Project title: Microbiological conversion of carbon-rich residual gases from the steel industry into carbon-neutral energy carriers
Project Description
The carbon-rich emissions from steel mills can serve as a feedstock for bioenergy production, while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint of this industry, which alone accounts for 11% of the emissions produced globally and which is the industrial sector which currently consumes the most coal. The gaseous effluents generated by the production of iron and steel contain significant amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and sometimes also hydrogen (H2). Their microbial fermentation to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) by methanation (Sabatier reaction), or hydrogen, by the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction, thus makes it possible to produce two energy vectors that can replace part of the coal used as raw material and create a carbon reuse cycle within the metallurgy process. Based on the previous results, two types of reactors could be optimized with a view to competitive production, yields and conversion rates. The optimization of the process will be based on the properties and advantages specific to the biocatalysis of enzymatic and microbial biomass. The main objective of the research project is the microbiological conversion of residual gases rich in C1 from the steel industry into products with low carbon content, but also aims to achieve broader objectives that will have an impact on other sectors, such as the production, conversion and storage of green energy, the capture, use and storage of carbon, supporting policies and initiatives of Canadian and global climate plans. The specific objectives of the master’s project will be discussed with the candidate him(her)self, aligning his(her) needs, knowledge and motivations with those of the team and the research project. The work may involve in particular:
- The study of various groups of microorganisms (carboxydotrophic hydrogenogens, hydrogenotrophic methanogens, synecological populations, etc.) with the aim of determining the physiological performances, which will allow an optimal selection of biocatalysts. The effects of pH, temperature and CO/CO2/H2 concentrations on reaction kinetics will also be ratified in the laboratory.
- The study of the configuration of bioreactors and the optimization of the processes, being operated initially to ensure stable conditions and allow the development of the biofilm, and, in a second phase, with synthetic gases simulating those of the industry. A full assessment of the reactor potential (i.e. volumetric activity, mass transfer, CO inhibition, etc.) will be performed. This could also be supplemented by additional analyzes such as techno-economic analysis (TEA) or modelling of bioprocesses.
- The validation of the biofuel production process will be carried out using real industrial effluents. They will be introduced into the bioreactors in proportion to the capacity of the anaerobic inocula and will constitute the reagents of the WGS and Sabatier reactions. The experimental results will also conclude on the tolerance of biocatalysts to the poisoning of contaminants and, respectively, will define the purification needs of the incoming gases.
The bioprocess engineering team integrates the knowledge of engineers, microbiologists, biochemists and molecular biologists specializing in the production of bioenergy from organic residues by anaerobic digestion, fermentation and bioconversion of gases, as well as in bioprocessing, energy efficient, industrial and municipal wastewater by anaerobic systems. This provides access to state-of-the-art techniques for process design and evaluation, optimization of operations and assessment of power generation potential, including field trials, scale tests, pilot plants and prototypes.
Areas of research
Microbiology and chemical engineering
Start date
January 2022
Research direction
- Philippe Constant, Professor, INRS
- Charles-David Dubé, Research officer, CNRC; Associate professor, INRS
Funding
The student will receive financial support.
Study program
Masters in applied microbiology
Eligibility
Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, agriculture or other related field, present an academic record with a cumulative average of at least 3.0 (out of 4.3) or equivalent, or have the required knowledge, appropriate training and experience deemed relevant. Sufficient knowledge of French before starting school is required.
Location
National Research Council of Canada
6100 Royalmount Avenue
Montreal, QC H4P 2R2
Submission of files
If you are interested in the position, you can apply to [professor Name] or by using the online form. Please include :
- a cover letter,
- a complete CV, as well as the contact details of two people who can be contacted to provide recommendations.
Questions about the project
Charles-David Dubé
Email: Charles-David.Dube@nrc.ca
Phone: 514-226-5972