Internship: Numerical simulation of thermomechanical coupling in a reactor

Pyrolysis is emerging as an innovative and crucial technology in rubber recycling, offering a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by rubber waste management. This thermochemical process consists of decomposing rubber components at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, transforming used tires and other waste materials into useful products such as carbon, liquid hydrocarbons, and gases. The major advantage of pyrolysis lies in its ability to convert used rubber into valuable resources while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with incineration or landfills. Not only does this approach help solve the growing problem of rubber waste, but it also supports the transition to a circular economy by reusing pyrolysis by-products in the manufacture of new products, thus promoting more responsible resource management. In short, pyrolysis is emerging as a promising pillar of rubber recycling, offering a sustainable and efficient way of transforming waste into environmental and economic opportunities.

Alfyma is working on developing a pilot plant to experimentally validate a process for recycling rubber waste using pyrolysis reactors operating continuously. Given the pressures and temperatures involved, safety around the reactor requires detailed modeling of the phenomenon. In addition, to move from a pilot to production lines, it is essential to ensure the mechanical strength of the device.

In this context, the internship aims to model the interaction between the pressurized hot gas and the mechanical structure of the reactor, to ensure its proper operation and mechanical strength. CFD-type calculations will be used to study and optimize gas flow, followed by finite element simulations to verify the mechanical strength of the reactor.