PhD. Heat and mass transfer engineering: Multi-scale modelling of reactive, dynamic deposition processes.

The Place & the Project

The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS), at Heriot-Watt University, HWU, combines a long-standing reputation in the energy sector with a pioneering role in the UK energy transition championing the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) and the Global Research Institute GRI iNetZ+. The successful candidate with join xFlow - Complex Flow Technologies, led by Dr Victor Francia and Dr Ali Ozel. xFlow focuses on process technology with the potential to disrupt the energy and manufacturing sectors. We intensify new gas-solid operations (e.g. vortex, oscillatory, plasma reactors) and integrate them in the design of circular processes (e.g. chemical waste recycling, H2, heat management). The team studies complex multiphase flows at multiple scales, from characterization to prototyping and optimization, and combines experimentation with computational modelling. We look for solutions to bring clean energy, new vectors and storage technologies into traditional chemical and biochemical processes, enabling these sectors to adopt sustainable practices quickly and efficiently.

In this project, we will work towards a multi-scale modelling platform of deposition and resuspension of material in multiphase reactive flows. Formation of deposits has a key impact in the efficiency of heat exchangers, multi-phase reactors and membrane technology, but there is a very limited understanding how deposits form, consolidate, and are removed back into the flow. Questions such as how the microstructure of deposits appears, how it is linked to operating conditions, how a reacting set of deposits responds to the surrounding chemistry and hydrodynamic stresses, and how deposits hinder mass and transport in reactors and heat exchanges are fundamental but very poorly understood in practice. In this project, we address the issue using high-fidelity models to study the dynamic formation and breakage of multi-layered particle deposits in a multiphase flow, how they react and consolidate, and how chemical and mechanical resuspension brings them back into the flow. Using functional or AI/ML tools, we will combine data from microscale models with a large-scale design models describing the bulk system and the unit performance. We will employ these tools to optimize the efficiency of key operations in the energy transition, such as heat exchangers and heat exchangers networks, polymerization and catalytic membrane reactors, and water treatment processes.

We offer

·       Fully funded 3.5 scholarship (monthly stipend according to UKRC plus home PhD fees).

·       A stimulating position combining theory, engineering & software development.

·       Exceptional mentorship by expert academics and the growing xFlow team.

·       State-of-the-art computational software and facilities.

·       Opportunity to acquire teaching experience with a paid contribution.

·       Professional and personal development within HW Research Future Academy 

At the end of this PhD, you will be

·       A skilled python developer equipped to work across multiple industries.

·       An expert scientist capable of combining multiple modelling frameworks in the energy sector

·       Used to innovation at the interface between the private sector and academia. 

·       An accomplished speaker, able to address a varied range of audiences. 

·       A promising graduate ready for senior roles in R&D, consultancy, or engineering

Your profile

The ideal candidate would have a Master Level degree in mechanical/chemical engineering or applied mathematics/physics/computer science, with outstanding record. She/he would have a strong interest in data science and modelling and simulation, and prior experience in developing Python software. An aptitude and a passion for coding is important. S/he would also need to be fluent in English, be proactive, independent and with a can-do mentality. 

Application process

Applications to be received by 10 / 01 / 2025. The expected start date is September 2025 after the completion of a competitive selection process. Scholarships are open to UK applicants, or those with “Settled” status in the UK. Exceptional oversea applications are welcome to apply but an additional source of funding for the yearly PhD fees will need to be secured. 

Interested candidates are advice to contact Dr Victor Francia, [Email Address Removed], with:

·       A CV 

·       BEng/Meng/MSc grades 

·       A motivation letter explaining your interest/aptitudes for this position 

The selected candidate will be invited to apply to a PhD position via the Heriot-Watt application site and be put forward for consideration in the interviewing process of the Institute of Mechanical and Process Engineering IMPEE, with a final resolution expected in February/March 2025.