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Chemical and Process Engineering
Doctoral Programme,
Faculty of Chemical Engineering
The PhD study programme Chemical and Process Engineering aims on the education of experts with a wide range of knowledge and skills for both academic and industrial applications. The students learn in detail theoretical basis of chemical and process engineering, bio-engineering and material engineering as well as experimental and practical aspects of the field. This will create prerequisites for their further career in the basic or applied research in chemical and process engineering but also in the related areas, such as material engineering, bio engineering and informatics. CareersGraduates of this study programme gain the expertise in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, continuum fluid mechanics, material engineering and chemical-engineering aspects of environmental protection. Specialized knowledge includes applied informatics, mathematical modeling, numerical methods, non-linear dynamics and programming for scientific and technical computations. The graduates find jobs in applied research and development in chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-engineering and advanced material industry, including management of the research and development. The graduates are also successful in academic work at technical universities, research institutes and academies of sciences. Programme Details
Ph.D. topics for study year 2024/25CO2 capture. Industrial process optimization.
AnnotationCO2 capture belongs to frequent industrial needs, both in the cases of low concentration CO2 removal from waste gases and in the cases of main process streams, e.g., in hydrogen production, when high CO2 amount/concentration is to be removed. Just the last example represents the process, which the PhD thesis will be focused to. In the premises of Unipetrol company, the CO2 capture unit is presumed to be permanently optimized. In accordance with the needs of the industrial partner, the experimental research goals will involve i) durability / degradability of the solution currently used in the process, ii)absorption efficiencies and selectivities (H2S/CO2) of new absorbents and iii)the influence of low concentration admixtures, e.g., Fe, Ni and V metals, on the CO2 capture efficiency. The PhD student will acquire valuable experience of industrial area life because he/she will be able independently act in the Unipetrol premises, will cooperate with industrial research department UniCRE and will find here both well-equipped laboratories and experienced consultants.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Diagnostics of two-phase flows in microchannels
AnnotationThe aim of this project is to experimentally investigate the character of two-phase (gas/liquid) flow in microchannels. The mapping of different flow regimes will be performed for different microchannel configurations (e.g. channel crossing, T-junction, sudden expansion) and different model fluids (Newtonian, viscoelastic, pseudoplastic). The electrodiffusion method, an original experimental technique developed in our department, is used to determine the liquid flow in the near-wall region and to detect the characteristics of translating bubbles. The visualization experiments with a high-speed camera and the velocity field measurements with the mPIV technique will provide additional information about the flow structure in microchannels. The candidate should have a Master's degree in chemical engineering or a similar applied science field. He/she should have experimental skills for laboratory work and some basic knowledge of hydrodynamics. However, enthusiasm for independent scientific work is the most important requirement. The candidate will certainly benefit from our long experience in experimental (computer-controlled measurements with subsequent data processing in LabView) and theoretical (solving complex hydrodynamic problems in MatLab or Mathematica) fluid mechanics.
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Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Dynamical behavior of polydisperse granular materials during the mixing process
AnnotationThis PhD project focuses on the investigation of the complex dynamics inherent in polydisperse granular systems during mixing processes. The focus is on uncovering the mechanisms governing both the unifying homogenization tendencies and the segregation inclinations of particles within these systems and predicting their collective impact on system behavior. The research will consist mainly of discrete element method numerical simulations, which are instrumental in clarifying the dynamics of granular materials under varying mixing conditions. Experimental measurements will be used to validate the simulations, thereby bridging theoretical models with real-world behavior. The results of this research are expected to have significant applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Required education and skills • Master's degree in chemical engineering, mathematical modeling, and computer science; • high motivation, willingness to learn new things; • team spirit.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Dynamics of multi-phase systems: gas-liquid-solid
AnnotationMultiphase systems are all around us, in nature and in industry technologies and applications (sedimentation, fluidization, bubble columns, flotation apparatuses, etc.). Due to the complexity and applicability of these systems, it is seriously worth to study their hydrodynamic aspects. The present PhD research will focus on the experimental and theoretical description of processes controlling multiphase dispersions at microscale level (like bubble coalescence, bubble-particle collision) and their consequences on the flow regimes at the macroscale level (bubble columns, flotation apparatus, etc.). The obtained results will be valuable in many industrial applications (chemical and oil industry, food processing, metallurgy, pharmaceutical and environmental industry). Requirements • Master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering, or physics and mathematics • ability and willingness to study • creative approach and team-work
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Mathematical modeling of continuous-flow bioreactors and bioseparators
AnnotationMicrofluidic devices are characterized by a large surface-to-volume ratio. This can be used in the efficient separation of special chemicals using extraction, membrane and other processes. The separation of optically active substances, important pharmaceutical products or circular economy intermediates is a challenge for contemporary chemical engineering. Mathematical modeling can lead to a better understanding of the complex reaction-transport phenomena in such devices and to the design of efficiently operating microfluidic reactors and separators. The main goals of the proposed PhD project are: description of the kinetics of reactions catalyzed by free and/or immobilized enzymes in microreactors, development of a mathematical-physical description of mass and momentum transport in microseparators with an imposed electric and/or magnetic field, optimization of modular microreactors-separators in order to achieve a high degree of conversion and high separation efficiencies. The models will be studied using approximate analytical techniques and numerically using the COMSOL program. Our laboratory is equipped with powerfull workstations and PCs. It is assumed that the doctoral student will be involved in grant projects and active participate at international scientific conferences.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Membrane separation of fermentation primary products
AnnotationIn biotechnologies, batch processes are often used, in which living cultures/biomass are used. Metabolites produced by culture are often poisonous and can damage the culture itself, as an example of which can serve ethanol fermentation. In periodic processes, the initial periods including sterilizing, nutrient dosing, etc., used to be time consuming, financially burdening. Therefore, it is desirable to dedicate an effort to develope continuous performance of such processes. One of the operations ensuring the process continualization can be membrane separation. This case brings the necessity of two membranes modules: i) microfiltration to separate solid particles-biomass and ii) pervaporation to separate primary product of fermentation, e.g., ethanol, as mentioned above. The goal of this work is to experimentally develop two step membarne separation technique, including microfiltration and pervaporation, to be prepared for an interconnection with a fermenter. THe development will be conducted from the viewpoint of chemical engineering. The reached separation parameters (selectivity, permeability) will be investigated in dependency on the process parameters (pressure, flowrate, temperature, feed composition). Chemical engineering quantities (membrain polarization module, mass transfer coefficient,...) will be used to describe these dependencies. At the workplace the new membrane modules are available, which were purchased for the purpose of this development. The PhD student will get familier both with industrial membrane module and with the custom made one. In addition to being familiar with modern technologies introduced in industry, the PhD student will also work in the team of students and academic staff who are experienced in industrial cooperation. PhD study will prepare the student to obtain either qualified working position in industry or to be able systematically conduct further research from the viewpoint of qualified chemical engineer. Further information Assoc. Prof. Tomáš Moucha, UCT Prague, building B, room T02, email: tomas.mooucha@vscht.cz
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Bioreactors Design Parameters - Experimental study of transport characteristics in various apparatuses
AnnotationThe efficiency of new biotechnology and pharmaceutical products manufacture also depends on a suitable bioreactor selection. In the design of an optimal bioreactor, they key parameters are the maximum yield of a primary product and, simultaneously, the lifetime of the used microorganisms. The aim of the doctoral study is to compare the design parameters (transport characteristics such as volumetric mass transfer coefficient, gas hold-up and energy dissipation intensity) of three types of the most commonly used bioreactors. The results will be used to characterize the differences and similarities of specific types of bioreactors in terms of gas distribution, mass transfer and mixing depending on the total energy supplied to the system. Transport characteristics will be obtained experimentally for model batches, which will be designed based on physical properties of real broths. The work is intended as the cooperation of UCT Prague (supervisor's workplace) with ICPF Prague (consultant's workplace) and appropriatley complements the second PhD topic offered by the consultant. Both cooperating workplaces are equipped by necessary facilities i) mechanically stirred reactor, ii) bubble column and iii) air-lift reactor. All bioreactors are adapted to measure transport characteristics by the same methods, therefore the results will be comparable. Requirements for an applicant: master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering, organic technology, biotechnology etc.; ability for teamwork; systematic and creative approach to scientific problems; interest in experimental work
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Numerical simulations of bubble and drop interactions with a vortex structur
AnnotationFluid particles (bubbles/droplets) dispersed in a liquid are part of multiphase systems that occur in many industrial processes (aeration, emulsification, extraction, etc.). Understanding the mechanism of interaction of these particles with the vortex structures occurring in the liquid is essential for modelling and numerical simulation of multiphase systems. The doctoral project is focused on numerical simulations of the interaction of a fluid particle (bubble or drop) with a defined vortex. The goal of the work will be to develop models that will be able to predict the outcome of the interaction, i.e. deformation of the original particle, or its breakup into several smaller particles, deformation of the original vortex, change of its energy, or its disintegration. The workplace at ICPF has ANSYS Fluent and COMSOL licenses, which can be used in numerical simulations of the hydrodynamic behaviour of multiphase systems. The research group at deals with the topic also experimentally, and is therefore able to provide the necessary experimental data to verify the results of numerical simulations. Requirements for the applicant: master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering; ability to teamwork; systematic and creative approach to scientific problems; interest in experimental work.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Population balance method for bubble column reactors, with organic liquids
AnnotationBubble columns are commonly used in industry for bioprocesses, toluene hydrogenation for hydrogen transport or oligomerization of ethylene. However, predicting the bubble size distribution in a bubble column under specific operating conditions remains a major challenge for the scientific community, especially in the case of presence of an organic liquid phase. The present project proposes to build up a breakthrough methodology based on both small and large scales experiments to determine breakage and coalescence kernels in organic liquids. The main goal of the PhD proposal consists in making a link between small scale experiments under controlled conditions (determination of bubble breakup frequency and coalescence efficiency) to the bubble size distributions in bubble columns. Further aim is to use the experimentally collected data to test and improve population balance method for bubble column reactors with organic liquids. Required education and skills • Master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering or in physical chemistry; • Systematic and creative approach to scientific research, teamwork ability.
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Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Gas - Liquid Mass Transfer. Experimental comparison of various apparatuses performance - Cotutelle with UNIPA
AnnotationThe volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) plays a crucial role in industrial design in the case of the process controlled by gas–liquid mass transfer. Prediction of kLa is nowadays mostly based on literature correlations. Our research goal is to establish suitable kLa correlations for different types of devices that would be based on the experimental dataset. The PhD thesis aim at the comparison of various gas-liquid contactor types from the viewpoint of their mass transfer efficiency. The suitable correlations will be developed that would be viable for mechanically agitated gas–liquid contactors and also for pneumatically agitated gas–liquid contactors such as airlift reactor.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Separation of enantiomers by membrane processes
AnnotationThe aim of the PhD thesis is the separation of racemic mixtures by membrane separation processes. The racemic mixtures contain the same amount of L and D enantiomers. The individual enantiomers have the same physicochemical properties in the achiral environment and therefore it is very difficult to separate them. However, in the human body L and D enantiomers have different effects and the D enantiomers may be harmful to health. PhD work will focus on the development of new membranes and separation techniques for the selective separation of enantiomers from racemic mixtures with practical applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food or agrochemical industries. The PhD candidate will be required to work out a detailed search of foreign literature on the subject (need for active English knowledge), independent measurement and results processing, and in cooperation with the supervisor and to write publications in foreign periodicals.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Physical Chemistry, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Study of drop interactions with a vortex structure
AnnotationLiquid-liquid dispersions are encountered in numerous technological and biotechnological processes. Immiscible drops break in the turbulent liquid flow and form a complex multiphase system. Understanding the particle breakup mechanism at turbulent flow conditions is important because theoretical models describing this mechanism are essential for the numerical modeling of complex multiphase systems. The postgraduate project will be focused on the experimental study of dynamic behavior of drops after their interaction with a turbulent vortex in order to determine the breakup rate of original particles and the size distribution of newly formed particles. The breakage mechanism will be studied in dependence on various hydrodynamic and physico-chemical conditions of the studied system. Department is well equipped for the study of drop breakup in turbulent flow. Cells for controlled generation of bubble, toroidal vortices and intense turbulent flow are available, as well as all the control and evaluation software. Requirements for the applicant: master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering; ability to teamwork; systematic and creative approach to scientific problems; interest in experimental work.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Influence of liquid content on granular material mechanics
AnnotationThis PhD project aims to dissect the intricate mechanics of granular materials under the influence of varying liquid content, a critical factor in numerous industrial and natural processes. Central to this investigation will be the use of Discrete Element Method simulations, which provide a granular-level perspective on how liquid saturation affects particle interactions, force distributions, and emergent mechanical properties. By adjusting the liquid content parameters within these simulations, the research will seek to model and understand phenomena such as capillary action, liquid bridge formation, and the transition from dry to wet granular states. Complementing the computational approach, targeted experiments will be performed. The synergy between simulation and experimentation is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of fluid-induced dynamics in granular systems, paving the way for improved material handling, processing techniques, and predictive capabilities in complex environments. Required education and skills • Master's degree in chemical engineering, mathematical modeling, and computer science; • high motivation, willingness to learn new things; • team spirit.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Effect of interfacial properties on dynamics of bubbles
AnnotationMultiphase systems consisting of a gas phase dispersed in a liquid environment are omnipresent in nature and in living systems. Gas-liquid contact is also responsible for the success of many industrial processes, such as flotation, or aerated reactors. Surfactants, SAS, with their ability to lower the interfacial tension between gas-liquid phases, alter the behavior of many multiphase processes, and for many systems, the characterization of the interface by surface tension alone is not enough and less conventional measurements of surface rheology and SAS adsorption/desorption characteristics are crucial. The aim of this work is to determine experimentally the influence of surfactants on the dynamics of processes with bubbles (movement, dissolution, coalescence, etc.) and to characterize selected SASs by measuring relevant physico-chemical and transport properties. The typical work will include measurements of interfacial rheology, observations of bubble dynamics by high-speed camera, but also building single-purpose experimental equipment and physical interpretation of results. Required education and skills • Master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering or in physical chemistry; • Systematic and creative approach to scientific research, teamwork ability.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Application microfluidic devices to study interdisciplinary problems in fields of chemical engineering and medical diagnostics
AnnotationMicrofluidic devices play a key role in bridging the fields of chemical engineering and medicine, enabling interdisciplinary exploration. These miniaturized systems manipulate small fluid volumes, offering precise control for studying biological processes and drug delivery. In chemical engineering, microfluidics aid in optimizing reactions, enhancing process efficiency, and developing advanced materials. Simultaneously, in medicine, these devices facilitate intricate analyses of cells, biomolecules, and disease mechanisms. This thesis will address the integration of microfluidic devices to study the progression of chemical and biological processes in field of personalized medicine and diagnostics. The candidate should have an interest in chemistry or biochemistry and has good relation to experimental laboratory work to perform tests with microfluidic devices, as well as with data acquisition and evaluation. To complete the delegated tasks, the personal abilities such as independence, creativity, open mind and team work skills will be required.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Application of microreactors for study of gas phase catalytic reactions
AnnotationMicroreactors are promising devices that are increasingly finding widespread application in many chemical processes. The advantage of microreactors is that, with a suitable geometrical design with respect to the process to be studied, their reaction space geometry allows to study reactions or test catalysts under conditions without limitation by mass and heat transport. Therefore, the scope of the present topic is to study catalytic gas-phase reactions using a microreactor in order to optimize the design. The work will include experimental laboratory tests with model reactions, data processing, mathematical description of kinetics and transport variables with the aim of designing the microreactor for the optimal course of the studied reaction and maximum spatial yield. The ideal candidate should have a strong knowledge of chemical and reaction engineering, as well as a positive attitude towards using data acquisition systems, data evaluation, and mathematical modeling. Independence, creativity, teamwork skills, a willingness to learn, and proficiency in the English language are also required for this role.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
Enhancing design and efficiency of rotating thermal processors: a modeling and experimental approach
AnnotationRotating thermal processing equipment plays a pivotal role in industry, providing the controlled and uniform heating essential for processing bulk materials. Optimizing such equipment depends on understanding the dynamics of the system, as this has a direct impact on energy consumption, processing time, and the mechanical integrity of the materials involved. This PhD project will investigate the optimization of granular material behavior in rotating thermal processing equipment using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for simulations complemented by experimental validations. DEM simulations will be performed to model discrete particle interactions in order to optimize the dynamical behavior of these materials. Experimental work will validate and refine these models to ensure their accuracy and applicability in industrial settings. The synergy of simulation and experimental results aims to improve equipment design and process efficiency, with broader implications for the materials processing industry. Required education and skills • Master's degree in chemical engineering, mathematical modeling, and computer science; • high motivation, willingness to learn new things; • team spirit.
Contact supervisor
Study place:
Department of Chemical Engineering, FCE, VŠCHT Praha
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Updated: 9.2.2024 12:34, Author: Jan Kříž