1 PhD Position in Diabatic Distillation for Separation of Alcohols in Denmark | Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

A PhD position is available in connection with the strategic research project SYNFERON which is funded by InnovationsFonden.

DTU Chemical Engineering coordinates the center with participation of among others Agnion Energy GmbH, DGC, Aquaporin, Holm Christensen Biosystemer, Iowa State University, Aalborg University and DTU. The SYNFERON project aims at developing a new technology platform which optimally combines thermochemical and biological processing of biomass.

Responsibilities and tasks

A significant economic factor in this context is the separation of the fermentation stream. Conventional vertical adiabatic distillation columns are dominated by the economy of scale. This means that production needs to very large. As a consequence mega towers are built that continue to break world records in size. In the production of 2G bioethanol, however, it is a challenge to gather sufficient 2G feedstock for very large plants. In this project, we will examine a smaller-scaled modular approach inspired by evaporation units commonly used in biotechnology industries. A horizontal distillation system, where each module is expected to deliver 5000 - 15000 m3/year of ethanol, can be expected to have a series of advantages over existing units, both for mini-bio-refineries and a number of other industrial applications.

For example, conventional columns (vertical, adiabatic) are not energy-efficient. Huge energy savings can be obtained from diabatic operation, although economic considerations has meant that so far this has only been exploited to a limited extent. Conventional columns also preferably operate on non-viscous fluids with no solids. Viscous fluids with solids give fouling problems. This is a disadvantage with conventional columns with trays and/or packings in the present context. Also, the system needed should be suited for low temperature vacuum operation, since this allows preservation and recycling of enzymes from fermentation broth. Combining these features will give a fermentation stream separation that can be extremely energy efficient and from which enzymes can be recycled. Both issues – particularly the latter - are important economically for the production of 2G bio-fuels. In this project we will explore by modeling a novel unit for separating alcohols from fermentation broth. Case studies will be developed in collaboration with partners for development and validation.

The project will include the following activities:

• Modeling and design of rate-based fluid separations in various geometries
• Static and dynamic simulation
• Control strategies exploration
• Transport property estimation
• Test model by comparisons with experiments in collaboration with partners
• Disseminate and communicate results for industry and academia.

Qualifications:

Candidates should have a master's degree in chemical/biochemical engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Beside a strong commitment to research, the PhD student should preferably have experience and/or interest in some or all of the topics: Mathematical process modeling and simulation of chemical or bio-chemical processes, applied thermodynamics and computer programming. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required as well as good communication and self-management.