Master Thesis proposal
Topsoe is a leading global provider of advanced technology and solutions for the energy transition.

Built on decades of scientific research and innovation, we are working with customers and partners to drive energy resiliency and to achieve their sustainability goals.

We offer world-leading solutions for transforming renewable resources into fuels and chemicals, and we provide technologies needed to produce low-carbon and conventional fuels and chemicals as well as ensuring clean air.

We were founded in 1940 and are headquartered in Denmark, with over 2,800 employees serving customers all around the globe. To learn more, visit www.topsoe.com.

At Topsoe we strive towards having a safe work environment. We are aware of the risks in our work and continuously optimize our safety procedures.

At Topsoes plant in Frederikssund catalysts for various purposes are manufactured. 

Background: 
For the VK production line, the exhausts pipes going from the oven to the exhaust gas cleaning installation has a very limited lifecycle due to the harsh chemicals used in the process. The main component of the exhaust gas is sulfuric acid. 

Currently the exhaust pipes are being changed every 2-4 years because of corrosion of the pipes as a result of the chemicals in the exhaust gasses. 

The exhaust pipes currently in use consist of an inner layer of Carbon nano tubes and an outer layer of Glass Fiber Reinforced Pipes (GRP). They were last changed in March 2025. 

Earlier several other materials have been tried such as, stainless steel, duplex steel and titanium alloyed steel, but the current combination of Carbon Nano Tubes and GRP is the one with the longest lifetime 

Problem statement:
To identify a material that can withstand the exhaust gasses of the VK production line for a longer period of time, within reasonable cost.

Project outline

• Theory
  -  Pipe materials 
  -  Corrosion theory
  -  Investigation of chemical processes 
• Experimental work
  - Accelerated corrosion testing
  -  Impact of gasses on different materials
• Analysis
  -  Corrosion rate of the different materials and expected lifespan
  -  Replicability of results from testing
  -  Method evaluation
• Execution
  -  Identification of possible suppliers
  -  Economic impact analysis

How You Can Apply:
Please submit your application through this site (not by email)

Please contact Gregory Einfeldt at GREI@topsoe.com or Lasse Thygesen at LAST@topsoe.com if you want to know more about the position.

Application deadline: November 4, 2025  
 
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their gender, age, religion, disability, ethnic background, and geographical location. We encourage individuals from diverse cultures and countries to apply and contribute to our global team.