Development of a Rotating Hybrid Process Coupling Rotating Packed Bed and Spinning Disc Reactor for CO2 Capture and Mineralisation

In the context of combating climate change, the capture and utilization of atmospheric CO₂ represent key levers for the decarbonization of industry. This thesis contributes to this effort by exploring an innovative strategy that combines CO₂ capture with its mineralization into calcium carbonate, a product with value in various industrial sectors.

The main objective is to develop a compact and intensified process based on the coupling of two advanced centrifugal technologies: the Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) for CO₂ capture via absorption, and the Spinning Disc Reactor (SDR) for the controlled precipitation of carbonate. This original configuration aims to overcome the limitations of conventional processes by enhancing mass transfer and chemical reaction control, while also reducing footprint and energy consumption.

The thesis will proceed in three stages:

Individual optimization of the RPB and SDR processes: studying optimal operating conditions for effective CO₂ capture and the formation of carbonates with controlled quality.

Design and testing of a hybrid device integrating both technologies on a single rotating axis.

Experimental validation and numerical modeling (CFD) to analyze complex hydrodynamic phenomena and develop a design tool that can be generalized to industrial scale.

This multidisciplinary work, at the intersection of process engineering, chemistry, and environmental engineering, aims to propose an innovative and sustainable solution for CO₂ valorization.

Our lab unit, is a National Center for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, of theInstitut National Polytechnique de Toulouse andUniversité Toulouse. It is home to 160 researchers, teacher-researchers, administrative staff, technicians and engineers, and around the same number of PhD students, post-docs and trainees at all levels. At the crossroads of science and technology, our research, conducted both experimentally and theoretically, disseminates the latest scientific advances at the heart of material and energy transformation processes.

The candidate must hold an engineering degree or equivalent in chemical engineering, process engineering, or mechanical engineering (fluid mechanics) with a strong interest in process technologies. The candidate should be motivated and enthusiastic about both experimental and numerical work. Essential qualities for conducting this research include organisational skills, rapid autonomy, rigour, scientific curiosity, and perseverance.