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PhD – Chemical process engineer (m/f/d)

Paul Wurth as a global leader in ironmaking technology is actively working on CO2 reduction approaches for the blast furnace-based iron production route. The two main approaches are 1) to integrate CO2 lean hydrogen into the process, and 2) recycle the exhaust gas from the blast furnace in order to re-use it for further iron ore reduction in the blast furnace. This recycle requires the removal of the CO2 from this gas. Several approaches exist, but one is particularly interesting as it provides integration between the two above mentioned approaches, with another feedstock routed to the blast furnace, which is ammonia, used as a H2 carrier molecule. Indeed, ammonia is seen as an efficient and easy way to bring green H2 to the blast furnace, by transporting it from remote sunny and windy areas such as Australia or Chile to densely populated regions in the north such as Europe or Japan. Coupling ammonia with a way to remove CO2 from the blast furnace exhaust gases, will enable to lower the CO2 footprint of the blast furnace compared to the classic blast furnace and the integration between CO2 capture and ammonia leads to minimal economical costs of this technology. However, this requires the development of a novel CO2 capture process with ammonia, called the Chilled ammonia process. It does not exist yet on large scale with integration to a blast furnace. In short, the PhD candidate shall be the main researcher to develop a new chilled ammonia carbon capture process coupled with a blast furnace and propose an optimized process integration with the blast furnace.

During the PhD, you are expected to do the following:

• Literature review and state of the art Chilled ammonia carbon capture research and process design best practices based on existing research and other existing chemical absorption processes such as amine washing

• Review, improve and develop the existing ASPEN simulation of the Chilled ammonia carbon capture developed inhouse, to make it as representative as possible

• Perform lab experiments for testing the absorption of CO2 into aqueous ammonia and its desorption. Test on the solvent parameters and also different column internals

• Once the process is optimised at lab / simulation scale, the idea is to build a pilot plant in order to validate the design under a scale close to industrial scale, and integrated to an existing industrial blast furnace. The PhD candidate will therefore be in charge of designing the whole pilot plant installation, supported by the internal discipline experts and also ensure coordination with external equipment suppliers

• Integrated process flowsheet optimization to maximize process efficiency

• Write publications required for obtaining a PhD according to University standards.

What do we expect?

• MSc in process engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry or related discipline

• Strong analytical mindset and independent research capability. Critical thinking and problem solver

• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, chemistry and transport phenomena

• Good knowledge of MS Excel. ASPEN simulation software knowledge is a strong advantage

• Any experience with distillation column design is a plus

• Good communication and proficiency in English. Any other languages are additional assets.

What do we offer?

• Fully funded PhD by FNR.lu in a diverse team in one of Luxembourg’s leading industrial players

• Office near the well-connected Luxembourg train station for easy commuting

• Flexible working hours, telework policy and flexible holiday planning.

Join us in conquering new challenges and be part of our Paul Wurth SMS team #turningmetalsgreen!