Internship: Experimental Kinetic Analysis and Modeling of Iron Oxide Reduction

At RIFT, we are developing sustainable Iron Fuel technology as a circular energy carrier for industrial heat applications. A crucial step within this technology is the reduction of iron oxide into metallic iron using renewable hydrogen. To make this technology commercially viable at scale, a strong understanding of the reaction kinetics is essential.

During this internship, you will investigate the reaction kinetics of hydrogen-based iron oxide reduction under different hydrogen compositions. The results of your work will directly contribute to the modeling, optimization, and scale-up of our current pilot plant towards a techno-economically feasible commercial installation.

What will you do?

During this internship or graduation project, you will combine experimental research with modeling and data analysis. You will investigate how different process conditions influence the reduction behavior of iron oxide and use these insights to further improve existing reactor models.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Performing experiments related to hydrogen-based iron oxide reduction

• Working with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to determine kinetic parameters

• Analyzing reaction kinetics, mass transfer, and heat transfer phenomena

• Developing, adapting, and improving reaction and reactor models

• Working with existing Python-based modeling codes and extending them with new experimental data

• Investigating reduction reactions in fluidized bed systems

• Supporting the scale-up from pilot plant to commercial installation

What are we looking for?

• You are currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

• You have knowledge of reaction kinetics, mass and heat transfer, and reactor modeling

• Experience with Python or numerical modeling is considered a plus

• Experience with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) is an advantage

• You are interested in sustainable energy systems and innovative process technologies

• You work accurately and have a critical, analytical mindset

• You are flexible and able to remain goal-oriented within a dynamic research environment

What doe we offer?

• A challenging internship within an innovative and sustainable technology environment

• The opportunity to directly contribute to the development of circular Iron Fuel technology

• Guidance from experienced researchers and engineers

• A combination of experimental work and modeling

• Plenty of room for personal initiative and research

• An internship compensation appropriate to the level of the assignment

Internship Deliverables

At the end of the internship, you will deliver:

• Experimental datasets of iron oxide reduction processes

• Validated kinetic and reactor models

• Improved Python-based modeling tools

• A final internship report or graduation thesis

Why RIFT?

At RIFT, you have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the energy transition. We work with a young and ambitious team on innovative technologies that replace fossile fuels. You’ll be part of a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, and where your contribution is crucial to the success of our technology. working at RIFT means being part of a dynamic, diverse, and driven team. Here, you’ll have the chance to shape the future and dive into challenging projects. We offer plenty of room for personal development, actively foster teamwork, and provide flexible working hours.