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Dr J Wood
No more applications being accepted
Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External Funding
About the Project
Crude oil is currently a primary source of energy globally, but the decline of light oil reserves has shifted attention to large deposits of untapped heavy oil and bitumen energy resources (~70 % of the World’s 9-13trillion barrel oil resource). These resources are characterised by high viscosity and density, high cost of production and low market value, which hinders their exploitation. Therefore, the viability of these resources is dependent on recovery and upgrading technology that will convert them to light oil in an economical and environmentally friendly manner.
The Toe-to-Heel Air Injection (THAI)-Catalytic Peteroleum Recovery Institute (CAPRI) process was developed for the recovery and upgrading heavy oil combining in-situ combustion, thermal and catalytic upgrading within the horizontal producer well. In this study, the contribution of the CAPRI section is investigated. Previous work has shown that asphaltenes, coke and metal deposition drastically deactivates the catalyst, which is typically an industrial hydrotreatment catalyst pellet such as NiMo/Al2O3 or CoMo/Al2O3. Strategies for alleviating coke deposition and prolonging catalyst lifetime in the CAPRI process are being investigated. These include the use of a guard bed to filter heavy molecules from the oil prior to the catalyst, addition of hydrogen to promote hydrocracking reactions, addition of steam and development and testing of once-through nanoparticulate catalysts. In particular, novel catalysts are being prepared from waste materials such as road dusts using biological methods.
The PhD project will involve the preparation and testing of catalysts for heavy oil upgrading using inorganic and biologically derived materials. The novel catalysts will be used in a specially developed oil upgrading and analytical facility, so would suit a candidate who enjoys undertaking experimental work. The project could also study greenhouse gas emissions from the oil extraction process, and look at adsorbents to reduce these emissions.
The Toe-to-Heel Air Injection (THAI)-Catalytic Peteroleum Recovery Institute (CAPRI) process was developed for the recovery and upgrading heavy oil combining in-situ combustion, thermal and catalytic upgrading within the horizontal producer well. In this study, the contribution of the CAPRI section is investigated. Previous work has shown that asphaltenes, coke and metal deposition drastically deactivates the catalyst, which is typically an industrial hydrotreatment catalyst pellet such as NiMo/Al2O3 or CoMo/Al2O3. Strategies for alleviating coke deposition and prolonging catalyst lifetime in the CAPRI process are being investigated. These include the use of a guard bed to filter heavy molecules from the oil prior to the catalyst, addition of hydrogen to promote hydrocracking reactions, addition of steam and development and testing of once-through nanoparticulate catalysts. In particular, novel catalysts are being prepared from waste materials such as road dusts using biological methods.
The PhD project will involve the preparation and testing of catalysts for heavy oil upgrading using inorganic and biologically derived materials. The novel catalysts will be used in a specially developed oil upgrading and analytical facility, so would suit a candidate who enjoys undertaking experimental work. The project could also study greenhouse gas emissions from the oil extraction process, and look at adsorbents to reduce these emissions.
Funding Notes
Interested applicants with a 2i degree or above in a relevant subject should contact Professor Joe Wood for further details ([Email Address Removed], +44 (0) 121 414 5295).
Funding may be considered for UK and EU students.
Funding may be considered for UK and EU students.
Open Days
Project supervisors
Career overview
Professor Joe Wood qualified with a BEng degree in Chemical Engineering with Environmental Protection from Loughborough University in 1995. He worked at Albright and Wilson in Whitehaven from 1995 to 1997 as a Graduate Chemical Engineer. He then pursued a PhD at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Transport and Reaction in Porous Catalysts under the supervision of Professor Lynn Gladden, which he completed in 2001. Since then, he has been at the University of Birmingham, progressing through the ranks from Lecturer (2001-2008) to Senior Lecturer (2008-2010), Reader (2010-2012), and Professor (2012-present). Professor Wood held a Junior Research Fellowship at Hughes Hall, Cambridge from 1998 to 2000 and an Exxon Mobil Teaching Fellowship from 2004 to 2007. His research interests centre on the application of catalysis and reactor engineering to address energy supply issues, environmental concerns, and the sustainable production of chemical products. He is actively involved in teaching within the Chemical Engineering programmes and serves as Examinations Officer and IChemE Liaison Officer.
Research interests
Professor Wood''s research focuses on catalysis and chemical reaction engineering, addressing energy supply and environmental concerns to deliver chemical products sustainably. His areas of interest include catalyst development and testing, reactor design and engineering, and the recycling of plastic materials. He leads the Catalysis and Reaction Engineering research group, which optimises reactor types, designs, and operating conditions for enhanced performance and product selectivity. Current research projects involve the chemical recycling of PET using ionic organocatalysts, upgrading heavy oils, and capturing carbon dioxide from power station flue gases. He is also involved in the Birmingham Plastics Network, collaborating with a diverse team to tackle the global plastics problem. Professor Wood supervises research on various topics, including in-situ upgrading of heavy oils, production of bio-based drop-in chemicals, depolymerisation of renewable plastics, and development of adsorbents for carbon dioxide capture.
Catalysis
Reaction Engineering
Catalyst Development
Reactor Design
Environmental Engineering
Fossil Energy
Bio-based Fuels
Plastic Recycling
Heavy Oil Upgrading
Hydrodeoxygenation
Bio-based Chemicals
Carbon Dioxide Capture
Membrane Reactors
Renewable Plastics
Adsorbents Development
Sustainable Technologies
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