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Process Intensification
We are reducing the impact of process technology in chemical plants.
Our research
Our research includes a Centre for Doctoral Training in Process Industries Net Zero (PINZ CDT) funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The PINZ CDT was established in April 2024 and will remain active until 2032.
The facilities of the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University specialist process equipment includes:
- reactors: batch, flow, plasma, photo, microwave, supercritical fluid, ultrasound and numerous micro- and meso-reactors
- in-house-developed intensified reactors: spinning-disc, oscillatory-baffled, rotating-packed-bed, micro-fluidised-bed, toroidal-fluidised-bed
- additively manufactured technologies: miniaturised and microfluidic reaction, separation, and heat transfer devices
- hybrid reaction-separation units: membrane reactors, reactive absorption, reactive-extraction/extractive-reaction
- heat transfer devices: compact heat exchangers, heat pipes and other intensified devices
- synthesis equipment: specialist systems for green synthesis and conversion of bio-/CO2-derived platform molecules, and for bio-based and scCO2 solvents
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Research projects
A number of studentship projects within the PINZ CDT began in 24/25, co-created and co-funded with industrial partners. These include:
- Optimisation of the Cryogenic Bulk Liquid Production and Supply Market
- Towards Net Zero by Optimising Thermal Energy Recovery and Management in the Waste-Water Sector
- Algae-Omics
- Development of Water-Soluble and Biodegradable Detergent Ingredients from CO2 and Bio-renewable Sources
- Bioprocess Intensification for Carbon Dioxide and Waste-Derived Feedstock Conversion to Bio-Based Products
- Optimizing Pulse-Jet Cleaning for Sustainable Energy: A CFD Approach to Emissions Control
PhD opportunities
All PhD opportunities are advertised using a variety of methods including:
Centre for Doctoral Training in Process Industries: Net Zero
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Process Industries: Net Zero (PINZ CDT) is a collaboration between the Process Intensification group and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at University of York.
The PINZ CDT will recruit and train 55 graduates over 5 cohorts on impactful co-created projects with industry.
All projects are fully funded including tuition fees, stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26) and a budget of £20,000 for travel/consumables for the PhD project.
Interested applicants to the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Process Industries: Net Zero can view project opportunities via our Study with Us pages. Recruitment for these projects will usually be announced by the Autumn with students registering for the programme to begin from 1st October.
Interested applicants with any pre-application queries can also get in contact with the PINZ CDT via pinz.cdt@newcastle.ac.uk.
Teaching
From day one, our Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Programmes give students a path to become a professional engineer addressing major global challenges.
Our Postgraduate Taught (MSc) Courses equip students with the advanced skills and expertise to help shape the world.
Collaboration and partnership
The PINZ CDT achieves impact through its engagement and project co-creation with industrial partners. There are currently over 25 industrial partners providing cash and in-kind contributions to the centre.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact Dr Ryan Siddall, Innovation and Partnerships Manager.