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Master Thesis (f/m/x): Design of a chemical reactor for methanol synthesis
Job Description
Req ID:  1258
Place of work:  Jülich
Starting date:  01.07.2025
Career level:  Student research project and final thesis
Type of employment:  Part time
Duration of contract:  6 months

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

The Institute of Future Fuels contributes to making renewable resources available to replace fossil resources. We develop solutions for how hydrogen and fuels can be produced cost-effectively on an industrial scale from the raw materials water, CO2 and nitrogen using renewable energies.

 

What to expect
Methanol is an important basic chemical and is being discussed as a promising hydrogen carrier to replace fossil fuels in shipping, for example. However, currently, methanol is produced almost exclusively using fossil fuels via synthesis gas production. For sustainable production, direct synthesis from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which is separated from the air or captured from industrial point sources, is favorable. Due to the fluctuating feed-in of wind and solar energy, it the synthesis must be as dynamically as possible. To this end, we are building a pilot plant in Jülich that will produce approx. 1 kg of methanol per hour and serve as a test platform for research into new catalysts, structures and operating conditions. The development of the reactor module is a central challenge as it should enable different operating conditions, a simple exchange of catalyst material and the integration of measurement devices.

 

Master Thesis on the design of a chemical reactor for methanol synthesis: Design and simulation of a reactor module for methanol synthesis based on (green) hydrogen and carbon dioxide

 

Your tasks

  • literature research on reaction kinetics and simulation of reactive catalyst beds / structures
  • simulations based on a previous work as a basis for the design
  • parameter studies based on the simulation model (geometry, operating conditions etc.)
  • design and layout of the reactor considering safety requirements (pressure equipment directive), practicality (ease of replacement of catalyst material) and scientific requirements (integration of measurement devices)
  • estimation of the impact of by-products

 

Your profile

  • Master’s degree in final stage in engineering, e.g. mechanical engineering, process engineering, energy engineering
  • basic CAD knowledge
  • basic knowledge of chemistry & reaction kinetics
  • basic knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Python)
  • good knowledge of English

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

 

We look forward to getting to know you!

 

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 1258) please contact:

 

Dr. Dimitrios Dimitrakis
Tel.: 02461 93730 304
Apply now