Offre d'emploi Internship - R&D - Mechanical Modeling of Dessicators (M/F)

Air Liquide has historical expertise in the design, construction, and operation of cryogenic distillation units. Process optimization, as well as equipment robustness and reliability, are key factors for ensuring the sustainable performance of these production units.



In many of these cryogenic installations, the control of humidity levels in products and reactants is critical, both for process efficiency and for equipment longevity.



To achieve this, pressure vessels are used to adsorb and remove this moisture. These pieces of equipment typically operate in pairs because they follow a cyclic process alternating between two main phases:

The adsorption phase: The fluid (gas or liquid) passes through a fixed bed composed of an accumulation of solid particles (the adsorbent), which captures and retains the moisture.

The regeneration phase: Once the bed is saturated with water, it is taken offline to be regenerated. This step often involves increasing the temperature to cause the desorption of moisture (this is the principle of TSA - Thermal Swing Adsorption).

The core of this equipment is therefore constituted by these accumulations of solid particles, which are called "granular media" (milieux granulaires). From a mechanical perspective, these materials exhibit a complex, hybrid behavior, situated between that of a solid and that of a fluid.



The objective of this internship is to develop an advanced model for the mechanical integrity of this equipment, using a specific approach for granular media to precisely simulate the behavior of this environment. To do this, the intern will be required to:

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Analyze the literature on the modeling of desiccators and the mechanics of granular media (discrete vs. continuous approaches).
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Define the most relevant modeling strategy and implement it to capture the system's behavior (flow, contact forces, friction).
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Identify the model parameters from experimental data or the literature.
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Compare the model's predictions with field observations or pilot test data.

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Final-year engineering student ("Élève-ingénieur") or Master 2 student (Bac+5).
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Specialization: Mechanical Engineering, Granular Media Mechanics, Numerical Modeling, or Physics.
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Essential Skill: Strong knowledge of solid mechanics and/or fluid mechanics.
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Highly Valued Skill: A first experience or strong interest in granular media modeling (DEM).
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Tools: A first experience with simulation software.
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Qualities: Scientific rigor, autonomy, technical curiosity, and good analytical and synthesis skills.



Additional Information

Air Liquide has been awarded the Happy Trainees label.

The internship will be carried out at Campus Innovation Paris, Air Liquide's R&D center in France located in Loges-en-Josas (1, Chemin de la Porte des Loges).

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Geographical location: France / Ile de France / 78 - Les loges
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Desired start date: March 2026
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Duration of the internship : 6 months

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