Delft University of Technology seeks to appoint a Post-doc for

CO2 Catch-up Project - Dynamic simulation of CO2 capture processes
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Department/faculty: Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Level: PhD
Working hours: Maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE)
Contract: Two years
Salary: Maximum of €4374 per month gross

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
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The 3ME Faculty trains committed engineering students and PhD candidates in
groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and
materials engineering. 3ME is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty,
with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social
benefits.
The Process and Energy Department aspires to conduct world-class research
and education focusing on process and energy technologies for sustainable
development. The research is conducted from a deep understanding of the
underlying physics and is oriented towards industrial applications and
societal needs.
The work will be carried out in the group for Intensified Reaction and
Separation Systems Separation of Profs. Peter Jansens and Andrzej
Stankiewicz under the guidance of Asst. Prof. André Bardow. 

Job description
===============
The Dutch government has granted the energy provider Nuon funding to build a
CO2 capture pilot plant at the Buggenum IGCC power station and to perform
R&D activities
(http://www.nuon.com/nl/pers/persberichten/20090409/index.jsp). The research
partners are the Process and Energy and the Chemical Engineering Departments
of TU Delft, together with ECN, TNO and KEMA. The pilot plant and R&D
activities are aimed to generate knowledge for use in the design and
operation of an IGCC power plant with CO2 capture and storage in the north
of the Netherlands (the Nuon Magnum project).

CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is a leading option for short-term reduction
of greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the capture step accounts for 75% of
the cost of the CCS chain and leads to a significant increase in energy
usage. Efficient operation of the CO2 capture unit is crucial.
Absorption is the leading option for CO2 capture. In the chemical
industries, steady-state operation, however, is standard whereas major load
changes are common in energy systems.

In this project, a detailed dynamic model of the CO2 absorption and
desorption units in the Nuon CO2 capture plant will be developed and
validated using pilot plant data. The behaviour during dynamic operation,
load changes and start-up will be analysed. Reduced models will be derived.
Improved strategies for control and operation will be developed.

Requirements
============
We seek candidates with an excellent Phd in an area of process engineering
(physical, mechanical, chemical), technical chemistry. Knowledge and
experience in the fields of process systems engineering, dynamic simulation,
control and optimization would be advantageous. Fluency in English is required.

Conditions of employment
========================
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work
week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of
assembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA').
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement
for Dutch Universities. 
 
Information and application
===========================
For more information about this position, please contact A. Bardow, phone:
+31 (0)15-2786924, Email: [log in to unmask]

To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV, a list of references, an abstract of
your PhD thesis, and a publication list along with a letter of application
to [log in to unmask] by June 30, 2009. When applying for this position,
make sure to mention vacancy number 3ME09-23.

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.


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Dr.-Ing. André Bardow
Assistant Professor for Separation Technology
Process & Energy Department

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Leeghwaterstraat 44, roomnumber 121
2628 CA Delft
The Netherlands
www.pe.tudelft.nl

Email: [log in to unmask]
T + 31 (0) 15 278 69 24
F + 31 (0) 15 278 69 75