KU is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate/ Research Engineer to design and assess novel salt crystallizer based on eutectic freezing for rejected brine, and thus, approaching the Zero Liquid Discharge. Brine streams from industrial operation and membrane desalination processes often contain multiple species in wide range of quantities. It is therefore very crucial to investigate the operation of EFC in a real brine mixture. A major challenge in EFC that limits its industrial implementation, however, is the formation of ice scaling on the heat exchanger surface. In this research the candidate with Dr. Janajreh will be aiming to determine the factors that are attributable to such challenge and highlight them. This includes the influence of heat transfer driving force, hydrodynamics of the process, and brine characteristics. This research will demonstrate the potential of EFC in treating complicated hypersaline brines for sustainable desalination and zero liquid discharge.We intend to develop a strong integral campaign that covers high fidelity analytical formulation, modeling & simulations and macro and micro experimentation to explore the actual process mechanisms leading to establishing detailed guidelines for system development and commercialization. The PI research group have already obtained very encouraging and well-received findings on FD systems and membrane-based systems. In addition, one patent was recently registered for freeze desalination (US Patent WO/2022/175,897). In this work we will exploit the ZLD concept subjected to directional freezing, and membrane desalination and assess the potential of multistage in both technologies and the role of the different performance parameters.

Objectives

• To design and develop a ZLD system based on eutectic freeze crystallization (EFC) for hypersaline brine effluents assisted by high fidelity modeling leading to bench top module demonstration
• To optimize the eutectic crystallizer and address the possible challenges for scale up towards deployment and potential commercialization

Scope of Work (Methodology)

In this project, an optimized design of the eutectic crystallizer is intended to achieve highest water recovery with minimal specific energy consumption (SEC) and zero liquid discharge. This will not be achievable unless we address all key points starting from brine composition ending with systematic development & cost estimation.

Four activities are envisioned here and are described as below: * Activity 1(PI&RE): Brine sampling and characterization- Different brine samples are to be collected and tested for their composition, salinity, TDS, organic matter, etc. The collection of brine samples will be from different dedicated desalination plant (Taweelah A&B, Al Shuweihat S1, Umm Al Nar, Fujairah F1&2 or smaller industrial plants of ADNOC/EGA etc.) in the UAE to investigate different compositions. In addition to that, micro-characterization of brine droplet freezing is also to be done at different composition and operating conditions.

• Activity 2 (PI&RE): Design and operation of eutectic crystallizer- The EFC unit will be designed in which crystallization of hypersaline brine will take place. The current freeze desalination setup seen in Fig.3 will be tuned to operate at eutectic conditions (~233g/L salinity) in the 1st stage. In a further stage, the crystallizer design will be manipulated to accommodate salt crystallization and fissile separation. Also, this will allow addressing the challenge of ice scaling and how to mitigate it.
• Activity 3 (PI&RE): Parametric analysis using numerical simulation- The design of the EFC will be aided with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to bring more insight into the simultaneous crystallization of salt and ice. Despite the limited project duration, relying on current CFD modeling of multiple species, solidification and melting will be develop models to investigate numerous parametric while taking advantages of the KUHPC to optimize operating conditions
• Activity 4 (PI&RE): Economic feasibility and energy estimation- First system design will be developed and analyzed following process modeling and cost analysis using possibly Aspen plus modeling or similar. Next, specific energy consumption (SEC) will be evaluated for each operating condition and brine concentration. Finally, further detailed feasibility study will be implemented on the optimized operation of the eutectic crystallizer and with guidelines and recommendation for deployment and potential commercialization.

As part of the project, the researcher will have access to state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities at the CMAT lab and will get an opportunity to work alongside researchers and graduate

Qualifications

• Masters from a reputable university in mechanical engineering or related discipline
• Experience of undertaking assigned research tasks and starting to manage own workload
• Contributing to scientific papers and academic journal articles where possible acting as lead/ corresponding author
• A willingness to contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture
• Excellent English language communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to function as part of a team working on multiple tasks with competing demands and deadlines

Well-developed reasoning and problem-solving skills

Should you require further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team ( ).

Primary Location: Abu Dhabi UAE
Job: Research Engineer
Schedule: Regular
Shift: Standard
Job Type: Full-time
Job Level: Day Job

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