Design and Optimization of a new 3D-printed RPB Packing for CO2 Capture

IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) est un acteur majeur de la recherche et de la formation dans les domaines de l’énergie, du transport et de l’environnement. De la recherche à l’industrie, l’innovation technologique est au cœur de son action, articulée autour de quatre priorités stratégiques : Mobilité Durable, Energies Nouvelles, Climat / Environnement / Economie circulaire et Hydrocarbures Responsables.

Dans le cadre de la mission d’intérêt général confiée par les pouvoirs publics, IFPEN concentre ses efforts sur :

l’apport de solutions aux défis sociétaux de l’énergie et du climat, en favorisant la transition vers une mobilité durable et l’émergence d’un mix énergétique plus diversifié ;
la création de richesse et d’emplois, en soutenant l’activité économique française et européenne et la compétitivité des filières industrielles associées.

Partie intégrante d’IFPEN, l’école d’ingénieurs IFP School prépare les générations futures à relever ces défis.

Design and Optimization of a new 3D-printed RPB Packing for CO2 Capture

CO₂ capture requires more compact and efficient processes to ensure both economic and environmental viability. Rotating Packed Beds (RPBs) intensify gas–liquid mass transfer through centrifugal forces. The packing geometry plays a key role in pressure drop, phase distribution, and mass-transfer performance, highlighting the importance of developing an appropriate packing structure.

This internship builds on ongoing work involving a geometric optimization workflow combining CFD simulations (ANSYS Fluent) with the Lagun optimization tool, as well as an RPB experimental setup for characterizing liquid distribution.

Description

The objective is to develop a robust workflow for the design, simulation, additive manufacturing, and experimental validation of an innovative RPB packing.

Conduct a concise literature review of RPB packings and relevant periodic structures.
Define an elementary cell and develop parametric geometries using CAD and, where appropriate, mathematical functions.
Define a representative computational domain and use the CFD–optimization workflow to study single-phase gas flow and optimize the geometry in terms of pressure drop.
Manufacture selected geometries by 3D printing, experimentally characterize liquid distribution using the “RPB vessel” setup. Then, contribute to the final validation on an RPB test rig by measuring pressure drop and the gas–liquid mass-transfer coefficient.
Document the complete workflow so that it can subsequently be applied to a more complex geometry.

Required profile

Engineering school/ master training (Bac +5)

ENSEIRB, ENSEEIHT, ENSIACET, Polytech Orléans, ENSPG, UTC... other European universities, master’s degree in chemical engineering or Fluid Mechanics.

Programming (Python), Fluid Mechanics, CFD Simulation, Chemical Engineering, CAO

Additional information
- Duration of the internship: 6 months
- Workplace : IFPEN Lyon, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, 69360 Solaize
- Transport: public transportation / personal vehicle
- Paid internship: 1150€/month (gross)

Application: Please submit your CV and a short paragraph (optional)*,

* In the paragraph (100 words max): you should answer briefly why are you interested in this internship and what are your skills that will allow you to achieve its objectives.