PhD Studentship in Multiphase Flow Simulation and Control
Process Systems Engineering
School of Engineering
Cranfield University

With the diminish of world oil reserves, oil companies need to maximise recovery from existing sources and extract from new reserves. Severe slugging (i.e. large fluctuations in oil production from zero to maximum) is a particular multiphase flow behaviour associated with pipeline-riser systems. It causes serious problems to offshore operation. For matured oil fields, the chance of slugging increases as the reservoir pressure drops. New reservoirs are found in deeper and deeper (>2km) water and with more complex fluid properties. Efficient, economical, safe and environmentally sound exploitation and transportation require good understanding of multiphase flows.  Accurate simulation models are required for the design and planning. Advanced controls are needed for managing the asset.  

The project aims to gain fundamental understanding of multiphase flow systems in plantwide scale, i.e. the interactions of riser-pipeline systems with the upstream (reservoir-wellhead) and downstream processing equipment. An efficient slug control system is to be developed with minimum impact on overall oil production.  

A fully funded PhD studentship for EU citizens is available. It includes student tuition fee (£3,178 p.a.) as well as a tax-free maintenance stipend of £12,300 for the 06/07 academic year, increasing according to EPSRC national stipend requirements for three years.  

The student is expected to work closely with other researchers working in this and other related projects and makes regular reports and presentations to the research consortium.

Applicants for the post must have a first-class or upper second-class degree in engineering or related discipline. A good knowledge in either fluid mechanics or control engineering background is essential. Practical experience of instrumentation and data acquisition would be a distinctive advantage.

Applicants should make initial enquiries with Dr. Yi Cao or send a CV with contact details of at least two referees to:

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Dr Yi Cao
Lecturer
Department of Process and Systems Engineering
School of Engineering
Cranfield University
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL
UK
Tel: +44-(0)1234750111-5650
Fax: +44-(0)1234754685