PhD Position Decarbonizing EAF Steelmaking: Nitrogen Removal Strategies

PhD Position Decarbonizing EAF Steelmaking: Nitrogen Removal Strategies

Passionate about revolutionizing green steel production? We're seeking a skilled PhD researcher to optimize nitrogen removal in Electric Arc Furnace operations, tackling key challenges in hydrogen-based steelmaking. Help shape the future of sustainable steelmaking at TU Delft!

Job Description

Sustainability remains a hot topic in the steel industry due to growing public awareness of climate change and increasingly stringent regulations. One of the ways to make industry greener is to develop new routes such as green hydrogen direct reduced iron (H-DRI) and electric arc furnace (EAF) route which has great potential for substantially lowering emissions in the ironmaking process. However, the use of H-DRI introduces a new set of significant challenges to EAF steelmaking operations. One of the main challenges is the nitrogen removal from liquid steel.

Nitrogen control in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking is essential to prevent embrittlement, improve weldability, and enhance the mechanical properties of steel. During EAF operations, nitrogen is introduced through the atmosphere, charged materials such as direct reduced iron (DRI) and scrap, and the use of nitrogen-based process gases. Effective nitrogen removal relies on optimizing process parameters, including slag composition, carbon and oxygen reactions, and inert gas stirring. The overall goal of this project is to determine the limits of nitrogen removal for the steel grades produced via the Direct Reduction Plant (DRP) - Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) route. The main deliverable will be a numerical model to minimize the nitrogen content of liquid steel based on the reaction mechanism and kinetics of nitrogen removal during the EAF process. You will contribute to the development of advanced nitrogen removal techniques, ensuring enhanced steel quality in modern EAF steelmaking. As a PhD in Steelmaking Fundamentals, you will:

1. Assess the thermodynamics and kinetics of nitrogen dissolution and desorption in molten steel
2. Perform lab scale high temperature and cold experiments to determine underlying reaction mechanisms and kinetics
3. Identify important EAF process parameters such as the role of foamy slag, argon purging, and slag basicity.
4. Develop a physicochemical model of nitrogen removal

Metals Production, Refining and Recycling group (MPRR)

You will be part of the Metals Production, Refining, and Recycling group at TU Delft, where cutting-edge research is conducted to optimize resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in metal industries. The MPRR research team specializes in the elucidation of reaction mechanisms and kinetics using experimental studies and process modelling and simulation. The team bridges fundamental science with practical, real-world applications, contributing to circular economy innovations.

This project is in collaboration with the Fluid and Process Dynamics group at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne Australia. You will have the opportunity to work with Professor Geoff Brooks and his research group.

You will have access to two well-equipped pyrometallurgy labs within the MPRR section as well as Geoff Brooks lab to study steel processing as well as analytical services within the department Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft. You will be working alongside scientists from two internationally recognized research groups, who are passionate about green steel and sustainability. At MPRR, you'll find an open and friendly environment, with opportunities for professional development and training to successfully develop your academic skills. We do not distinguish between hierarchical levels, and we have a strong collaborative culture. We interact daily and share a drive to strengthen the position of the group as a whole thanks to the growth of each member.

Job Requirements

You need to have:

• You have a master’s in chemical, metallurgical, or materials engineering.
• A deep passion for research in green steel production
• You have solid understanding of high-temperature thermodynamics and reaction kinetics.
• Excellent high temperature experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive mindset with creativity and independence.
• Strong proficiency in written and verbal English communication.
• Effective teamwork and adaptability skills.

The following will make you stand out:

• Familiar with thermodynamic modelling (such as Factsage and Thermocalc) and kinetic modelling
• Knowledgeable in programming language
• Familiar with high-temperature experimentation and material characterization tools.
• Knowledgeable in pyrometallurgical fundamentals particularly steelmaking technologies.

The expected start date is July 2025 (but can be earlier, depending on the candidate availability and immigration procedures); contract duration is 4 years.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Neslihan Dogan (n.d.dogan@tudelft.nl).