Intern Impact of DAF-unit on H2S levels in municipal sewer

Intern Impact of DAF-unit on H2S levels in municipal sewer

The production facility of FrieslandCampina in Veghel produces single ingredients like cream, caseinates, whey proteins, lactose, and other products from raw milk and cheese whey. During these processes and during cleaning, wastewater is produced. The key process of wastewater processing in Veghel is to remove nitrate (from nitric acid usage) and COD by anoxic denitrification. After the denitrification, the wastewater is sufficiently treated to be within the specifications that are agreed upon with the authorities and is currently directly discharged on the communal sewer system of Veghel.

Recently, site Veghel started an engineering project to implement an extra treatment step to ensure future compliance, in the form of a so-called “Dissolved Air Flotation”-Unit (DAF). This unit will mainly improve (precipitated) phosphate removal but in the same processing step the DAF will also remove N-Kj and COD (mainly through biomass removal). Treated effluent will then be discharged in the municipal sewer.

In the current configuration of the process, nitrate levels are low, temperature is high and biomass is available. Therefore, an anaerobic environment exists and sulphate reduction will take place, producing hydrogen sulfide. On occasion, this causes odor nuisance in the close surroundings of the site. Theoretically, the DAF-unit will remove biomass, which is expected to lead to a decrease of sulphate reduction and subsequently will reduce the odor nuisance. This study will focus on the mapping of these effects to be able to forecast the future situation.

What we ask

• Applied sciences or academic working and thinking level
• Study types: Chemical or process engineering, environment, and/or food processing related studies
• Experience with analyzing process data (and Power BI) comes in handy but is not required
• Experience with analyzing process data is a pre
• Language: Primary language at the production locations is Dutch, which is a pre but not a must.
• Duration: 4-6 months
• Personal characteristics: self-starter, broad perspective, analytical, assertive

What we offer

We offer an interesting and challenging internship in which you will have the freedom and opportunities within the assignment to further develop yourself in your area of interest. You can count on professional guidance and a fair internship allowance.

Vacancy description

The main goal of the internship is to predict the amount of H2S production and maximum H2S-levels under different circumstances.

Literature study on denitrification and sulphate reduction

• Build mini-bioreactors and monitor different conditions of biomass levels
• sulphate levels
• nitrate levels
• impact of temperature

Determining optimal conditions to reduce H2S formation and its impact

Forecast and control future situations on H2S formation

Staying true to who you really are, that is your starting point at FrieslandCampina. Because it is precisely by embracing our differences that we can grow together. We want to create a working environment that allows all employees to bring their best and authentic selves. If who we are suits you, but you're not sure if you're the best fit for the role, we still encourage you to apply so we can help you find the role that fits you best.

Team Details

You will work in the technologist team at FrieslandCampina Veghel. This young team consists of motivated technologists who like to apply their knowledge in practice. The office is centrally located on the production site, making it easy for you to enter the factory to sort things out. The technologists in Veghel ensure that the right quality product is made, they make improvement proposals and support in projects.

Contact

Lisanne Jonker

Lisanne.Jonker@frieslandcampina.com