PhD Studentship - CFD-DEM Modelling for Producing High-Purity Quartz Sand

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided. 

Overview

High-purity quartz is a critical raw material for advanced industries such as semiconductors and optical fibres. The purification of quartz typically involves high-temperature chlorination to convert metallic impurities into volatile chlorides. The process efficiency, however, depends on a complex interplay of particle-scale interactions and particle/solid body interactions. Current industrial practice relies heavily on empirical optimisation, leading to inefficiencies in energy use and impurity removal. 

This PhD project proposes to develop a Coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) model to simulate and optimise the high-temperature chlorination process used by Krystal Technology Ltd, a UK-based leader in high-purity quartz production. 

This project will deliver the first comprehensive CFD-DEM model of the quartz chlorination process, providing mechanistic understanding and predictive tools for industrial-scale process design. The outcomes will directly benefit Krystal Technology by improving product quality, reducing waste, and enabling sustainable, low-carbon manufacturing of high-value materials. Academically, the work will contribute to the growing field of multiphase flow modelling. 

Contact Dr Nadimi (sadegh.nadimi-shahraki@ncl.ac.uk) for more information.  

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

1st October 2026 

Award Duration

4 Years

Sponsor

EPSRC  

Supervisors

Lead Supervisor: Dr Sadegh Nadimi, School of Engineering 

Co-supervisor: Dr Amir Fard, School of Engineering 

Industrial Supervisor: Dr Hamed Aghajani, Krystal Technology Ltd 

Industrial Supervisor: Dr Neil Loxley, Ocular Systems Ltd 

Eligibility Criteria

We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here. 

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification may not be required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss flexibilities and request an exemption.  

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. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply 

For information on how to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

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