Details
REFERENCE NUMBER
Please use reference number SCEBE-STU-Biomass-AE
BACKGROUND
The water industry is the fourth most energy intensive sector in the UK, and it provides an essential service to society. Furthermore, the current outlets for organic waste material from wastewater are under pressure worldwide, consequently, there has been a recent surge in valorisation projects to find alternative uses for sludge. One potential route is to stabilise the biomass into a carbon-dense form through low-temperature thermal conversion processes such as hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC). The final character of hydrochars is aimed at maximising calorific value, helping water companies reduce their energy consumption and provide a sustainable waste to energy route.
Given that beneficial gains can be achieved, in terms of textural character of chars created using HTC, then processing wet sludge has the potential to create an improved material with reduced energy penalty compared with traditional biochar processing. There is also scope for further gains by the inclusion of additives to the solution matrix, hence, there is potential value in developing hydrochars, which can be deployed in a range of applications, including soil amendment, water remediation, filter media and as construction media for use either within the water industry directly or sold on the market.
AIMS
In this context, the main objectives of this project are: 1) To understand current modes of biomass processing and develop low-temperature methods for sludges; 2) To investigate HTC as an alternative route for sewage sludge valorisation (either alone or in combination with other categories of biowaste / organic waste materials) and determine optimised production routes; 3) To identify the different applications and markets available for the output/product materials obtained from low-temperature processing of sewage sludge; 4) To examine the mass balance, energy balance, carbon balance that can be established at the small, rural scale as a long-term contributor to energy security and carbon recycling; 5) To examine technical issues associated with deploying this technology at a national scale and working with industrial partners to understand the feasibility of such an approach.
COLLABORATION
The project is based on a synergistic collaboration across Scottish Water (SW), Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and University of Strathclyde (UoS), with the support of the Hydro Nation Chair Research and Innovation programme (HNC). The HNC Programme (led by Prof Andrew Tyler at the University of Stirling) brings the Scottish research and innovation community together to deliver real and sustainable research-led interventions that address Scottish Water’s highly inter-connected strategic objectives to support in its push to Net Zero and beyond. The research strand of the Programme is composed of key missions developed by Research Leader Fellows from different institutions (GCU, UoS, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology: UKCEH, and Heriot-Watt University: HWU), and therefore, this project has a coordinated approach of these different institutions through the Programme.
OBJECTIVES
To achieve the PhD objectives, key activities will include reviewing and synthesizing the available literature on current sewage sludge valorisation practices and low-temperature processes. Sludge processing will be undertaken using furnace and auto-clave facilities (UoS) and the resulting materials characterized for textural as well as thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical properties (GCU, HWU, UoS) and tested for a range of applications (all partners); in particular, energy, construction (e.g., water treatment, soil improvement and development of innovative building materials) and agriculture applications.
OVERVIEW
This project is available as a 3.5 years full-time PhD study programme, funded by the ETP Energy Industry Doctorate Programme and co-funded by Scottish Water and GCU. The funding available will be in line with the UKRI doctoral stipend levels and indicative fees. The fully funded studentships are worth £18,600 – £20,878 throughout the 3.5 years subject to satisfactory progress. Funding also covers payment of tuition fees at the UK rate and an annual stipend of £13,742 – £14,946.
MINIMUM CRITERIA
Applicants should hold a first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Environmental or Chemical or Process or Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0 is required.
TO APPLY
Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisors (Ania Escudero, ania.escudero@gcu.ac.uk) for the project before applying. Applicants should complete the online GCU Research Application Form, stating the Project Title and Reference Number (listed above). They are requested to submit a more detailed research proposal (of a maximum of 2000 words) on the project area as part of their application. Please also attach to the online application, applicant’s CV, copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and a cover letter.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please send any enquiries regarding your application to: researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk Applicants shortlisted for the PhD project will be contacted for an interview. For more information on How to apply and the online application form please go to https://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchstudy/applicationprocess/
Funding Notes
This project is available as a 3.5 years full-time PhD study programme, funded by the ETP Energy Industry Doctorate Programme and co-funded by Scottish Water and GCU. The funding available will be in line with the UKRI doctoral stipend levels and indicative fees. The fully funded studentships are worth £18,600 – £20,878 throughout the 3.5 years subject to satisfactory progress. Funding also covers payment of tuition fees at the UK rate and an annual stipend of £13,742 – £14,946.
References
Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisors (Ania Escudero, ania.escudero@gcu.ac.uk) for the project before applying. Applicants should complete the online GCU Research Application Form, stating the Project Title and Reference Number (listed above). They are requested to submit a more detailed research proposal (of a maximum of 2000 words) on the project area as part of their application. Please also attach to the online application, applicant’s CV, copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and a cover letter.
