Optimisation of the aqueous recovery of oil from rapeseed

Modelling and Analytics for a Sustainable Society (MASS) is a Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships programme at the University of Nottingham that aims to tackle the ongoing global problems of food shortages, water scarcity and insufficient clean energy by using mathematics to help understand and optimise resource use through predictive modelling and statistical analysis.

Oilseed rape is the main oilseed crop grown in the UK and Europe. In seeds the oil is stored within micron-sized organelles called oleosomes or oil bodies (OB). The approach currently used to produce edible oil relies on energy intensive processes in which organic solvents are employed. The aqueous recovery of OBs from oilseed rape relies on the use of water as solvent and consists of five main steps (Soaking, Grinding, Filtration, Centrifugation & Washing). The final product is a natural, novel, label friendly oil-in-water emulsion.

Although this innovative approach to seed processing (pioneered in Food Sciences, Nottingham) has gained increasing attention from industry in recent years, its upgrade to an industrial level has been constrained by the relatively low oil yield (approx. 20g / 100g of seeds) and by the limited understanding of the role key processing steps play on OB recovery. These steps are the soaking, grinding, and centrifugation.

Experimental work at Food Sciences has allowed partial optimisation of those steps. The minimum soaking time required to achieve optimum seed softening was shown to be 16 hours and optimal grinding time 90 seconds, however, a mechanistic understanding of these process is lacking.

To better understand these processes and provide rational ways to optimize them, we will develop mathematical models of the three key steps mentioned above: (1) the soaking pre-treatment, using models of water diffusion at the scale of single seeds. Here, as well as the differing diffusivities and absorbancies of the hard shell and internal seed tissue complicate the process of water uptake. In the grinding process (2), we propose to model the evolving size distribution of the fragments; and with centrifugation (4), we propose to model the effectiveness of adding solute to the water to increase the density difference between the oil and the solvent/solute. The PhD student will have the possibility to carry out some specific experimental work which will help in the design of a model to optimise water and energy usage and reduce processing time.

For more information, including details of other available research projects, please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/mathematics/prospective/research/leverhulme-doctoral-scholarships.aspx

The Leverhulme Doctoral Scholars, who will be based in the new £7m Mathematical Sciences Building, will be exposed to an outstanding and vibrant research environment in mathematics, resource science, engineering and social sciences, with excellent opportunities for international engagement. At the end of their PhD, the Scholars will be eligible to apply for an additional one-year post-doctoral prize, funded by The University of Nottingham, to help establish their independent research careers.

Summary: The scholarships are for four years and will cover PhD tuition fees for UK/EU students, plus a tax-free stipend of £14,553 per annum (2017/18 rate). While the scholarships may be held by students of all nationalities, the Leverhulme Trust has a particular interest in supporting UK or EU students. International students would be expected to cover the difference between international and UK/EU tuition fees (currently approximately £9,500 per annum).

Eligibility: Appropriately motivated students should have, or expect to obtain, a first-class or good 2:1 honours degree and/or a distinction or high merit at MSc level in Mathematics or a subject with a strong mathematical component (e.g. physics, engineering, computer science).

Apply: Please visit the MASS web page and identify up to three projects of interest. Then apply via the University of Nottingham application page, using the personal statement section to indicate that you are applying to the “Mathematics for A Sustainable Society” programme, making sure to list your preferred projects, and uploading a CV of no more than two pages.

Studentships are available from September 2018 and will remain open until filled, early application is encouraged.

For any enquiries please email: [Email Address Removed]