PhD Studentship - Multiphase Slug Flow Control using In-Line Separator, Cranfield University

Dr. Yi Cao
School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 0AL
Tel: + 44 (0) 1234 750111, Fax: + 44 (0) 1234 758207, Email: y.cao@cranfield.ac.uk

With world oil reserves diminishing, oil companies need to maximise recovery from existing and new sources. Multiphase slugging flow, associated with large fluctuation in both production flow and pressure, causes serious problems to offshore operation. Research at Cranfield shows active control to stabilise multiphase slug flow is promising but also represents a new challenge to control engineering due to the difficulty of modelling and measuring multiphase flow.

The in-line compact separator (I-SEP) is a patented invention of Caltec, a small innovative technology company, for multiphase flow separation. Experimental results demonstrated that in addition to improve separation efficiency, the small footprint device is also capable to calm down the severity of slug flow so that slug control as well multiphase metering becomes easier. The project aims to develop new active slug control techniques by integrating the I-SEP with the current multiphase slug flow control system developed at Cranfield University and to fully investigate the potential benefit of the new control system to be developed in multiphase flow metering and control. 

The new control system will be implemented and tested on the multiphase facility at Cranfield, which is a world-class industrial scale fully automated system equipped with the Emerson DeltaV, a state-of-art industrial standard distributed control system.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for the post must have a first-class or upper second-class degree in engineering or related discipline. A good knowledge in control, chemical or mechanical engineering is essential. Practical experience of instrumentation
and computer programming would be a distinctive advantage.

Funding

This fully funded PhD studentship is available for UK students only. The studentship includes the tuition fee (£3,390 p.a.) as well as a tax-free maintenance stipend of £13,560 for the 10/11 academic year; this will increase according to EPSRC national stipend requirements for the 3 year duration of studentship.

How to apply

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

Dr. Yi Cao, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 0AL
Email: y.cao@cranfield.ac.uk