This Ph.D.-student vacancy is available fora period of 48 months, starting 01.07.2005, in the framework of theC-CLEAR Project, CO₂-free CircuLating Enhanced AutothermalReforming, funded by the Dutch Agency for Energy and the Environment,Senter/Novem. The project will be executed in close cooperation withthe Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands, ECN.

Background
C-CLEARis a novel process to convert hydrocarbons into hydrogen that issuitable for the production of electricity without concomitantproduction of carbon dioxide. The process makes it possible to remove CO₂continuously as a pure product stream. This is performed by means of acombination of autothermal reforming, steam reforming, and CO₂adsorption in fluidised bed reactors. In one of two coupled fluidisedbeds autothermal and steam reforming reactions, and the adsorption willtake place, whereas the other fluidised bed is used for regeneration ofCO₂ from the adsorbent. The adsorbent is circulated betweenthe two fluidised beds that both can be operated under optimumconditions.

Ph.D.-student tasks
One task of thePh.D.-student is to study activity of and kinetics over catalysts andadsorbents, and the sensitivity towards attrition of these materials.Moreover, based on the obtained data, a fluidised bed reactor as wellas a complete process model will have to be built to study varioussystem configurations in a practical evaluation. In the end, this willlead to the design and construction of a test set-up to give a robustproof-of principle of the process. A trainee designer will assist thePh.D.-student in the design of the testing equipment. Large part of theresearch will be conducted at ECN.

Required education/skills:University Graduate
We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:
Theposition requires a thorough knowledge of chemical engineering,kinetics and catalysis. Preference will be given to candidates thathave additional experience with mathematical modelling.

Job type(s):

Technische Universiteit Eindhoven Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Our department aims to generate and to developtechnology and scientific knowledge relevant to the long-term needs ofsociety. Scientific inquisitiveness and the use of newly generatedknowledge are the main driving forces for the continuing enhancement ofthe chosen fields of exptertise: Polymer Science, Macro-organicChemistry, Catalysis and Process Engineering in which the departmentholds a strong international position. The department consists of 50permanent academic staff members, 90 postdoctoral researchers,approximately 140 graduate students, 370 undergraduates and 40 traineeson process and product design.

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 40

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Prof.dr.ir. J.C. Schouten
Telephone number: +31(0)402472850
E-mail address: SCRsecr.ST@tue.nl

 
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

You can apply for this job before 01-07-2005 by sending your application to:

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber V37.550.

Source: Ph.D.-Student "CO2-free CircuLating Enhanced Autothermal Reforming"