Oct 2, 2009

PhD “Membrane-based olefin/paraffin separation: A route to energy efficient separation technology

The Faculty of Science and Technology (700 faculty members, 1100 students) of the University of Twente offers a range of bachelor and master courses (NanoTechnology, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering and Technical Medicine). The research of the faculty is organized in three interdisciplinary research institutes: MESA+, BMTI, and IMPACT. These institutes increase the vitality of research by enabling collaboration
between programs and disciplines, by providing shared facilities, and by attracting funding for joint projects. They also provide a conduit to industrial partners.

Within the Membrane Technology Group of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Twente, we have a

*PhD positions*

for a project entitled:

*“**Membrane- based olefin/paraffin separation: A route to energy efficient
separation technology**” *

Membrane technology is an attractive, energy efficient alternative for molecular separations because of its high energy efficiency, reliability, and small foot print. The separation of olefins and paraffins, traditionally performed in large distillation columns, is one of the currently most energy intensive separation processes in the petrochemical industry and the energy savings obtainable with membrane technology are significant. In the present project we develop membranes for the energy efficient separation of especially lower olefins and paraffins.

The focus of this project is on the development of new carbon membranes for gas separation and on the determination of the structure properties relationship. The project integrates and combines the practical experience and the more, but far from complete fundamental understanding on polymeric olefin/paraffin separation membranes with the more explorative knowledge on carbon membranes. The combination of these aspects offers new ways towards the development of highly selective and permeable membranes for the separation of olefins and paraffins at higher feed pressures and
temperatures.

The project is a collaboration between 7 partners ranging from research institutes (University of Twente, ECN, University of Düsseldorf) to industrial membrane developers (Hyflux CEPAration BV, SolSep BV) and the chemical industry (Shell Global Solutions and Dow Benelux BV).

*Profile*

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic researchers with an MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or a related topic, with adequate experimental and theoretical skills.

We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented environment. Fluency in English is a requirement. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure.

*Offer*

We offer a scientific education on a multidisciplinary subject. The assignment is for 4 years, with a go/no-go assessment at the end of the first year. The candidates are expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis and disseminate the results through patents (if applicable), publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. Your starting salary will be € 2042, - in the first year and up to € 2612, - gross per month in the last year.

*Information and application *

For more information, please contact Dr. ir. Kitty Nijmeijer (+31 53 4894185 or d.c.nijmeijer@ utwente.nl). To apply, please send your application letter plus CV before October 15, 2009, to the University of Twente, Faculty of Science and Technology, attn. to Dr. ir. Kitty Nijmeijer, Faculty of Science and Technology, ME327, PO Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands, or per e-mail d.c.nijmeijer@ utwente.nl.

*Vacancy number 09/195.*


Please quote 10 Academic Resources Daily in your application to this opportunity!

If you want to receive academic resources in your e-mail on daily basis, please subscribe to 10resources-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.