Proposals should relate to the following: 

• The extraction and modification of hemicelluloses from mill liquors. This should include the development of processes to recover, process and test the economic viability of products.

• Nanocellulose production from waste streams (typically paper machine sludge) and other biomass feedstocks available.

• The development of pyrolysis processes to recover liquid and solid products for beneficiation for use in the chemical and fuel sectors.

• The recovery of liquid fuels/chemicals using fermentation-type processes suitable for the processing of liquid waste streams for the manufacture and recovery of alcohols and bio-plastics.

No more than three proposals from each institution will be considered.

Please include:

• Overall project scope, clearly defined deliverables and motivation.
• Innovation and uniqueness.
• Time-line with clearly defined target dates and intermediate hold points.
• Overall cost and expected cash flow over project life.
• Resources required, with particular emphasis on up-skilling human resources, including number of masters and/or doctorates that could be developed.
• Potential for entrepreneurial development and community upliftment.

Email:              patti.webster [at] pamsa [dot co dot za]

Queries:           011 803 5063

Closing date:   Monday, 5 October 2015

The post Call For Participation From South African Universities first appeared on The Paper Story (PAMSA).

Open to post-graduate chemical engineering students, the programme facilitates a study bursary through PAMSA’s partner tertiary institutions namely the universities of Stellenbosch, Witwatersrand, Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal.

Successful candidates will gain advanced skills during their post-graduate training in fields such as wood science, chemical analysis, separation techniques, water and material and energy balances. Not only will they have access to an industrial mentor during their studies, but they will be placed in an engineer-in-training programme at one of PAMSA’s member companies.

Research into the renewability of paper

“In 2013 and 2014, we had nine students working across the country focusing on the paper recycling process, water use, green and renewable energy technologies and innovative practices that not only reduce the industry’s environmental impact but also seek to make optimal use of tree biomass,” says Mike Nash, head of PAMSA’s Process Research Unit.

PAMSA has also been able to assign eight MSc students over the past four years to the pyrolysis reactor project supervised by Professor Mike Heydenrych of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP). The process involves the heating of biomass such as maize cobs and stalks as well as bark, sawdust and woodchips from timber plantations.

Pyrolysis produces approximately 60% oil from dry biomass, 20% char and 20% non-condensable gas. The non-condensable gas and some of the char can be burnt to drive the pyrolysis process while the char can also be used to improve soil condition.

“The pyrolysis process gives the highest yield of oil when the biomass is heated as fast as possible. Using fluidised bed technology, it is possible to heat sawdust particles to 500°C in less than a second,” explains Professor Mike Heydenrych of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. He has developed a novel fluidised bed pyrolysis apparatus and patents have been filed in six countries around the world, including Europe.

Empowering engineers for the future

“Not only will the pyrolysis process have commercial value in time, it has up-skilled students in that they have been able to design, build and operate a laboratory scale pilot plant,” explain Nash.

Nash says that the project has tested their problem solving abilities and forged their understanding of complex analytical procedures.

Sappi bursar and UP Lucja Michalina Wanicka’s MSc thesis and practical work on the pyrolysis reactor has also taught her that it takes courage, motivation and support to achieve one’s goals.

Another student Verlin Govender who is studying as a PAMSA bursar through the University of the Witwatersrand says, “My work involved the water footprinting analysis for South African pulp and paper mills. Not only had the PAMSA bursary programme opened the door to an exciting career but I have been able to give back to the industry through my research.”

Application criteria

Post-graduate chemical engineering students who meet the following requirements are welcome to apply:

• BScEng (chemical engineering) candidates interested in enrolling for MScEng studies in fields that satisfy the aims of the pulp, paper and packaging industry.
• A good academic record with a minimum 60% average in the final year of study.
• Applicants must have completed their studies in five years or less.
• Candidates should indicate their areas of interest e.g. water reduction, nano products, energy efficiency, renewable energy and biopolymers.
• South African citizenship is an advantage.

Closing date: 30 September 2014

Applications – which should include a full CV and a motivation letter – can be directed to: Patti Webster | patti.webster@pamsa.co.za | Tel: +27 (0) 11 803 5063 | Fax: +27 (0) 11 803 6708

ABOUT PRU

PAMSA’s Process Research Unit was formed to expand a regional research initiative and promote the sustainability of the local pulp, paper and packaging industry.

Apart from its bursary programme, the unit coordinates research for the development of processes to efficiently utilise biomass feedstock (trees) for conversion to bio-products (paper and chemicals) and energy with minimal environmental impact. It also seeks to develop academic/research centres of excellence, both locally and abroad and engages in collaborative partnerships with industry and government agencies.

The post PAMSA MSc Study Programme Calls for Applications first appeared on The Paper Story (PAMSA).