PhD Studentship: Microstructural Analysis and Evolution of Waste-to-Energy Grate Bars

Within energy from waste (EfW) plant, non-recyclable waste is combusted to extract useable heat to create electricity. This process has two major benefits: 1, electricity is generated from a source of fuel which would otherwise be considered as waste and 2, the waste is diverted away from land fill. This process generates high temperatures within environments which contain gases derived from the burning fuel which has variable compositions. This combustion is contained within the furnace of EfW plant which consists of a series of moving grates made up of many grate bars across the furnace floor. There, grate bars must support the burning fuel and transport it through the furnace in a way which provides the greatest amount of energy recovery. This results in very high metal surface temperatures which is controlled through incoming cooling air through cooling channels within the grate bars.

As a result of this expected aggressive environment, grate bars’ metal composition consists of high Cr level to reduce the rate of oxidation and corrosion, and the addition of other elements to stabilise the microstructure and increase the service life of the metal and thus reduce the need for component replacement. However, throughout the operational life of the components, due to the exposure to high temperatures and changeable operational environments, the microstructure will evolve over time, affecting the components’ resistance to the service conditions.

During this project, grate bars will be examined at a variety of life stages, including un-used grate bars and grate bars with varying (known) service lives with a view to creating a timeline of microstructural evolution throughout the components’ lives.

To achieve this, microstructural features of new and used bars will be compared through a detailed investigation of microstructural phases, their quantity and location within the bars using a range of advanced characterisation tools within the Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre (LMCC) at the University. The Researcher will consider the mechanisms of this evolution and relate this to any unexpected failures within the provided grate bar materials which may have arisen due to local hot spots, or events within the furnace.

Entry requirements:

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate with a 1st class or high 2:1 undergraduate degree in an engineering or relevant physical science subject.

Experience in materials characterisation techniques or high temperature degradation of metals would be an advantage, but not necessarily a requirement.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website

Funding information:

Studentship type – 100% external partner funded.

The studentship is for three (3) years and provides a tax-free stipend at the standard UKRI level (currently £20,780) plus an additional £2,000 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Experimental costs are included.

Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

How to apply:

All applications should be made online via the 'Apply' button above. Under PhD programmes, select "Materials". Please quote the advertised reference number: * MP-MJ-2503* in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

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