Research project title

Development of a Micro-Gas to Liquid technology: Control and Optimization to Reduce Carbon Emissions and Increase Green Fuel Yield

Education level

Doctorate

Director/co-director

Director: Moncef Chioua

Co-director(s): Professeur Gregory Patience

End of display

June 10, 2025

Areas of expertise

Unit(s) and department(s)

Department of Chemical Engineering

Conditions

Candidates with a recent MSc in engineering and a solid background and experience in advanced control systems are encouraged to apply. If interested, please send an e-mail including a self-introduction, resume, transcripts, and other supporting materials to Moncef.Chioua@polymtl.ca and Gregory-s.patience@polymtl.ca.

Detailed description

A new technology combining catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) and Fischer – Tropsch reactors to produce green diesel from wasted natural gas is being developed. The operationalization of this technology requires the development of adequate control strategies to ensure safety requirements and economic viability. This PhD project focuses on the design, optimization, and control of key process variables to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact. The main objectives of the project are therefore to:

- Design, test in simulation, and experimentally validate a robust control strategy to adjust the temperature and syngas ratio of CPOX and to maintain the target temperature of the Fischer – Tropsch reactor.

- Optimize the micro – GtL operation to minimize CO emissions and maximize the yield of C5⁺ hydrocarbons.

Professor Gregory Patience’s and Moncef Chioua’s groups at Polytechnique Monteal, Canada has an immediate opening for a PhD position in process control and operation. The selected candidate will be working on the development of novel algorithms and computational tools to support the operation of process systems.

The work will be done in collaboration with industrial partners which will provide the selected candidate with an opportunity to discuss with industrial practitioners and to benefit from the experience of industrial researchers in creating and deploying new technology.

Candidates should apply directly by sending their CV, transcript, and a motivation letter to Gregory-s.patience@polymtl.ca, and Moncef.Chioua@polymtl.ca. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Financing possibility

Funding available, the student is also expected to contribute to funding applications.