CIFRE PhD Thesis: Fluid Mechanics / Cryogenic Distillation
Thesis offer in French:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14xbj-Kw92oCmgdG90d_70gU3w26zHpQg/view?usp=sharing
Distillation is the most common separation process used in industry, but it comes at a high cost, representing about 7% of the energy consumption in an industrialized country. In large industrial units, such as Air Liquide's cryogenic air separation units (ASUs) , distillation relies on columns filled with corrugated-crossed structured packings to facilitate contact between liquid and vapor phases. Improving the efficiency of these packings is core to developing innovative, low-energy solutions.
A major challenge posed by these structured packings is achieving optimal liquid distribution. The liquid must flow evenly down the packing sheets; a poor distribution is directly linked to low distillation performance. This thesis will focus on a new configuration of structured packings that demonstrates an exceptional capacity to distribute the liquid.
The goal of the PhD is to experimentally study and understand the liquid flows within a model system at ambient temperature. The student will set up and utilize advanced flow visualization experiments, including:
- Visualizing flow structures with a high-speed camera.
- Measuring instantaneous local liquid film thickness (Chromatic Confocal Imaging).
- Measuring the liquid film thickness field (fluorescence intensity).
We will analyze the stability of liquid films, coherent structures, and mixing effects induced by surface patterns and perforations. This involves studying various flow regimes (covering film, rivulets, menisci), the effect of liquid physical properties (viscosity, surface tension), and control parameters (flow rate, injection points).
This work lies at the confluence of fluid mechanics, process engineering, and energetics. The ideal candidate will have an engineer or M2 level background in one of these fields. Key skills include Python programming , a strong physical sense, and a taste for experimental design.
Offer Details
Opening: 3-year CIFRE PhD thesis
Start Date: From January 2026 (flexible, start date in 2026)
Environment: The thesis is a collaboration between Air Liquide (Paris Innovation Campus) and CentraleSupélec (LGPM Laboratory, University Paris-Saclay).
Contacts
Hervé Duval (CentraleSupélec)
herve.duval@centralesupelec.fr
Lionel VINCENT (Air Liquide)
lionel.vincent@airliquide.com
Manasa PERIYAPATTANA (Air Liquide)
manasa.periyapattana@airliquide.com
References
[1] Iyer, M., Casalinho, J., Seiwert, J., Wattiau, L., Duval, H. Experimental study of a liquid film flowing over a perforation. AIChE Journal, 2021; 67, e17363.
[2] Iyer, M., Casalinho, J., Pachon-Morales, J., Seiwert, J., Wattiau, M., Zimmer, L., Duval, H. A comprehensive study of the liquid transfer from the front to the back of a vertical perforated sheet. AIChE Journal, 2022, 68, e17655.
[3] Iyer, M., Vincent L, Casalinho, J., Pachon-Morales, J., Wattiau, M., Zimmer, L., Duval, H. Visualization of recirculation zones over a perforated plate: An optical flow technique for characterization of fluid dynamics in structured packing. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2023, 194:542-549.
Modifié 1 fois. Dernière modification le 24/10/25 14:35 par oriane.devigne.