Advanced data-analysis of flue gasses in Waste-to-Energy plants

(ref. BAP-2021-570)

Laatst aangepast : 6/07/2021

ChEMaRTS is a research team of the Faculty of Engineering Technology, based at KU Leuven Group T Campus. Its researchers are all active under the Departments of Materials and Chemical Engineering. The team deals with recycling and valorization of solid waste in the Circular Economy and is strongly oriented towards study and improvement of applications and processes in the waste treatment industry. Amongst others, ChEMaRTS develops numerical models for thermal and thermochemical processing of non-recyclable solid waste, based on experimental as well as industrial process data. A part of these models is developed in close collaboration with ADVISE-NUMA, a research group which resides in the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven Geel Campus.

Project

The PhD project deals with waste combustion and the variability in the composition of flue gasses in Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants. Flue gas compounds such as HCl and SO2 cause high-temperature, oxidative corrosion phenomena in industrial waste-fired steam boilers. In this way, they put a constraint on the energy efficiency of WtE plants. These flue gas compounds also heavily influence the partitioning and speciation of valuable metallic chemical elements during thermal waste treatment, and ultimately also the recovery potential of these inorganic elements from waste combustion ashes and residues.

The PhD research will be executed in close collaboration with the WtE industry. During the PhD, the behavior of HCl and SO2 in industrial-scale plants for thermal waste treatment will be studied. Through advanced data-analysis and application of machine-learning methods on large sets of industrial WtE process data, new thermochemical insights are to be developed for upgrading combustion control systems in state-of-the-art WtE plants. The results of the PhD project will be furthermore used for validation of other models under development at the ChEMaRTS research group.

Profile

The candidate holds a MSc degree in Engineering Technology, Engineering Science or Bioscience Engineering, with a focus on (bio-/thermo-)chemical engineering aspects. The candidate also has a strong background and/or interest in advanced statistical and data-analysis methods, and is willing to gain advanced knowledge and skills in this field.

Thorough knowledge of Python, Excel and data-analysis software is strongly recommended.

Offer

• A remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and excellent health care system
  
• A chance to pursue a PhD in Engineering, typically a 4 year trajectory, in a stimulating and ambitious research environment
  
• Ample opportunity to develop yourself in both a scientific or an industrial direction, besides opportunities provided by the research groups, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided in the framework of the Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd), known for its strong focus on both future scientists and scientifically trained professionals who will valorise their doctoral expertise and competences in a non-academic context. More information on the training opportunities can be found on the following link: https://set.kuleuven.be/phd/dopl/whytraining .
  

Interested?

To apply for this position, please follow the application tool and enclose:

1. full CV 

2. motivation letter

3. proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, …) - if available

4. an English version of MSc, or of a recent publication or assignment - if available

For more information please contact Mariya Ishteva, by sending an e-mail to [email protected] and mention WtE Vacancy in the title.

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