Design and Optimization of a new 3D-printed RPB Packing for CO2 Capture

IFP Energies nouvelles - Lyon; Solaize; On-site; EUR 11,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

IFP Energies nouvelles - Lyon invites applications for an internship on the design and optimization of a new 3D-printed RPB packing for CO2 capture. The project combines CFD simulations (ANSYS Fluent) with the Lagun optimization tool and an RPB experimental setup for characterizing liquid distribution.

You will review literature, define an elementary cell, develop parametric CAD geometries, study single-phase gas flow, print selected geometries, and validate them on a test rig by measuring

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemical engineering or fluid mechanics required.
• Proficiency in Python, CAD, and CFD simulation.
• Experience with ANSYS Fluent and optimization workflows is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a literature review of RPB packings and periodic structures.
• Define an elementary cell and develop parametric geometries in CAD.
• Run CFD simulations to study single-phase gas flow and optimize geometry for pressure drop.
• 3D print selected geometries and characterize liquid distribution with the RPB vessel.
• Validate the design on an RPB test rig by measuring pressure drop and gas–liquid mass-transfer coefficient.

Skills

Python

Fluid Mechanics

CFD Simulation

Chemical Engineering

CAD

Education

Master's in chemical engineering or fluid mechanics

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

Lagun optimization

CAD

Job description

Design and Optimization of a new 3D-printed RPB Packing for CO2 Capture

CO₂ capture requires more compact and efficient processes to ensure both economic and environmental viability. Rotating Packed Beds (RPBs) intensify gas–liquid mass transfer through centrifugal forces. The packing geometry plays a key role in pressure drop, phase distribution, and mass-transfer performance, highlighting the importance of developing an appropriate packing structure.

This internship builds on ongoing work involving a geometric optimization workflow combining CFD simulations (ANSYS Fluent) with the Lagun optimization tool, as well as an RPB experimental setup for characterizing liquid distribution.

Description

The objective is to develop a robust workflow for the design, simulation, additive manufacturing, and experimental validation of an innovative RPB packing.

• Conduct a concise literature review of RPB packings and relevant periodic structures.
• Define an elementary cell and develop parametric geometries using CAD and, where appropriate, mathematical functions.
• Define a representative computational domain and use the CFD–optimization workflow to study single-phase gas flow and optimize the geometry in terms of pressure drop.
• Manufacture selected geometries by 3D printing, experimentally characterize liquid distribution using the “RPB vessel” setup. Then, contribute to the final validation on an RPB test rig by measuring pressure drop and the gas–liquid mass-transfer coefficient.
• Document the complete workflow so that it can subsequently be applied to a more complex geometry.

Required profile

Engineering school/ master training (Bac +5)

ENSEIRB, ENSEEIHT, ENSIACET, Polytech Orléans, ENSPG, UTC... other European universities, master’s degree in chemical engineering or Fluid Mechanics.

• Programming (Python), Fluid Mechanics, CFD Simulation, Chemical Engineering, CAO

Additional information
- Duration of the internship: 6 months
- Workplace : IFPEN Lyon, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, 69360 Solaize
- Transport: public transportation / personal vehicle
- Paid internship: 1150€/month (gross)