Job description

A Multi-Scale Modelling Platform aiming at Rational Catalyst Design for Catalytic Cracking Aim Industrial reactor simulation for Fluid Catalytic Cracking, specifically accounting for catalyst properties and co-processing of renewables Justification Catalyst but also reactor and process design have for a long time been based on trial and error procedures. Present-day informatics technologies are developing at an unprecedented pace and provide unique opportunities for applying more rational design strategies. A key feature of a solid methodology is that it spans the various scales involved, i.e., from the meter scale of the industrial reactor to the nano scale of the chemical reaction and vice versa. Exploring the fundamentals of industrially relevant chemical reactions and exploiting this knowledge in conceiving an industrial implementation of this reaction belongs to the core expertise of the Laboratory for Chemical Technology at Ghent University. It is, hence, a logic partner in an EC funded consortium of 14 leading European industrials and academics, that jointly aim at the catalytic upgrading of biomass into chemicals and fuels. Program Specifically generated catalytic cracking pilot plant data will be assessed using previously developed simulation software within the Laboratory for Chemical Technology. It will allow determining the dominant factors in the large-scale conversion of complex feeds and, hence, identifying the key issues which should be addressed as part of further research in the FASTCARD project. Significant interaction will take place with the other project partners in this respect. The effect of cofeeding molecules of a renewable origin in an industrial FCC riser reactor will be assessed using the Single-Event MicroKinetic (SEMK) Model. Because of their origin, a significant amount of oxygen functional groups is present and, hence, the corresponding kinetics of the elementary steps involved in their conversion have to be quantified. These novel parameter values constitute the essential knowledge for the adequate simulation and design of an optimal renewable/conventional oil co-processing catalytic cracking unit. Advisors: Joris W. Thybaut and Guy B. Marin

Profile of the candidate

• Applicants must possess a MSc in Chemical Engineering or related subject and a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 95(iBT) or equivalent.
• Relevant experience in the area of reactor engineering, kinetics, and/or computational chemistry is strongly recommended.
• Candidates must have a strong mathematical background and be willing to focus on obtaining quantitative rather than qualitative results.
• Excellent candidates with a PhD in the above domains and willing to spend between 1 and 3 years at LCT can also apply for a postdoctoral fellowship.

How to apply

Any application should enclose a C.V., a one page justification of your interest and the e-mail addresses of at least two references. Have a look at our website: http://www.lct.ugent.be/lct/vacancies