PhD Candidate in Biomass Combustion and Ash-Bed Interactions

Job summary

This PhD project focuses on the study of ash-bed interactions and agglomeration in biomass-fired fluidized bed boilers, addressing significant operational challenges in fluidized bed combustion. The research aims to enhance the understanding of bed material transformation and develop tools for evaluating agglomeration risks associated with biomass fuels.

Qualifications

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in chemical engineering, energy engineering, materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, process engineering, or a related field.
• Strong motivation for research in biomass combustion and high-temperature processes.

Responsibilities

• Investigate alkali interactions with bed materials under high-temperature conditions.
• Characterize bed material transformation, coating formation, and melting behavior.
• Develop and validate models of high-temperature alkali chemistry and ash-bed interactions.
• Study agglomeration and defluidization mechanisms and propose mitigation strategies.
• Translate scientific findings into practical recommendations for industrial boiler operation and fuel management.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

Skills

• Experience in biomass combustion or fluidized bed processes.
• Knowledge of ash chemistry and high-temperature experimental work.
• Familiarity with thermodynamic equilibrium calculations and chemical kinetic modeling.
• Strong written and spoken English skills.

Education

• A master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field is required.

Tools

• Laboratory-scale fluidized-bed experimental setups.
• Advanced material characterization techniques.
• Chemical kinetic modeling software.