The recent energy crisis is placing strain on the waste-water sector to treat sewage in a cost-effective, energy-efficient manner. In addition to this, increasingly stringent environmental legislation relating to total nitrogen content will impose an additional thermal energy burden on the treatment of sludge in the coming years. As a result, Northumbrian Water Ltd are investing significant sums on the development of novel processes to reduce the energy burden on-site. A potential “untapped” resource is (very) low grade waste heat which is available on site throughout the waste water sector. The amount of energy is vast, but the challenges of recovery are many, for example: the available temperature (< 100 °C, often < 50 °C), the distances between heat sources and potential sinks, and dated infrastructure which was designed without recovery in mind. This project will investigate the feasibility of recovering low-grade waste heat in the waste-water sector via a comprehensive modelling and optimisation study. Key milestones will include: (1) comprehensive auditing to ascertain the amount and grade of waste heat available, and potential uses, (2) modelling and optimisation of suitable recovery strategies, including the consideration of novel means of heat upgrade, (3) extrapolation of results to the wider waste-water sector, developing a framework for waste heat recovery and management across the UK, (4) the potential to design “real” systems which will be installed at Northumbrian Water Ltd sites, possibly within the timeframe of this PhD. This project is partially funded by Northumbrian Water Ltd, and the initial focus of the study will be on two local case studies: Howdon and Bran Sands sewage works. The student will have full access to the sites for the purposes of energy auditing, data collection and discussions with water industry experts. Supervisors will be appointed at both Newcastle University (Dr Law, Prof Harvey) and at Northumbrian Water Ltd.The candidate will be part of the PINZ CDT which aims to train the next generation of process and chemical engineers, and chemists, to develop the new processes, process technologies and green chemistries required for the process industries transition to Net Zero. As such, the candidate will be part of a wider cohort who will be given significant additional training. Number of awards: 1Start date: 17th September 2024Award duration: 4 yearsApplication closing date: 31st May 2024Sponsor: EPSRCName of supervisor/s Dr. Richard LawProf Adam HarveyEligibility CriteriaYou must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemical or mechanical engineering, or a related area). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. How to apply  Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8856FLeave the 'Research Area' field blankSelect ‘PhD in Process Industries; Net Zero (PINZ’) as the programme of study You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  The studentship code PINZ12 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  ‘Research Proposal’ - when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.Contact DetailsGeneral enquiries: [email protected]