PhD Studentship: Gravity Separation of Emulsions. Collisions of Droplets

PhD Supervisor: Anatoliy Vorobev

Project description

The separation of colloidal systems under the influence of gravity is a physical phenomenon encountered in a myriad of industrial processes throughout the food, chemical, petroleum, and hydrometallurgical industries. The gravity settlers are widely used since they are a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for the separation process; however, their design often rely on empirical and semi-empirical models based on the Stokes’ Law, often resulting in oversized equipment and lack of information on the internals effects on separation efficiencies. Due to the complexity and high costs of physical experimentation, mathematical modelling and simulation are very attractive for analysing and designing gravitational separators. The aim of the project is to develop and verify (against the available experimental data) of the mathematical model capable of predicting the typical behaviour and time scales of the separation of water/oil emulsions. 

Despite quite advanced understanding of the processes that define precipitation of liquid droplets in a liquid environment, the results of experimental studies still demonstrate significant differences from theoretical predictions. Moving droplets induce hydrodynamic flows in an ambient phase, which typical dimensions much exceed the sizes of droplets. Movements of many droplets result in intensive interactions of droplets, collisions, and coalescence of droplets. Moreover, since setting of larger droplets occurs in higher setting rates, mechanical stirring (hydrodynamic flows, vibrations, etc.) is added to stimulate more collisions (and to stimulate droplet growth). However, there is no clear understanding on how to calculate/estimate the frequency of droplet collisions (and the rate of coalescence) that move in a liquid medium. This deficiency becomes a major obstacle for the development of accurate practical models for the gravity settlers.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact:
Dr Anatoliy Vorobev, Energy Technology Research Group, Email: A.Vorobev@soton.ac.uk,
Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 8383.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date:

Applications should be received no later than 31 August 2024 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding:

For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £18,622 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Anatoliy Vorobev

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

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