Optimisation of Batch Reactive Distillation Process
Not stated
- Funding
- Self-Funded PhD Students Only
- Application deadline
- Year-round applications
About the project
About the Project Although the batch reactive distillation process outperforms traditional reactor-distillation processes, due to simultaneous reaction and separation of products for many reaction systems, synthesis of many esters obtained via esterification with alcohols (such as methanol, ethanol) are still challenging. These alcohols make the process very difficult due to problems of keeping the reactants together when one of the reactants (in this case alcohols) has the lowest boiling point than the reaction products. To overcome this challenge, our team has developed several novel reactive distillation column configurations in recent years. With the aid of model-based techniques, the aim of this project is to study many other unexplored reaction systems using these novel configurations and to generate and evaluate more novel configurations. Design and operation parameters of the selected configurations will be optimised while maximising productivity/profit/conversion of limiting reactant, minimising cost/energy consumption. How to apply Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site ; applicants will need to register an account, select 'Postgraduate Research' as the course type, and then use the keywords 'chemical engineering'. Applicants should then specify the project title in the 'Research Proposal' section. About the University of Bradford Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities. Positive Action Statement At the University of Bradford our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students. Under sections 158-159 of the Equality Act 2010, positive action can be taken where protected group members are under-represented. At Bradford, our data show that people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups who are UK nationals are significantly under-represented at the postgraduate researcher level. These are lawful measures designed to address systemic and structural issues which result in the under-representation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students in PGR studies.