Thesis Project Mechanical/Process Engineer

Location: Venlo

Job Description

Thesis Project Mechanical/Process Engineer
Division: Weir Minerals
Location: Venlo, The Netherlands
Duration: +- 6 months

Are you dreaming of getting the opportunity where you can be a part of an International company that lead the market in Engineering, and which make mining operations more sustainable and profitable? At Weir Minerals we are looking for an student in Mechanical Engineering who can be a part of our Venlo Technology Hub (VTH) to work on a challenging project!

We have an opening for a student to work on the project “Solids Settling in the Transport Compartment Above the Media Filling Level During Vertical Stirred Milling." Further technical details about the assignment will be shared with shortlisted candidates. A designated VTH supervisor will guide you throughout the project and provide additional information regarding the technical scope and department activities during the interview.

VTH Department:
The VTH (Venlo Technology Hub) hosts all innovation projects and provides support for all other departments within the organization where cost reduction, product improvement and increased service to customers are highly valued. We remain accountable from request through delivery to aftercare and support within service trajectories. Weir Minerals Netherlands functions as knowledge hub for displacement pump technology and high pressure grinding rollers within the Weir Group. Continuously pushing the boundaries of our knowledge is of paramount importance to our department.

Goal of the project and tasks: To investigate and model how and why solids accumulate above the media filling level in a vertical stirred mill, and to determine which operating or design parameters can prevent this settling behaviour.

• Characterize solids-settling behavior in the upper transport compartment using theory on slurry rheology, particle settling velocity, and multiphase mixing phenomena.

• Develop CFD/DEM simulations to model flow patterns, turbulence intensity, stagnant zones, and particle concentration distributions above the media bed.

• Analyze operational data (mill speed, slurry density, particle size distribution, media load) to identify conditions leading to solids accumulation (test work optional).

• Validate model findings using available small-scale experimental setups and propose engineering recommendations to minimize settling.

Skills & Requirements:

• The student is currently enrolled at a Dutch university in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mineral Processing or a similar program.

• The assignment is appropriate for a Bachelor’s internship.

• The project requires full-time (40 hours per week) availability.

• Proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing, is required.

• Experience with CFD tools, MATLAB, Python, or similar simulation and analysis software is essential

• You are analytical and enjoy applying hydraulic calculations to assess flow conditions and operational constraints.

• You are adaptable and capable of working effectively in a project environment where boundary conditions may change.

• Period: +- 6 Months

Curious about this role?
If you have any questions about this project you can contact us via [email protected]

Our offer:
Attractive internship allowance;

• Travel allowance for commuting if you don’t have a Dutch student travel card;

• A lot of learning opportunities within our online learning campus;

• Excellent (global) career opportunities in Weir.

Did you know?
Several colleagues once started as interns at Weir. Your next step could be the start of something big!
Students should be fully authorised to work in the country to which you are applying, without sponsorship.

We are Weir
Founded in 1871, Weir engineers solutions that improve safety, efficiency and sustainability - helping to provide the essential resources needed by a growing world. We are a global family. We are proud of our unique blend of talent, technology and culture. We are here to inspire you to do the best work of your life!
For additional information about what it’s like to work at Weir, please visit our Career Page.
Weir is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.