PhD Studentship

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 operations. For matured oil fields, the chance of slugging increases as the reservoir pressure drops. New reservoirs are found in deeper (>2km) water 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.  



As part of the multidisciplinary and multi-university Transient Multiphase Flow (TMF4) research program supported by multiple world leading oil companies, 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 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 in the group and to make regular reports and presentations to the TMF4 research consortium. Meanwhile, the student will have the opportunity to access to the departmental world-class multiphase flow facility equipped with an industrial control system.



Applicants for the post must have a first-class or upper second-class degree in engineering or related disciplines. 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 or send a CV with contact details of at least two referees to:



Dr. Yi Cao

Process Systems Engineering, School of Engineering, 

Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 0AL

Tel: +44 1234 750111, Fax: +44 1234 758207, Email: [log in to unmask]



Closing date for receipt of applications:  31 May 2007



------------------------------------------------

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