As part of the energy transition, natural gas power generation has been identified as both a transition energy from coal to renewable power sources, as well as a solution that enables the integration of renewable power sources, which are intermittent by nature, into a power grid that has a continuous demand from its industrial and residential users. Recent discoveries of natural gas reservoirs are often located on deepwater offshore. For these fields, subsea natural gas production systems are located on the sea floor, where gas is extracted and then transported to a floating platform or an onshore receiving facility. High-pressure, low-temperature conditions and the presence of humidity in the gas at the subsea level makes transport towards the processing facilities much more challenging due to the potential for forming solid structures called hydrates blocking the transportation lines.    

In view of this challenge, TotalEnergies is involved in a project dedicated to developing a temperature swing adsorption process (TSA) that could dehydrate natural gas at the subsea level before transporting it.   

The main objective of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of the adsorption technology to remove water from natural gas under pressure.

In this context, TotalEnergies is seeking a dynamic post-doc who masters lab-scale experimentation, numerical modeling and with a background in process engineering.   

As a Postdoctoral researcher: Experimental Numerical Optimization of High-Pressure TSA Process for Natural Gas Dehydration, your main missions will be as follows:  

• To develop and optimize a numerical model with the help of in-house thermodynamic and dynamic experimental data using gPROMS.  
• To conceptualize and design an experimental setup for investigating the mechanical thermal degradation of adsorbents, followed by construction or acquisition of the pilot, it’s commissioning/start-up, and conducting experimental activities on it.  
• Modify, commission, and start-up an existing TSA pilot. Conduct multi-component breakthrough tests and examine absorbent regeneration, if the candidate's profile is suitable and time permits. To treat, interpret, and integrate data in dynamic modelling work.
• To conduct a techno-economic analysis of the process (OPEX).

The position is based at the Separation and Gas Treatment Service at Pôle d’Etudes et Recherche de Lacq (PERL) of TotalEnergies in Lacq (FR, 64), in collaboration with the Geomecanics and Porous Media Team of LFCR at Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) in Anglet (FR, 64).

This is a 24-month fixed-term contract starting in January 2025.

• You possess a background as a process or chemical engineer with an experimental PhD in gas separation technology, preferably by adsorption.
• This position requires practical experience with lab-scale pilot operations.
• You have in-depth knowledge of process modeling and optimization.
• You strictly adhere to good safety practices.
• You demonstrate autonomy, information management, and organizational skills.
•  Basic knowledge of French is desirable, along with a willingness to develop French language skills over time. Your English is fluent.