Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Vancouver, Canada - University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
Verified Company
Vancouver, Canada

2 weeks ago

Sophia Lee

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Sophia Lee

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Description
Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Bi Lab

Department

Bi,Xiaotao | Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range

$1.00 - $500,000.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

February 18, 2023

Note:
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Feb 27, 2024

Post-Doctoral Fellow Job Openings on Fluidized Bed Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass


Project background:
This gasifier is designed and built by a UBC team at the Fluidization Research Centre.

At the first stage, a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) is operated as a pyrolyzer with steam or steam/oxygen mixture as the gas agent.

Then, the riser as the second stage is operated as an oxygen-steam blown gasifier in which the fast fluidization state is maintained.

Different types of biomass feedstock from British Columbia are being tested in this system, such as wood pellets and hog fuels from sawmills and pulp and paper mills.

In addition to the validation of the design, the effects of key operating parameters on the quality of syngas and tar formation will be experimentally investigated.

However, considering the pilot test is time-consuming and capital-intensive, a more comprehensive parametric study relies on the simulation and analysis work, which could also help translate pilot test knowledge to the design and operation of commercial plants.


The objective of the second project is to conduct pyrolysis/gasification tests of different types of têxtile wastes and their mixtures, at different reaction temperatures, in a laboratory unit to identify suitable technologies for thermochemical cycling of waste têxtile.

The gas, liquid and solids products will be analyzed in terms of their compositions and physical/chemical properties.

Meanwhile, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) of the thermochemical recycling pathways based on the laboratory test data and literature data will be carried out to assess the environmental benefits and economic feasibility.

A bench-scale microwave pyrolysis reactor and a TGA in our group will be used for this project.

The microwave reactor unit was composed of six sub-systems: microwave generator and reactor system, microwave leakage detection system, vapor condensation and ventilation system, water cooling system, inert gas purging system and temperature-power control system.

In this project, the most common têxtile types will be investigated - polyester and cotton as pure materials, as well as mixtures of blended garment.

Besides the general characterization, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) will be conducted to determine the weight loss kinetics and composition of products.


Qualifications of applicant:

  • Have completed a relevant Ph.
D.

(e.g., in Chemical Engineering, Thermal Engineering or Environmental Engineering) within the last 5 years.- Be highly motivated, organized, a good communicator (written and verbal).- Thrive in a team environment.


How to Apply:

  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Copies of two relevant publications
  • Contact information for at least 3 referees

Responsibilities:


For the first project:

  • Developing an integral mathematical model, which consists of a bubbling bed reactor model for biomass pyrolysis in the first stage and a fast fluidized bed reactor model for char and vapor gasification in the second stage.
  • Designing and conducting chemical kinetics experiments in TGA (thermogravimetry), fixedbed, or bubbling bed units to investigate the devolatilization/pyrolysis and gasification characteristics of selected types of feedstock. The obtained chemical kinetics are also essential input parameters of the model.
  • Using the experimental data collected from the pilot unit for model parameter adjustment and model verification.
  • Assist in the experimental tests of a pilotscale fluidized bed biomass gasification system with teammates.

For the second project:

  • A systematic review of literature on thermochemical recycling research and technologies on waste têxtile
  • Laboratory tests using a TGA and a benchtop 1 kw microwave reactor on pyrolysis and gasification of different types of têxtile wastes and their mixtures, at different reaction temperatures. The gas, liquid and solids products will be analyzed in terms of their compositions and physical/chemical properties.
  • A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) of the thermochemical recycling pathways based on the laboratory test data and literature data to assess the environmental benefits and economic feasibility of thermochemical recycling technologies for waste têxtiles
  • Scalability analysis of identified promising thermochemical processing technologies

For both projects:

  • Deliver clear and concise written and oral presentation of analysis, and internal/external reports.
  • Communicate with st
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