Snabbfakta
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- Midlothian
Ansök senast: 2024-08-30
Research Associate in Multiphase Flow and Experimental Fluid Mechanics: Developing Responsive Gas-Solid Vortex Chambers
Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Salary: Grade 7 (£36,023-£45,585)
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months with a possible extension to 36 Months)
Detailed Description
The Research Associate will work on the EPSRC-funded project REVOC - Towards smart manufacturing: Responsive Gas-Solid Vortex Chambers () aimed at developing compact, robust, and modular technology to intensify gas-solid processes underpinning industrial decarbonization.
The appointed candidate will work with a computational PDRA, technicians, UGs students and the project lead, , and contribute to the broader research group, xFlow – Complex Flow Technologies, meetings and activities designed to support REVOC. They will play a central role in the project driving the experimental component of the work, and the interaction with industrial partners and the advisory board. The applicant will develop and commission new facilities, liaise with mechanical workshops to prototype vortex chambers, and study the dynamic behaviour of centrifugal gas-solid fluidized beds.
REVOC will introduce for the first time, the means to control externally the structure of a gas-solid vortex (imagine particles swirling in a strong tornado) to optimise mixing in a gas-solid reactor, adapting its operation “on the fly” to changing targets, loading and feedstock. This new paradigm can transform a powerful technology platform emerging in Europe [,,] and the US [], into a high-efficiency low-capital solution that is broadly applicable for gas-solid operations. REVOCs can boost efficiency in catalytic reactors for CO2 valorisation, enable new energy generation and storage devices (e.g. looping, TCES) and Power-to-X processes (e.g. solar reactors), and intensify manufacturing of fast-moving consumer goods FMCGs (e.g. surface treatment, drying, coating). For further details regarding the technology, consult the xFlow vacancy .
About the Environment
Heriot-Watt University has a broad reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. This position is based within EPS, . EPS has a well-established international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology. The energy transition is a strategic research priority for Heriot-Watt, and the core of a newly created Global Research Institute focused in sustainable engineering, .
The applicant will join us to work on a EPSRC project funded at xFlow - Complex Flow Technologies, a research group led by by and . xFlow focuses on the development of advanced process technology for the energy transition, applying a combination of multiscale experimentation and computational techniques to design advance process unit operations, and digital modelling tools.
The appointed candidate will work alongside a computational PDRA, electrical and mechanical technicians, UGs students and the project lead, Dr Victor Francia. They will gain a direct exposure to industry via our advisory board, comprising expert academics across the UK and senior R&D figures from our US partner, PSRI and UK based multinational companies in the energy and FMCGs sectors.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
Desirable Criteria
After completing this project, you will be:
