Application of the Water Pinch methodology in ProSim for water optimization in bio processes.

IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) est un acteur majeur de la recherche et de la formation dans les domaines de l’énergie, du transport et de l’environnement. De la recherche à l’industrie, l’innovation technologique est au cœur de son action, articulée autour de quatre priorités stratégiques : Mobilité Durable, Energies Nouvelles, Climat / Environnement / Economie circulaire et Hydrocarbures Responsables.

Dans le cadre de la mission d’intérêt général confiée par les pouvoirs publics, IFPEN concentre ses efforts sur :

• l’apport de solutions aux défis sociétaux de l’énergie et du climat, en favorisant la transition vers une mobilité durable et l’émergence d’un mix énergétique plus diversifié ;
• la création de richesse et d’emplois, en soutenant l’activité économique française et européenne et la compétitivité des filières industrielles associées.

Partie intégrante d’IFPEN, l’école d’ingénieurs IFP School prépare les générations futures à relever ces défis.

Application of the Water Pinch methodology in ProSim for water optimization in bio processes.

In sugar conversion, unit operations such as filtration and liquid–liquid extraction consume significant amounts of freshwater, while others – such as distillation, evaporation, and dehydration reactions – generate water as a by-product.

Without optimization, this water is often sent directly to wastewater treatment, thereby increasing operating costs. A more sustainable and efficient approach is to identify opportunities for internal water reuse. Pinch analysis offers a systematic framework to optimize water networks by matching water sources with process demands, considering both quality and quantity constraints.

Description

In the sugar conversion process, water plays a critical role, and its management has a significant impact on operating costs.

The main objective of this internship is to use the Water Pinch functionality in ProSim to optimize water consumption and identify opportunities for effluent reuse in key process operations.

The work will be divided into the following tasks:

• Process simulation: Perform a PROSIM simulation of a sugar conversion process producing a bio-sourced chemical using a simplified flowsheet; to identify opportunities for reducing water consumption and reusing effluents.
• Water Pinch analysis: Explore and test the Water Pinch functionality to understand its operation, assess the relevance and applicability of the results, and identify any missing process data.
• Scenarios evaluation: Propose and evaluate water recycling scenarios within the studied process flowsheet.

Required profile

Master 2 level or last year of engineering school. 

• Experience in process, chemical engineering, experience with simulation tools of chemical process (ProSIM, PROII, Aspen…), programming skills are appreciated.

Additional information

Duration of the internship: 5-6 months
Start date: March 2026
Workplace: IFPEN Lyon, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize, 69360 Solaize
Transport: public transportation / personal vehicle
Compensation: 1130€/month (gross)