PhD studentship – Optimizing Pulse-Jet Cleaning for Sustainable Energy: A CFD Approach to Emissions Control

This PhD project is part of the CDT in Process Industries: Net Zero.

About the CDT

Newcastle University will collaborate with the University of York and more than 25 industrial partners to produce 55 PhD graduates with expertise in Process Intensification and Green Chemistry. The vision of the CDT is to produce the next generation of internationally renowned researchers who are anticipated to go on to a wide variety of careers, including within industry, academia and government. The researchers will help the process industries transition to more sustainable practices: this includes the pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, and utilities sectors.

Our partners

A collaboration between two world leading groups the Process Intensification Group (Chemical Engineering, Newcastle) and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (Chemistry, University of York), will collaborate with over 25 industrial partners on more than 55 PhD projects. Every project will be co-created with industrial partners to address the challenges they face in their transition to Net Zero. Students will receive intensive training throughout their PhDs to become the Net Zero-enabled engineers and chemists that the future process industries need. Based on their research and training, our graduates will become architects and leaders in the transition to Net Zero for process industries in the UK.

Award Summary

100% fees (Home & international), a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000.

Overview

This project between Newcastle University and Durham Filtration offers a unique PhD research opportunity to advance pulse-jet cleaning systems for flue gas treatment emissions control in waste-to-energy and biomass combustion plants.

This project will explore Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodologies for optimising filter cleaning processes, with the goal of enhancing filtration efficiency, reducing emissions, and improving the sustainability of energy production. The results will feed directly into real-world applications by leveraging tools such as generative design, CAD/CAM and 3D printing.

The successful applicant will be based at Newcastle University’s School of Engineering, benefiting from comprehensive academic guidance, access to cutting-edge facilities, whilst also working closely with Durham Filtration’s industry professionals at their Jarrow headquarters, with opportunities for field work on energy facilities around the UK.

The research will contribute to the development of more effective and environmentally friendly waste management solutions, aligning with both partners’ commitment to tackling climate change and advancing sustainable technologies.

This project offers the chance to engage in high-impact research that bridges the gap between academia and industry, preparing the candidate for a successful career in engineering. You will be co-supervised by Newcastle and Industrial supervisors to guarantee industrial relevance and impact.

You will also be taught a range of complementary skills like life-cycle analysis, techno-economic analysis, digital and business skills, ethics etc. and undertake short courses in core subjects like process intensification and green chemistry.

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

17th September 2024

Award Duration

4 years

Application Closing Date

31 May 2024

Sponsor

EPSRC

Supervisors

Academic Supervisors: Dr Jonathan Lee (jonathan.lee@ncl.ac.uk) and Dr Jonathan McDonough (jonathan.mcdonough@ncl.ac.uk). 

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in engineering or a related field. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential. Candidates should ideally have a keen interest in computational modelling and sustainable energy solutions.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

·   Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8856F

·   Leave the ‘Research Area’ field blank

·   Select ‘PhD in Process Industries; Net Zero (PINZ’) as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

·   A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  

·   The studentship code PINZ01 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  

·   ‘Research Proposal’ – when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select either ‘Write Proposal’ or ‘Upload document’. Your research proposal should be no more than 2 pages max. (the academic supervisors can advise on this aspect)

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact Details

pinz.cdt@ncl.ac.uk