Low-field NMR studies to probe motion and dynamics in rock pore structures

Quantification of transport and dynamics in rock pore structures is essential for understanding, optimising and enhancing oil and gas recovery as well as assess the capacity and effectiveness for CO2 storage. Currently, most of the tests aiming at predicting enhanced oil recovery performances are carried out using expensive and time-consuming core flood tests. The development of new and more affordable experimental protocols in this area is therefore a much sought-after goal.

A fully-funded iCASE PhD position on “Low-field NMR studies to probe motion and dynamics in rock pore structures” is available in the Catalysis & Porous Materials Group at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science (CEAS) at the University of Manchester, working with Dr Carmine D’Agostino, in collaboration with BP as industrial project partner. The main aim of this PhD project is to develop new experimental protocols exploiting low-field, bench-top Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques, which ultimately can predict the behaviour of rock pore structures in enhanced oil recovery applications.

There is no deadline for applications but the project will be closed as soon as the position is filled.