I am Isaya, a Doctoral Researcher at IMT Atlantique under the SEED COFUND Programme.
Who are you and what is your background?
My background is in Chemical and Process Engineering, encompassing academic studies and industrial experience. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and a Master of Science in Advanced Chemical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, UK, funded by the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. My professional experience includes working as a Process Engineer in sugar processing industries (Kagera Sugar Limited and Mtibwa Sugar Estates Limited), earning registration as a Professional Engineer. I later transitioned to academia at the University of Dar es Salaam as an Instructor and Assistant Lecturer. My professional and academic experiences inspired my research focus.
What is your PhD research/ topic about?
The research topic focuses on an evaluation study of the conversion of industrial waste air incineration to an oxy-combustion incineration process operation, including energy and environmental assessment, numerical modelling, and economic viability analysis. The main objective is to minimize the environmental impact of waste incineration through a decarbonization strategy. This involves studying various operating parameters derived from plant modelling, such as the influence of converting the furnace to oxy-combustion on pollutant emissions and energy recovery potential. Additionally, the research addresses handling fumes with high CO2 content and maintaining temperature control to mitigate potential consequences on waste treatment capacity and chemical composition. The model will be validated using available plant operational data, such as particulate and gaseous emissions at various points in the plant. Finally, a techno-economic analysis will be performed to assess the feasibility of the conversion.
What are the big challenges to be tackled and possible future impacts?
The challenges to be tackled in this study are decarbonization of the industrial sector by converting air incineration to oxycombustion incineration while making sure it is technologically-economically and environmentally feasible. Also, modelling of the plant with complex materials composition and properties and operations. Being an industrial track research, it will have a direct impact to the academia and industry in the mentioned fields. The research contributes to Digital transition by developing a Digital twin and the handling of data for the process; Industrial and energy transition in decarbonization of the waste incineration process; and Environment transition by minimizing pollutant emissions and enhancing sustainability.
What is the configuration of your PhD research?
My PhD reseach topic is an industrial track combining academic research at IMT Atlantique and practical experience at St Vulbas and Trédi Salaise incineration plant (Séché Environnement group). It includes co-supervision by academic and industrial supervisors. Additionally, there is a planned mobility to Politecnico di Milano in Italy, where I will collaborate with a co-supervisor from the university.
After a few weeks embarked as PhD fellow at IMT Atlantique, what is your first feeling about the programme and your institution?
The SEED Programme is well-structured, and I appreciate the support from my supervisors: Aurelie, Laurence, Ala, Luis Fabian and Marc; Programme Manager: Emma, and the University Administration. Embarking on a research project aligned with my interests at a leading university in my field motivates me to work diligently toward achieving my objectives. The campus environment has been welcoming with great friends and conducive to research.
