Fully Funded Swansea University and UKOPA PhD Scholarship: Fatigue Performance of Dented Pipes

Funding providers: Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, and UKOPA

Subject areas: Materials Science & Engineering

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Project description: 

UKOPA (the United Kingdom Onshore Pipeline Operators’ Association) members operate a network of more than 27,000 km onshore pipeline. UKOPA is the authoritative industry body behind this essential part of energy infrastructure. Pipelines provide the safest and most energy efficient means of transporting a range of hazardous fluids, and pipeline operators are constantly working to improve safety and protect the environment. Since UKOPA was established in 1996, it has brought operators together and helped them engage more effectively with each other, as well as with regulators and other key stakeholders. As the UK prepares for the energy transition a number of these legacy pipelines may be converted to Hydrogen service or to CO2 pipelines. As such, it is vitally important that they remain available for use.

The pipelines that form the network date from many different periods, with significant amounts constructed pre-1970’s. As such, these are now ageing assets so it is vital to ensure they remain safe to operate. To do this we need to understand fully the mechanical properties of the pipelines. Due to the age of the network, a lot of the older pipeline sections will have been constructed to less stringent standards/procedures than in place today, and will have had less Inspection & Testing during construction.

This research will make use of a number of historical samples to enable UKOPA to evaluate the fatigue performance of pre-stressed pipe sections. It will compare and contrast the results with those obtained from modern pipe sections, constructed to the standards in place today. The project may include an evaluation of the material properties of vintage pipe sections after being stressed. Assessments of material composition will be made, and fatigue testing will be performed on samples to determine if the current BS-7608 fatigue curves are applicable for use with historical pipe sections that have seen service for extended time.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours or overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to UK honours (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.