to find optimal operating conditions under design constraints e.g. with regard to retrofitting,
- Be seconded to European Biogas Association (Belgium) to gather process data on existing AD systems,
- Stay with enviroeye Engineering (Ireland) under the supervision of Mr. Galvin to learn about the application of “Energy Efficient Design” according to IS399/ISO50001 standards,
- Disseminate an open source CFD toolbox for the flow investigation of the TPB systems.
Relevant disciplines; The candidate must have a Master level degree in chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering or related discipline. Experience and interest in experimental fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics and/or C/C++ programming is desired.
Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
Closing date: 10th July 2020
Expected start date: August 2020 – September 2020
To apply:
Applicants must send their:
- CV,
- detailed academic transcripts in the form of certified copies of all undergraduate and postgraduate level certificates,
- a motivation letter and
- three reference letters from previous professors or mentors.
Applicants must have an ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English to a level that is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training. Candidates must have excellent proficiency in written and spoken English (CEFR Level C1) and provide evidence that they fulfil the specific University recruitment criteria of each position.
Please send your application to agrefine.esr10@gmail.com.
Excellent English
The candidate must have a Master level degree in chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering or related discipline. Experience and interest in experimental fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics and/or C/C++ programming is desired.
Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
