Project Ref: DANESH2023-MS
Introduction
Achieving Net Zero in the required timescale depends, to a great extent, on our ability to permanently remove large quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere as well as replacing carbon-based fuels with non-carbon alternatives. Geologic storage of CO2, hydrogen, and the transitional natural gas will be needed at an industrial scale to achieve this, which will require thousands of wells globally for injection and monitoring in these storage sites. Wellbore cement (a porous material) will have a crucial role in preventing the stored gas escaping from these reservoirs. Cement will also play an equally crucial role in plugging wells at the end of the injection phase as well as plugging tens of thousands of old and orphan oil and gas wells that are leaking methane continuously. Permeability (k) as well as the gas/brine relative permeability (kr) of wellbore cement are the key parameters affecting, not only the flow of these gases, but also the deterioration of cement over time and as a result of the flow. Very little measured data is currently available on the flow of gas through and around wellbore cements. This makes the accuracy of any long-term prediction of gas storage safety and integrity highly unreliable.
Methodology
In this project, we will first experimentally investigate and characterise the flow of gases of interest through and around wellbore cements. Tests will be performed on cement cores (unfractured as well as fractured) made from typical and engineered wellbore cements. Both methane (a non-reactive gas) and CO2 (a reactive gas) will be used together with brine to measure gas/brine flow parameters. The following tasks are amongst the tasks that will be performed in this project:
1. Fabrication of wellbore cement paste and cylinders
2. Fracturing some of cement cylinders using a hydraulic press
3. Cement flow parameters measurements
4. Investigating deterioration of wellbore cement as a result of flow of CO2 and CO2 saturated brine.
5. Comparison of measured values with prediction of existing kr models.
Eligibility
This scholarship is available to Home and Overseas students. The successful candidate will be based on campus in Edinburgh.
Candidates must hold a Bsc and Msc in a relevant field including Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics and be able to demonstrate a track record of delivering research results, especially research involving significant laboratory work. We are looking for candidates with a strong background in the following areas:
Laboratory testing on flow through porous media especially under high pressure and high temperature.
Reactive flow and rock/fluid interactions.
Numerical and mathematical modelling of flow through porous media
How to apply
To apply you must complete our online application form.
Please select PhD Petroleum Engineering as the programme and include the full project title, reference number (DANESH2023-MS) and supervisor name on your application form. You will also need to provide a CV, a supporting statement (1-5 A4 pages) outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project, a copy of your degree certificate(s) and relevant transcripts and an academic reference.
You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue or if you have not already completed a degree that was taught in English within the last 2 years). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0 or a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 90 points.
Please address informal questions to Professor Mehran Sohrabi ([Email Address Removed])
If you have any general queries about the applications process, please contact [Email Address Removed]
Timeline
The closing date for applications is 17th April 2023 and applicants must be available to start in September 2023.
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