Severn Trent Water (STW) is seeking to improve Greenhouse Gas monitoring capability across multiple sludge treatment centres and assets to ensure STW adheres to the agreed 2030 Triple Carbon Pledge. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has proved cost-effective for a varied range of environmental monitoring tasks. STW would be interested in exploring the possibilities that UAVs offer within the context of GHGs emissions monitoring, with a particular focus on methane emitted from sludge treatment centres. Of specific interest is the contribution that such a novel framework could make to enhance reporting activity.
Severn Trent Water (STW) is seeking to improve Greenhouse Gas (GHG) monitoring capability across multiple sludge treatment centres and assets. Both fugitive and constant emissions are of interest as their reduction is a priority to ensure STW adheres to the agreed 2030 Triple Carbon Pledge. However, off-the-shelf land based GHG emissions sensors (>£70k / sensor) exceed current budget thresholds for GHG monitoring. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has proved cost-effective for a varied range of environmental monitoring tasks within STW. Therefore, STW would be interested in exploring the possibilities that UAVs offer within the context of GHGs emissions monitoring, with a particular focus on methane emitted from sludge treatment centres. Of specific interest is the contribution that such a novel framework could make to enhance reporting activity under the Carbon Accounting Book. It is envisaged that the framework, if successful, could be further developed for monitoring of nitrous oxide in activated sludge tanks and other wastewater secondary treatment processes, as well as for monitoring of emissions resulting from ammonia volatilisation in secondary open digesters and biosolids cake pads
The overall aim of this project is to develop a conceptual UAV based framework for the robust quantification of methane emitted from sludge treatment centres, with the double focus of fugitive emissions from closed tanks and unconfined emissions from open processes. This will be achieved through two overarching objectives.
- Objective 1. To gain an understanding of the emission estimates (methane) from sludge treatment centres, particularly looking at mesophilic anaerobic digesters and secondary open digesters (storage tanks).
- Objective 2. To develop a monitoring framework for the specific case of sludge treatment centres making use of advanced in house (Severn Trent Water) UAV capability.
In 1989, privatisation of the water industry saw the formation of Severn Trent Plc, the parent company for Severn Trent Water. As a private company, Severn Trent Water invested heavily in replacing and repairing its assets and infrastructure. As well as complying with government legislation it set its own internal standards on issues such as public health, leakage reduction and the cleanliness of rivers and other water sources in its catchment region.
The group also began to build a products and services business in the United States beginning with the acquisition of Capital Controls Company in 1990. Since that time, Severn Trent Plc has built a portfolio of companies, known as Severn Trent Services. Severn Trent Services provides water and waste water treatment and operating services to utilities, municipalities and commercial customers.
This project will provide the following benefits:
- Optimised GHG emissions monitoring programmes will enhance current Carbon Accounting Book practice.
- Cost-effective methane monitoring programmes will reduce overall operational costs.
- Close control of methane emissions will inform management practices and enable STW to adhere to the 2030 Triple Carbon Pledge.
- The UAV framework element will increase the already existing in-house UAV monitoring capability.
- Potential to develop a framework transferable to multiple sites and assets.
The project will be delivered in collaboration with Severn Trent Water, one of the major water companies across England. It has substantial financial support for travel, fieldwork and project consumables.
On completion of this degree the student will be able to conduct independent research within the domain of UAVs for Greenhouse gas emission monitoring in sludge treatment centres. The student will develop a sound understanding of drone technology and its use to map methane concentrations. You will be able to identify those assets within water treatment plants that make the largest methane contributions to the environment and devise plausible management solutions for their reduction.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit engineers, computing and remote sensing experts with an interest in gaining expertise in unmanned aerial vehicles and sludge monitoring. Applicants must possess good analytical skills and be able to process information in a geographical information environment.
*International funding subject to approval.
How the apply
To apply, please follow this link and click “Apply now”.
For general enquiries about this position, including help applying, terms and conditions, etc, please contact: [Email Address Removed], quoting reference number SWEE0148.
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