Postdoc modelling of intensified liquid-gas contactors for carbon capture processes

We seek a motivated researcher with a passion for engineering and sustainability, to develop device and process simulations of intensified gas-liquid contactors for carbon capture processes.

Carbon capture and utilisation/storage (CCUS) processes will form a vital element in our society's pathway to a CO₂-neutral economy. Currently, one of the prohibitive factors for the implementation of CCUS is the large size of capture installations. Amine-based capture plants are widely available for large point sources (e.g. Power plants). However, especially for small emitters (< 100 ktonne/yr), installing >10m-tall absorbing/stripping columns can be problematic. The size of this equipment is mainly governed by the slow mass transfer kinetics of CO₂ in the amine solutions. The route towards more compact installations is therefore to intensify the mass transfer by creating large surface areas, thin films and/or high-shear contact.

Over the past years, several contactor designs have been proposed to provide a more compact alternative to the traditional packed column. These include rotating packed beds, hollow membrane contactors, vortex reactors, and the RotaScrub by SDS Separation Technology BV. In this project, we aim to perform a comparative assessment between these contactor designs. The steps towards this include:

• Setting up rate-based models for the aforementioned contactor designs.
• Validating these models using literature data and experimental results.
• Implementing a benchmark carbon capture process in Aspen Plus.
• Integrating the developed contactor models in the process simulation.
• Comparing process performance between various contactor designs.

For this 2-year project, we seek a motivated postdoc researcher with a passion for engineering and sustainability. The prospective researcher will work closely with dr.ir. Tim M.J. Nijssen, prof.dr.ir. Thijs J.H. Vlugt, prof.dr.ir. Johan T. Padding. Furthermore, we will meet regularly with SDS Separation Technology BV to ensure alignment between this numerical project and their experimental campaign. You will be welcomed in the Engineering Thermodynamics and Complex Fluid Processing sections within the department of Process & Energy. Our sections are focused on the complex interplay between thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer and chemistry found in process equipment, and aim to understand these phenomena to design devices and processes for a sustainable economy.

We seek a motivated, conscientious researcher (x/f/m) with strong communication and self-management skills, who is passionate about contributing to a solution for climate change.

The successful candidate:

• Holds (or is soon to obtain) a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics, or a similar field.
• Has experience in physics-based modelling and knowledge of heat and mass transfer phenomena.
• Has experience in solving differential equations (ordinary/partial) with numerical tools (e.g. Matlab, Python, Julia, etc.).
• Has experience using process modelling software (e.g. Aspen Plus).

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focuses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It's a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME's outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

• Duration of contract is 2 years.

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Application procedure

23 February 2025

• Detailed curriculum vitae.
• Motivation letter highlighting your relevant research skills.
• List of publications.
• Transcripts of your doctorate, or proof of your planned defence date.
• Name and contact details of two academic referees (preferably your promotor).

Please note:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.