Nano-porous gas diffusion kinetics in shale and coal

Supervised by Prof Matthew Hall

This project is based at the University of Nottingham in the GeoEnergy Research Centre (www.gerc.ac.uk). The student will also be co-supervised by Dr Richard Graham (School of Mathematical Sciences) and Dr Richard Wheatley (School of Chemistry).

The efficient recovery of methane from shale and coal requires rapid desorption and transport of the gas through the heterogeneous pore network at multiple length-scales (typically nano to micro). CO2 is commonly introduced to further stimulate methane production. Therefore, the pore network can often be subject to alteration, for example being partially blocked by mineral precipitates that are later dissolved by acidized fluids, or constriction caused by swelling of the material. These complex issues are of particular relevance for safe extraction of coal bed methane and shale gas, as well as for permanent sequestration of anthropogenic CO2.

This studentship will involve both experimental and theoretical study of gas diffusion and sorption kinetics at elevated temperatures and pressures representative of deep underground conditions. Samples will be evaluated before and after treatment by acidized fluids. Molecular dynamics simulations will be performed to determine the physical correlation between altered pore space and gas diffusion properties.

The work will take place within the Faculty of Engineering and as part of the GeoEnergy Research Centre, which has an ongoing collaboration with the Schools of Mathematical Sciences and Chemistry. This will ensure that state-of-the-art experimental and modelling methods will be available within the research team.

Summary: UK/EU students - Tuition Fees paid, and full Stipend at the RCUK rate, which is £14,296 per annum for 2016/17. There will also be some support available for you to claim for limited conference attendance. The scholarship length will be 3 or 3.5 years, depending on the qualifications and training needs of the successful applicant.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements: We require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in a relevant discipline such as Engineering (Materials, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical), Chemistry, or Physics, preferably at MEng/MSc/MRes level, or an equivalent overseas degree (in exceptional circumstances a 2:1 class degree can be considered). Computer programming skills would be a useful asset.