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The shift in diesel fuel from Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) came with the intent to eliminate most sulfur compounds which may cause damage to metal alloy surfaces in engines as well as leading to particulate matter emissions that are harmful to our health and environment. New legislation worldwide aims to continue lowering the amounts of these toxic sulfur compounds in an attempt to provide “sulfur-free” fuel for transport vehicles. Currently, the United States permits a maximum of 15 ppm of sulfur in ULSD while the European Union allows only 10 ppm.
Although these improvements are meant to assure maximum efficiency from both the fuel and the engine, recent experiments in the US have discovered that the use of some types of ULSD in combination with the HPFI equipment causes surface damage to the metal as well as deposit problems in the injector and fuel filter.[1] Previous studies show that this type of degradation is due mainly to the metal reacting with components in the fuel, generally organo-sulfur compounds. Once the metal is damaged, its surface area is increased and catalytically active sites on the exposed metal can then react with other compounds to cause the observed deposits.
In this project we will study the nature of these carbon-based deposits, consider the mode of build up and investigate relationships with the nature of the fuel and its constituents. Deposit characterization will be obtained using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FTIR/Raman spectroscopies, and temperature programmed oxidation in addition to quantitative analysis of deposits generated.
Applicants should have a first degree at 2.2 or above in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering. Please note that this is an MSc by Research and will last for a duration of 12 months.
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[1] Innospec Summary. ‘Fuel Component Induced Degradation of Metal Alloy Surfaces’
Funding Notes:
Tuition fees will be paid at UK/EU rate which for 2012/2013 is £3,600. Studentship is part industrial funded and a tax-free stipend will be paid, monthly, in arrears at Research Council rates which for 2012/2013 will be £13,590.
Applications from international applicants will be considered provided they can demonstrate the ability to pay the difference in the Tuition Fees between international and UK/EU, from their own resources, for the duration of their study. For 2012/2013 this will be £10,400
References:
Application Procedure
Formal applications can be completed online: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply for Degree of Master of Science in Chemistry, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing. Please ensure that you quote the title of the advertised studentship and the names of the supervisors. Please note, you should apply at least 4 days before the deadline to allow us to contact you for further information, if required. All applications received up to, and including the closing date, will be processed.
Informal academic enquiries should be directed to Professor James Anderson (j.anderson@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your current CV. All general enquiries should be directed to the Graduate School (cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk)