PhD Studentship: Modular intensified ion exchange utilising agitated tubular reactors

Lead Supervisor’s full name & email address

Professor Timothy Hunter – t.n.hunter@leeds.ac.uk

Co-supervisor name(s) & email address(s)

Dr David Harbottle – d.harbottle@leeds.ac.uk

Project summary

As the UK prepares to invest in new nuclear power plants, industry and research organisations are also looking towards developing the next generation of effluent and waste treatment processes. Ongoing decontamination of process liquids and cooling ponds is common to almost all current and future nuclear power plants. However, the main method used to remove radioisotopes and other heavy metals – ion exchange – has not operationally changed in many decades. This project seeks to develop new technologies that lead to step-change increases in ion exchange efficiency for modern, modular treatment units.

For this PhD, you will work alongside some of the UK’s leading nuclear researchers at Leeds, as part of the Nuclear Engineering Group, to develop process intensification equipment for ion exchange, based on agitated tubular reactors. The project will investigate new mechanical designs for exchange units, as well as characterise the liquid fluid dynamics and develop new ion exchange materials, based on 3D printed porous monoliths. You will also work closely with industry personnel to consider the viability of these designs for integration in future effluent treatment plants.

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable university in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Subject Area

Environmental Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering

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