WTT’s mission is to give new life to resources around the world. We do this by designing, building, and supporting organic waste treatment facilities with smart technology and a motivated and enthusiastic team. If you are passionate about working on projects that matter and having fun along the way, we would love to meet you. In your application, please tell us how you would like to contribute and why. Based on your interests and goals we can further specify this assignment together.

When can you apply?

We are looking for students that have a passion for technology. That are hands-on and not afraid to ask questions. You are driven and ambitious and are motivated when you are challenged. At WTT you are not just an intern, you are part of the team, therefore we are looking for students that are ready and able to take responsibility.

The assignment

WTT installations
The degradation of the organic fraction from municipal solid waste is done by Aerobic or Anaerobic digestion. The installations WTT utilizes for these processes consists of dry batch reactors. Each reactor has a unique configuration to create the optimal environment for Aerobic or Anaerobic digestion. Some of the installations have a pre/post treatment line, which consist of machines that perform various manipulations on the substrate (e.g. screening/ shredding). Exhaust air leaving the reactor is highly contaminated with “organic” pollutants (VOC, NH3 etc.). This air is typically cleaned in an odour abatement section of the plant. These fully automated processes rely on a set of actuators and sensors. Which are controlled and logged by a Scada system.

Biofilter
Exhaust air which is too hot for odour abatement techniques is mixed with colder air. Still rich in low valued heat the exhaust air leaves the odour abatement system. Typically the air leaving a facility needs to be cleaned. This cleaning takes place in various stages. The first stage is the ammonia stripping stage, where ammonia is removed from the air. The second stage is a biofilter. Here the odours components air removed. The biofilter is a device were a lot of surface area is created between the air and filling material. On this surface area bacteria are grown, which can clean the air. A biofilter has a certain lifespan. This lifespan is reliant on temperature, humidity, odour concentration and ammonia concentration. WTT aims to create a device which can monitor these values and make an indication of the life span of the biofilter.

Assignment
Design a biofilter monitoring unit, which can make a prediction of the life expectancy of a biofilter.

Constraints

  • The biofilter monitor should be an add on device for biowaste treatment facilities.
  • It should monitor at least: temperature, ammonia, and humidity.
  • The mechanical design should made in such a way that installation and maintenance requires minimum time.
  • Additionally a mathematical model can be made to predict the life expectancy of the a biofilter.
  • The scope of the assignment
    • Mechanical design of the unit
    • Sensor selection
    • Processing design and selection

What do we expect from you?

  • MBO, HBO or WO in mechanical or electrical engineering, environmental technology, chemical engineering or similar
  • You have excellent analytic skills
  • You are pro-active and are not afraid to take initiative
  • You have good communication skills
  • You are able to work independently, but also in a team
  • Fluent in English and Dutch language

What do we offer?

We offer the opportunity to experience and learn the excitement of organic waste management around the world. If you are looking for a challenge, and are eager to develop and learn more, WTT is the place to be. Our industry offers a combination of different technologies, we are experienced in chemistry, biology and engineering. In addition, we are committed to maximize the re-use of nutrients and to convert organic waste into new resources, so we can utilize their renewable energy potential. For this mission we use advanced technology and engineering and we are constantly looking for new ways to reach our goals. Our office is a collegial, and pleasant place to work. You will be part of an energetic team that is dedicated to contributing to a better world!   

Ready to start?

We are looking forward to receiving your application! Do you have any questions about doing an internship at WTT? No problem! For more information about available assignments, or discussing your own ideas, you can contact Sander ten Hove on stenhove@wtt.nl. If you want to apply directly, you can send your motivation letter and CV to: working@wtt.nl.