Joint PhD Studentship - IMT Lille Douai & UMons Design of an innovative oscillating grid bioreactor for
algae culture and bio-sequestration
IMT Lille Douai Research Center : Center for Energy University of Mons, Faculty of Engineering, Chemical and Environment and biochemical process engineering unit
Lab Head : Pr. Patrice CODDEVILLE Lab Head : Pr. Diane THOMAS
Location : IMT Lille Douai research center, 764 Location : Rue de l’Epargne, 56 – 7000 Mons Boulevard Lahure, 59500 Douai France Belgique
Context: Context:
IMT Lille Douai: Created by the merger of Mines UMONS was created in 2009 following a merger Douai and Telecom Lille on January 1st, 2017, IMT between the University of Mons-Hainaut and the Lille Douai is the largest graduate school of Faculty of Engineering of Mons (founded in 1837). engineering in the north of Paris. It aims at teaching UMONS has around 100 different degree programs on the general engineers and digital experts of the offer at Bachelor, Master and PhD level in very diverse future. Located at the crossroads of Europe, between fields. With more than 800 researchers in some 100 Paris, London, Brussels and Amsterdam, IMT Lille departments, research objectives in UMONS are Douai intends to become a major player in industrial pursued both regionally and internationally. The and digital transformation of the society by common goal of all UMONS researchers is to develop combining engineering science and digital expertise on a large scale, subsequently benefiting technologies. Based on two sites dedicated to society with close links with industry. Since 2012, research and education in Douai and Lille, IMT Lille UMONS has restructured its research activities via 10 Douai has research facilities of almost 20,000m² research institutes devoted to high-level scientific activities in the https://web.umons.ac.be/en/instituts-de-recherche/. following areas: digital sciences, process for These bring together the skills of experiences industries and services, energy and environment, researcher, post-docs and PhD students from several materials and process engineering applied to UMONS faculties, concentrating their efforts on polymers, composites and civil engineering. For combining themes. further details, please visit https://imt-lille-douai.fr/ . Chemical and Biochemical Process Engineering Unit of The successful applicant will be affiliated to the the Faculty of Engineering of UMONS has a relevant Center for Energy and Environment and the research and recognized expertise in analytical methodology, team on Fluids and components, that conducts development of biological and chemical processes, research on complex fluids complex flows, and their use of solvents and sorbents for industrial flue gas role in transfer intensification. treatments and CO2 capture processes.
Researchers involved: Tom Lacassagne (PI) S. Amir Researchers involved: Anne-Lise Hantson (PI), Diane Bahrani, Jean-Christophe Baudez (HDR) Thomas
Academic Collaboration : Jon-Christos Vassilicos, member of LMFL (CNRS) and Imperial College London
Other collaborations : Microphyt, Pôle de compétitivité NSL
Scientific context / Mission / Tasks:
In the context of the ecological transition, scientists and industries are looking for efficient ways to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Micro-algae culture is a promising tool to contribute to achieve that goal: algae feed from carbon dioxide dissolved in an aqueous phase, which is consequently not released in the atmosphere (bio-sequestration), and the algae biomass production can be valorized in multiple ways (food, bio-fuel production) [Hosseini et al., Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev, 92:458-469, 2018]. A key-element to an efficient algae-based bio-sequestration process is the bioreactor in which carbon dioxide is captured and algae produced [Massart et al., Algal Research, 6:210-217, 2014].
In this device indeed occurs a competition between several processes (feeding, illumination, separation, filtration...), all of which strongly depend on flow conditions. Achieving optimal control and enhancement of algae production thus requires a good understanding of the evolving rheology of this active suspension, and its flow in the bioreactor. For that purpose, several locks have to be lifted, among which: maximizing gas-liquid exchanges and carbon dioxide dissolution: ensuring good mixing of the algae suspension, thus promoting homogeneous culture properties (light, nutrient distribution); limiting shear-induced destruction and controlling the stress imposed on algae; reducing the impact of bio-film formation; accounting for the complex (sometimes active) rheology of the algae suspension. The aim of this project is to propose the concept of an innovative bioreactor for the intensification of micro-algae culture process, based on oscillating fractal grid turbulence. Oscillating grid turbulence is commonly used in fluid mechanics [Lacassagne, Univ. Lyon, 2018] the performances of which could be further improved, both in terms of turbulence intensity and mean shear reduction, by using a "fractal" grid design [Seoud and Vassilicos, Phys. Fluids, 19(10):105108, 2017] making it applicable as a bioreactor. The flow dynamics of fractal oscillating grid (FrOG) generates turbulence and its influence on gas-liquid mass transfer and mixing in an algae suspension yet remain to be studied and understood, in order to design a system optimal for intensified bio-sequestration and high added-value algae culture.
Person specification: We are looking for an excellent, enthusiastic and motivated Chemical/process Engineering and/or fluid mechanics graduate, willing to conduct multidisciplinary experimental research. Strong analytical, organisation and communication skills, skills in fluid mechanics, and proficiency in English language are required. A proven aptitude for experimental work is essential. Simulation and programming skills (Matlab, Python, ASPEN …) are also highly desirable. Knowledge in optical methods for fluid mechanics (PIV, PLIF...) or alternatively bio-process engineering and micro-organism production would be a plus, as well as skills in computer assisted design (Solidworks, Catia...), experience with LabView and sensor instrumentation, and ability to read and speak French.
Conditions: Co-administration of Univ. Mons and IMT Lille Douai (registration in and diploma from both universities) Project location: IMT, Douai's Research center (50%) University of Mons (50%). Recruitment conditional to funding allocation though UMons internal competition, on the basis of candidate profile and project quality. Answer expected in the week beginning on 01/07/2021
Starting date: 01/10/2021 at the latest Salary (raw): 21-26 k€/year
How to apply: Please send detailed CV, cover letter, transcripts, the name and contact of two references, and any other document supporting your application to Tom LACASSAGNE [email protected] and Anne-Lise HANTSON [email protected]
Use the same contact for any enquiries about the position.
Application deadline: 05/05/2021