Internship | Filtration process improvements for the TNO Möbius Technology - Filtration methods

Plastics are essential to modern society, with global production reaching 414 Mton in 2023. Europe's share is 54 Mton, with the Dutch contributing nearly 11%. Despite their importance, plastics' production, usage, and disposal are not sustainable, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, plastic waste, and environmental and health issues. The growing demand due to population and wealth increases highlights the urgent need for change. Within the Circular Plastics Team the TNO Möbius Technology focusses on physical-chemical recycling: dissolution of waste and subsequent clean up. Optimization of the filtration process is key, which is the main focus of this internship.

Within the TNO Möbius Technology for plastics recycling there is still lots to improve and optimize. One such thing is the filtration process. This is the main focus of this internship. During the internship different filtration processes will be explored via literature, but also filtration setups might be build or bought to see if improvements can be made to the TNO Möbius Technology. This will be the intern’s main responsibility. There will be a balanced mix of literature study and experimental work.

The typical research questions that will need answering in the internship period are:

• What are industrial standards for filtration, and how can TNO make use of them?
• How does current filtration in the TNO Möbius setup make use of, cq. how is it hampered by, the physical and chemical properties of the components present (e.g. viscosity, presence of specific contaminants)?
• How can the TNO Möbius filtration process be optimized for up-scaling based on the physical and chemical properties of the components present (e.g. viscosity), taking sustainability and energy use into account?

The selected candidate will join a young and diverse team of 11 motivated people in different phases of their career (junior – senior) and with different backgrounds (a.o. chemistry, physics, engineering). The starting date and suggested duration of 6 months are open and are up for discussion.

Generally, internship knowledge and skills are required in the mentioned fields of physical chemistry, process engineering or similar, for performing a short initial literature review on filtration principles and setups, performing experiments as mentioned above, and analysis and technical evaluation of the obtained results, as well as reporting of them at the end of the internship through both an official TNO-report and an oral presentation for the department (both in the English language).
Daily supervision would be in the hands of a TNO-employee. For administrative matters, it is common that an internship-agreement is set-up by intern, TNO and sending educational institute, stating mutual obligations and rights. A standard agreement is used. Furthermore in order to retain secrecy, depending on the subject, a non-disclosure agreement should be signed. And although the intern will be guided by a daily supervisor, a large degree of self-dependence is expected.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.