MADEMOISELLE – Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimisation of Mixer Settler for Liquid-Liquid Extraction

The UK Government has been funding the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP) on recycle which is supporting a strategy of closing the nuclear fuel cycle in the UK and is supporting the design and build of a new reprocessing plant ready for the 2040’s. Two aspects need to be investigated to achieve this: the process and its underpinning chemistry (covered by AFCP), as well the technology used to implement the process at commercial scale. AFCP is investigating centrifugal contactors (CC), but another technology option is the Gravity Mixer Settler (GMXS) which is a versatile Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) technology that is used throughout the world in existing reprocessing plants.<br /> <br /> LLE processes are widely used to extract pure metals and molecules in the hydro-metallurgical, pharmaceutical and nuclear reprocessing industries. There are currently three main classes of LLE technology deployed: mixer settlers (MXS), centrifugal contactors (CC) and pulse extraction columns (PEC). All three have been used in the nuclear industry. MXSs can be engineered for a range of applications and are easy to operate, but currently their principal disadvantage is a large physical footprint (high cost) and long residence time (solvent degradation). CCs were designed to alleviate the disadvantages of MSs by providing reduced hold-up, smaller residence times and low footprint, and as a result, have been the main focus of R&D for use in the next generation of nuclear facilities. However, they remain unproven for commercial scale applications. <br />

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px">MXSs are very complex and difficult to design as performance is a function of many variables. In industry, design of MSs is done using parametric models built up from experimental scale-up and operating experience. Whilst this approach results in robust, working equipment, the lack of phenomenological understanding means that the designs are almost certainly far from optimum. What the UK needs is a strong theoretical understanding of how MXSs operate which could radically improve performance and so lower capital cost. A single discipline approach will not be able to fill the gaps in our understanding to allow an optimised design to be developed. A multidiscipline approach is required:</p> <ul> <li>Experimental investigation of the effect of operating and geometric conditions on dispersion, a key driver for effective mass transfer.</li> <li>In-silico investigation of the factors that performance to understand hydrodynamic behaviour in the MXS and link to mass transfer.</li> <li>Multi-objective optimisation, based on a high quality and comprehensive database, to find a design that delivers better performance at a lower cost.</li> </ul> <p>This project brings together a multidisciplined team of experts to tackle the problem of MXS design and optimisation so that the UK nuclear industry can have a reliable, economic and efficient technology option for any future reprocessing plant. The impact of the project will help to shape the future of clean energy and nuclear technologies, and contributing to the UK’s climate goals. You will have access to unique training and networking opportunities, for example the benefits of joining the programme such as developing expertise in the nuclear technology, advanced materials, AI, and sustainability through world-class training. You will engage with stakeholders in the nuclear sector, opening doors to high-profile careers in academia, government, and industry.</p> <p><strong>CDT information</strong></p> <p>This project is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear). It is led from the University of Manchester and includes leading nuclear research universities in the North of England and Scottland (University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, University of Strathclyde). We aim to deliver the next generation of nuclear researchers to help the UK achieve its Net Zero targets and beyond, in a collegial cohort environment. The CDT will also include technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure all candidates are familiar with the nuclear sector, and specialist research skills training.</p> <p><a href="http://www.saturn-nuclear-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/">SATURN_Nuclear_CDT</a></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC CDT SATURN – Nuclear Science and Engineering</strong></em>, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>MADEMOISELLE – Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimisation of Mixer Settler for Liquid-Liquid  Extraction</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/808/zinedine-khatir">Dr Zinedine Khatir</a> as your proposed supervisor and <em><strong>in the finance section, please state clearly that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC CDT SATURN</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 11 April 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable university in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN) studentship, offering the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £20,780 per year for 4 years.  Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in SATURN Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Zinedine Khatir by email to <a href="mailto:Z.Khatir@leeds.ac.uk">Z.Khatir@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about the CDT SATURN programme, please contact the CDT SATURN Programme Team by email to <a href="mailto:saturn@manchester.ac.uk">saturn@manchester.ac.uk</a> or Dr Timothy Hunter (Programme Director) by email to <a href="mailto:t.n.hunter@leeds.ac.uk">t.n.hunter@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>