Developing Micro- and Nano- X-ray Tomography Techniques for In Situ Studies Investigating the Breakdown of Corrosion Scales [Sponsor: BP International Ltd; FULLY FUNDED]

This PhD, part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in "Materials for Demanding Environments" [M4DE CDT], is sponsored by BP International Ltd and will commence October 2018.
Background
Development in the capability over the past ten years of computed x-ray tomography, both at synchrotron and on lab bench tops, has provided unique opportunities to image and characterise corrosion mechanisms in real time in industrial relevant environments. Although these developments have been impressive, much work is still needed to further optimise the technique. Challenges exist in maximising resolution and in the development of bespoke in situ environmental chambers for testing in extreme environments (e.g., high pressure, high temperature, high corrosivity).
This project is part of one of the large EPSRC funded Prosperity Partnerships that were awarded for the first time last year. The Prosperity Partnership scheme is a flagship programme for the UK funding council and is intended to facilitate better integration of University capabilities into the industrial needs and challenges within the UK. The goal of this particular overarching programme between EPSRC and BP will focus on investigations into the breakdown of corrosion scales formed in sweet/sour (dissolved CO2/H2S) oilfield environments. Specific to the project, focus will be placed on characterisation of scale formation, scale cracking/breakdown and subsequent localised corrosion of the substrate steel as a function of simulated pipeline chemistries. A key goal of this programme will be to elucidate the differences between a protective and non-protective scale. In situ experiments will be conducted, in conjunction with various electrochemical techniques, in CO2/H2S containing aqueous solutions to directly image scale breakdown, localised corrosion initiation and localised corrosion propagation.

Project Outline
In this project the focus will be placed on developing and utilising the capabilities of computed x-ray tomography to characterise the differences between a protective and a non-protective corrosion scale formed on low alloy steel substrates. The project will consist of two distinct focal points. The first part will place focus on an investigation into the optimisation of resolution capability of lab based x-ray imaging systems both at the micron- and nano-scale. A particular challenge to this part of the work will involve the quantification and optimisation of resolution within in situ environmental cells. The second part of this project will build on the work to optimise resolution and will focus on performing in situ x-ray tomography experiments in conjunction with advanced electrochemical techniques (e.g., electrochemical noise, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electrochemical probe techniques) to elucidate the mechanisms for scale breakdown leading to localised pitting as a function of simulated pipeline environments. The outcome of the research will provide understanding of the mechanical and chemical processes that lead to failure of the pipe. Information from the study may also lend in developing technologies such as novel inhibitor systems that will improve the protective nature of the corrosion scale therefore limiting the probability of loss of production due to pipe failure.
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct x-ray computed tomography experiments, both at the University of Manchester as well as at various synchrotron facilities in Europe and the United States, in conjunction with advanced electrochemical characterisation including electrochemical noise, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electrochemical probe techniques. The candidate would be expected to work closely with current staff within the Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility (MXIF) and with students and post-docs within the programme team to develop bespoke environmental chambers to best simulate environments observed in service.
Characterisation of the corrosion scales both from an electrochemical and structural nature will be a key component in the overarching Prosperity Programme. When necessary the student will be able to utilise the University of Manchester’s world-class facilities which include suites of the latest electron microscopes and analytical equipment to develop mechanistic understanding of the degradation observed in these systems.

About BP International Ltd
BP is one of the world’s leading international oil and gas producers. They provide customers with fuel for transport, energy for heat and light, lubricants to keep engines moving, and the petrochemical products used to make everyday items as diverse as paints, clothes, and packaging. This PhD studentship will be part of the BP International Centre for Advanced Materials (BP-ICAM) community. BP-ICAM brings the full spectrum of academic knowledge under one umbrella, providing the opportunity for collaboration across disciplines. The problems are complex and require an interdisciplinary approach. The practical involvement of BP helps ensure that ICAM’s innovative research will deliver real-life applications and solutions.