PhD Studentship - Improving HTC Process Water Properties to Enhance Anaerobic Digestion and for use as a fertiliser

Hydrothermal Carbonisation (HTC) is an innovative approach to advanced water treatment converting waste materials into a renewable carbon neutral solid fuel. Since its revival in 2007 HTC has emerged as a game changing technology set to change the global approach to water treatment.

One challenge involved in the HTC process is the cleaning and recycling of process water. The process water has a high COD, is rich in nutrients and can be used to enhance anaerobic digestion. The industry led project would like to explore the novel approaches to improve HTC process water properties to enhance anaerobic digestion (AD) and fertilisation.

This project provides the opportunity to work side-by-side with an awarding winning Cleantech company. The project will explore a variety of water treatment methods on industrial process water and assess its effectiveness in lowering COD levels. Moving forward the student will apply multiple cutting edge technologies including: flotation, filtering, biological water treatment systems, reverse and forward osmosis, and ultrasound.

The fully equipped laboratory is located on the Surrey University Campus which is in close proximity to the company where a work place will also be provided. The full range of laboratory equipment and analysis is available and include gas chromatography, spectroscopy and particle sizers.

The student will become an expert in the field of process water treatment, with the opportunity to explore a variety of approaches to the common problem.

Company Background:

Antaco has pioneered an innovative, organic waste management solution that is able to convert organic waste efficiently into a carbon neutral solid biofuel.

Inventive and forward-thinking, we pride ourselves on doing things differently, and achieving notable results. Antaco is amongst the highest achieving Cleantech companies in the UK, having been voted top UK and EU Cleantech start-up by Climate-KIC and the European Institute of Technology and Innovation.

Academic and Eligibility Requirements:

First or upper second class Master degree in engineering, physics or chemistry.

Non-native speakers of English who did not study in an English-speaking country will be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above.

The studentship ONLY applies to UK/EU students.

The application shall include:
1. Cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your interest and suitability for the project you have selected.
2. Detailed CV.
3. Published work such as journals and conference articles and a copy of your MSc dissertation (if appropriate).
4. A copy of your current or most recent academic transcript.
5. Names and contact information of at least two referees.
6. If necessary, a copy of a valid IELTS certificate from the past two years.

Please send your application forms to Dr Judy Lee via email [Email Address Removed]

Surrey University Contact Details

Name: Dr. Judy Lee (Senior Lecture in CPE)
Email: [Email Address Removed]
Phone: +44 (0) 1483 682618
Website: www.surrey.ac.uk/cpe/people/judy_lee/


Antaco Contact Details
Name: Henry Smith MPhys (Technology Development Manager)
Email: [Email Address Removed]
Phone: +44 (0) 7710 982887
Website: www.antaco.co.uk