Oil water slug flow in export pipelines with shallow inclined elevations - Modelling

Sponsored by BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd, via the Consortium on Transient and Complex Multiphase Flow and Flow Assurance (TMF), and the Cranfield Industrial Partnership PhD Scholarships Scheme (CIPPS), this studentship will provide a bursary of £18,000 p.a. (tax free) plus fees* for three years

The focus of this project is oil-water pipelines. Continuing from a previous TMF study at small scale, this PhD will numerically investigate larger diameter pipes, the influence of oil viscosity and the transition from stratified and wavy stratified oil-water flows to slug flow. 1-D and 3-D flow models will be set up to predict and interpret the experimental data generated from a parallel PhD. This project will benefit from significant academic and industrial exposure via the TMF consortium and BP’s regular engagement.

The Transient and Complex Multiphase Flows and Flow Assurance (TMF) consortium, led by Imperial College London, comprises a number of oil-and-gas companies, software- and design-houses, and three university partners: Imperial, Cranfield, and Nottingham. This particular TMF project provides matched funding for a PhD scholarship under the Cranfield Industrial Partnership PhD Scholarships Scheme (CIPPS).

This project focuses on oil-water pipelines in which the water segregates to form a discrete phase rather than being emulsified with the oil. The two-phase oil-water flow may adopt one of the following flow regimes: (i) stratified flow, (ii) wavy stratified flow (as was studied in a previous TMF project) (iii) dispersed flow, (iv) oil-water slug flow. The numerical investigations will complement experimental investigations on whether conditions can be found under which oil-water hydrodynamic (rather than terrain-induced) slug flow occurs.

Using 1-D and 3-D software codes available to Cranfield University for this project, oil-water flow models will be set up to predict, interpret and validate the experiments carried out under a separate PhD using the 1 inch and 3 inch flow loops at Cranfield. At the end of the project, the flow models will have been validated and calibrated against the full spectrum of experimental conditions reproduced in the laboratory.

Progress will be presented at the TMF Spring and Autumn Steering Committee meetings.
A summary of the work will be reported annually, resulting in a thesis prior to project completion, describing the research in detail and presenting the results.
The post will be based at the Cranfield University’s Oil and Gas Engineering Centre, which is a part of the Energy and Power Theme.

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have at least a 2.1 first degree or equivalent in a related discipline, such as mathematics, or engineering. The ideal candidate should have some prior knowledge in the area of two-phase flow, numerical flow modelling (e.g. CFD, OLGA) and industrial service delivery. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills for dissemination of the research findings and regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest for industrial research.

Cranfield Doctoral Network:
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This Network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply:
For further information please contact: Prof. Gioia Falcone, E: [Email Address Removed], T: +44 (0) 1234 75 8390
Application deadline: ASAP. Start date: between 25th Sept 2017 - 5th Feb 2018
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form
For further information contact us today:
T: 44 (0)1234 758082
E: [Email Address Removed]