Process intensification for sustainable biodiesel production and glycerol valorisation: A Closed-loop approach.

The proposed PhD project focuses on the development and systematic validation of an intensified, modular manifold reactor for sustainable biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO), coupled with glycerol valorisation to methanol in a closed-loop process. A laboratory-scale prototype of the manifold reactor has already been developed and demonstrated under controlled conditions in our labs. However, its robustness, operability, and scalability under industrially relevant conditions remain unproven.

This project will address this critical gap by redesigning, rebuilding, and experimentally validating the reactor under realistic flow rates, temperatures, and feedstock variability, using industrial WCO supplied by our industrial partners. The PhD will generate quantitative performance metrics, including flow distribution uniformity, conversion efficiency, pressure drop, and operational stability, all of which are essential for industrial adoption but cannot be obtained through short-term translational funding.

Beyond biodiesel synthesis, the project integrates glycerol valorisation to methanol, closing the material loop and improving both economic and environmental sustainability. The research will combine experimentation, CFD modelling, and techno-economic analysis to validated scale-up strategies.

The collaboration with industrial partners ensures industrial relevance and access to real feedstocks and performance benchmarks. The outcomes will position the technology for subsequent pilot-scale deployment, follow-on funding, and potential commercial exploitation.

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information.

We are seeking candidates with a BSc of Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline, with demonstrated knowledge of reaction engineering, fluid mechanics, and transport phenomena. Experience in experimental reactor systems, CFD modelling (e.g. ANSYS/COMSOL), and data analysis is highly desirable. A motivated, independent researcher with strong problem-solving skills and interest in sustainable process intensification and industrial translation will be well-suited to this project.