Internship | Data analysis and simulation of real CO2 capture pilot plants

Due to a continuous increase in world energy demand, fossil fuel consumption has sharply increased in the last years, resulting in significantly increased greenhouse gases emissions, mainly carbon dioxide. A key-technology for tackling this, is CO2 capture, storage and/utilisation (CCUS). CO2 capture plant operators in industrial sectors, for example the waste-to-energy and cement production facilities, need process simulation tools to predict the behaviour of the plant including CO2 and other emissions, ensuring an optimised and trouble-free operation of the capture plant. You will be working on validating available process simulators with real-operation data from two CO2 capture plants in The Netherlands.

Having a process simulation tool which can predict well the behaviour of a CO2 capture plant upon changing operating parameters is extremely useful for plant operators and plant owners. In this work, you will build the simulation sheet of two real CO2 pilot capture plans in the WtE sector and validate them against real-operation data. By analysing the available data, you will first select the data sets which you will use for the model validation. You will then develop representative simulation sheets for the two capture plants, and compare the real data with the predicted values. Based on this, you will conclude how good the model is for predicting the operating parameters and the CO2 and amine emissions of the plant. The commercial process simulator ProTreat® will be used for this work, and the results will be reported in English.

Within this internship, you will work in the gas treatment team of the Sustainable Process and Energy Systems department. We focus on, among other, minimizing the carbon footprint of chemical and energy processes by capturing CO₂ from industrial flue gases via solvent absorption and on its eventual further transformation into synthetic fuels. Our team focuses on the development and scaling-up of strategies to remove and purify CO₂ coming from a wide range of industries, including but not limited to waste-to-energy plants, cement production facilities, and large container ships. We are looking for a candidate to start as soon as possible, for a duration of 2 months.

The ideal candidate can organise and critically analyse data, while working in a structured way. You can clearly communicate the results of your analysis and transfer your knowledge to other team members. You are fluent in English in speaking and writing, while you feel comfortable working in an international, diverse and multidisciplinary environment. We are looking for:

• Master students from chemical or process engineering backgrounds with a basic understanding of solvent-based carbon capture.
• You have experience with process simulation tools, such as Aspen Plus and ProTreat.
• You like to dive into the data and are eager to learn new software tools.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo-students and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.