PhD position in science, chemical, civil and Mechanical Engineering 1972 views

OVERVIEW:

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is a process which converts heavy fractions of petroleum oil to lighter products which are in greater demand.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

1. Modern FCC catalysts consist of zeolite in a porous matrix.
2. These fines bypass the cyclones used for separation in FCC processes, and a proportion can enter the atmosphere which has health and environmental implications.
3. Although attrition of FCC catalysts is an important issue, mechanistic understanding is lacking.
4. These catalyst particles are mechanically degraded by attrition which leads to the generation of fines.
5. Modern simulation tools, in particular the discrete element method (DEM), can provide this mechanistic understanding.
6. As part of an ongoing project led by the principal supervisor, a novel DEM simulation approach has been developed for arbitrarily shaped, abradable particles.

ELEGIBILITY CRITRIA:

• An undergraduate degree in Civil ,Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline is essential
• Minimum qualification an Honours degree or above in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Apply online or details of the funding you have already secured in your application.
• Further information and other funding options.
• Informal Enquiries: hanley@ed.ac.uk