Modelization of a Taylor-Couette reactor for application in critical metal recovery from recycled batteries

IFP Energies nouvelles - Lyon; Solaize; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remunerated internship

Job summary

IFP Energies Nouvelles, based in Solaize near Lyon, invites you to join an internship to model a Taylor-Couette reactor for critical metal recovery from recycled batteries. The project combines CFD with numerical modeling using OpenFOAM and aims to build a numerical twin of the reactor in L/S particulate flow.

You will train on OpenFOAM, perform meshing and two-phase Euler-Euler simulations, and explore nucleation, agglomeration, and population balance approaches, with potential to pursue a PhD

Qualifications

• Strong background in fluid mechanics and CFD.
• Programming in C++ and shell scripting.
• OpenFOAM experience is required.
• English or French language skills.
• Autonomy and curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Develop a numerical twin model for Taylor-Couette reactor simulations in L/S flow.
• Train on OpenFOAM and meshing tools such as blockMesh.
• Set up two-phase Euler-Euler simulations.
• Explore solids nucleation and agglomeration models.
• Implement population balance via OpenQBMM module.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

CFD

C++

Shell scripting

Education

Chemical engineering background (a plus)

Tools

OpenFOAM

OpenQBMM

Job description

Modelization of a Taylor-Couette reactor for application in critical metal recovery from recycled batteries

Battery recycling is becoming more and more important, particularly for critical metals recovery (lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, …), in a general context of rarefaction of these critical metals. Besides, in a tense international context, developing recycling processes is particularly strategic. IFPEN develops recycling processes using the hydrometallurgical route.

This approach involves multiple steps, starting with leaching, where shredded batteries are mixed with an acid solution to transfer metals into soluble forms. These metallic solution ions can then be purified and subsequently used to synthesize cathode active material precursors (PCAM) through co-precipitation, thereby fostering a circular economy.

A Taylor-Couette reactor (TCR) is used for PCAM synthesis. In TCRs, the hydrodynamics is precisely controlled from the laminar to the turbulent regime. Besides, TCR conducts to better particles nucleation and agglomeration, and thus to a better quality of PCAM synthesis.

Description :

The TCR experimental pilot unit is not yet available at IFPEN. In the meantime, the overall objective of this internship is to develop a numerical twin model for the simulation of TCR in the liquid/solid (L/S) particulate flow regime. The general approach will rely on developments based on the open-source software OpenFOAM. OpenFOAM is free of charge and provides full access to all its sources, making it a valuable and flexible platform for the implementation, testing and integration of new models.

After being trained to the OpenFOAM suite, this internship will have the following main objectives:

• Train on TCR meshing and rotating machines simulations, using single-phase flow solvers in a first place. Meshing will be done using available automatic tools, like blockMesh or Pointwise.
• Setup two-phase L/S simulations using a standard Euler-Euler approach.
• Explore the bibliography on solids nucleation and agglomeration models.
• Setup a population balance approach, based on the OpenQBMM open-source module.

Opportunity to continue with a PhD on the same subject, with both experimental and numerical aspects.

Required profile :

English or French, OpenFOAM, curiosity, enthusiasm, autonomy.

• Strong background in fluid mechanics and CFD, programming in C++ and shell script.
• Knowledge in chemical engineering would be a plus.

Additional information :

Workplace: IFPEN Solaize (South of Lyon) Transport: IFP Energies Nouvelles – Solaize is located 20 km south of Lyon. A personal mean of transportation is recommended but the site can be reached by public transportation as well (a shuttle between the train station of Feyzin or Metro B and IFPEN is available in the morning and afternoon). Remunerated internship