About the Project
There are huge hydrocarbon resources around the world that are left and assumed uneconomic due to lack of technologies, either after primary and secondary productions, or even with no production and untouched conditions such as heavy oil carbonate reservoirs. As oil production declines and energy demand increases, there is a need to use new enhanced oil recovery methods to meet energy demand of the world. Enhanced oil recovery methods showed that fluid flow in porous media becomes complex as multiphase flow, especially with thermal processes, are involved in transport mechanisms.
This study involves the use of numerical simulation tools (lattice Boltzmann method) to develop codes based on the fundamental theories of Naiver-Stokes and governing partial differential equations. Through this step, energy equations of different phases need to be solved simultaneously. The objective is to develop meso-scale numerical models (lattice Boltzmann method) for gas-liquid-rocks as a function of temperature and other additives. Then the model can be modified to include the effects of nano-materials and polymers in the structure of injected fluid. Parallel to the modelling part, an experimental set up will be designed to conduct novel thermal and non-thermal EOR processes where one can indicate how to improve the properties of injectants to increase macroscopic and microscopic sweep efficiencies.
The last objective will be the amalgamation of the model with experimental investigations to justify how the flow behaviour in a physical model can be predicted through the results from the developed model.
The successful candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Engineering
Experience of programing with C++, C or Fortran
Strong background in numerical methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs)
Interest in experimental work; designing laboratory set-up, running experiments, analysing the results etc.
The start date of the project is to be agreed with the supervisors.
Funding Notes
Tuition Fees will be paid at UK/EU rates which for 2016/2017 will be £3,800. A maintenance stipend of £14,296 per annum, will also be paid monthly, in arrears. Applications from International students can be accepted but they must be able to cover the difference between UK/EU and International tuition fees which for 2016/2017 will be £13,400. If they cannot meet the difference we would NOT encourage an application.
References
Rafati, R., Sharifi Haddad, A. Hamidi, H. Experimental study on stability and rheological properties of aqueous foam in the presence of reservoir natural solid particles, Colloids Surf., A 2016, 509, 19-31.
Sibley, D. N., Nold, A., Savva, N., Kalliadasis, S. The contact line behaviour of solid-liquid-gas diffuse-interface models, Phys. Fluids 2013, 25.
Komrakova, A.E., Shardt, O., Eskin, D., Derksen, J.J. Lattice Boltzmann simulations of drop deformation and breakup in shear flow, Int. J. of Multiphase Flow, 2014.
Zhang, H., Ramakrishnan, T.S., Nikolov, A., Wasan, D. Enhanced oil recovery driven by nanofilm structural disjoining pressure: flooding experiments and microvisualization, Energy & Fuels 2016, 30, 2771-2779.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Formal applications can be completed online: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU QUOTE THE PROJECT TITLE AND SUPERVISOR NAME ON THE APPLICATION FORM.
Informal inquiries can be made to Dr A Sharifi (amin.sharifi@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Graduate School Admissions Unit (cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk).
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