Job Details
Studentship – Developing new techniques to identify fugitive methane emissions and their sources PhD
Cambridge - United Kingdom
Job title:
Studentship – Developing new techniques to identify fugitive methane emissions and their sources PhD
About Us:
We are a global technology company, driving energy innovation for a balanced planet.
At SLB we create amazing technology that unlocks access to energy for the benefit of all. That is our purpose. As innovators, that’s been our mission for 100 years. We are facing the world’s greatest balancing act- how to simultaneously reduce emissions and meet the world’s growing energy demands. We’re working on that answer. Every day, a step closer.
Our collective future depends on decarbonizing the fossil fuel industry, while innovating a new energy landscape. It’s what drives us. Ensuring progress for people and the planet, on the journey to net zero and beyond. For a balanced planet.
Location:
Cranfield University, Bedfordshire UK and industrial placement at SLB Cambridge Research, Cambridgeshire, UK.
Cranfield University is a centre of transformational research, postgraduate education and professional development, inspiring the next generation of leaders in technology and management. The only wholly-postgraduate university in the UK, Cranfield is a unique learning environment with world-class programmes, unrivalled facilities and close links with business, industry and governments, all combining to attract the best students and teaching staff from around the world.
Students are expected to spend at least 3 months of the 4-year award on the premises of the Industrial Partner – SLB. Students can spend longer periods with the company, subject to Cranfield’s minimum attendance requirements for students to remain registered for the higher degree.
SLB Cambridge Research (SCR) is part of SLB's global network of research and engineering centres. SCR is a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art research and computing facilities. We work on applied research projects in the physical sciences to meet the current and future challenges of the industry. SLB Cambridge Research is a distinctive marquee-like structure dominating the High Cross site on the western outskirts of Cambridge, England. This spectacular building was completed in 1985 and the smaller second phase was opened in 1992. It has recently been classified as a Grade II listed building. Altogether, there are more than 930 m2; of laboratory space and offices for more than 100 scientists, technicians and domain experts.
Job Summary:
Methane is a major greenhouse gas and so contributes to climate change. Cranfield and SLB are offering an iCASE PhD studentship, developing practical methods to monitor methane emissions from point source emissions such as oil and gas facilities. The proposed research will link observations of methane and other data streams from client facilities with appropriate atmospheric modelling techniques, to identify and estimate the size and location of leaks within site boundaries. This studentship will help SLB and its clients meet their net-zero greenhouse gas emission objectives. This studentship will provide a bursary of up to £18,000 (tax free) plus fees for four years.
The 2021 IPCC assessment report on climate change and the US-EU led Global Methane Pledge highlight the contribution of methane to the current global atmospheric warming trend. The IPCC report estimates that 0.5ºC of the current 1.1ºC temperature rise is attributable to this potent greenhouse gas. Sources of methane include agriculture, landfill, water treatment and oil & gas facilities. To assist SLB and its clients meet their net-zero greenhouse gas emission objectives, there is a need for continuous monitoring at well construction and production facilities, and mitigation of vented and fugitive methane emissions. In collaboration with the newly-launched Emissions Management business line, this project will contribute to SLB’s net-zero by 2050 roadmap, covering scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions, based on the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.
The proposed research will link observations of methane and other data streams from client facilities with appropriate atmospheric modelling techniques, to identify, then estimate size and location of leaks within site boundaries.
The key research objectives include:
1. Assess the challenges involved in identifying methane leaks at oil and gas installations and enabling timely remedial action. This will include understanding the minimum level of instrumentation required to achieve meaningful, quantitative estimates of methane emission within an acceptable level of uncertainty.
2. Develop modelling approaches suited to use the pseudo-continuous time-series methane concentration data to arrive at meaningful emission estimates.
3. Investigate if the ground-based emissions estimates from oil and gas facilities can be improved by combination with other sensing approaches, such as from airborne, satellite platforms and other on-site data sources.
4. Develop edge-based machine-learning techniques to provide near-instantaneous emission estimates.
5. Determine the suitability of the technology to scaling from individual facilities up to basin-wide levels and for its applicability in non-oilfield applications such as biogas, water treatment and agriculture.
Successful development of a technique for rapid identification of emissions leading to timely mitigation actions will be of great value in the efforts to reduce CH4 emissions including those of SLB’s clients.
The student will visit UK and overseas oil and gas facilities to learn about the practical problems faced in the field. This may also include visits to dedicated emission research facilities such as the METEC Energy Institute in Colorado. In addition, there will be opportunities to work with other centres within Schlumberger as well as their partners and clients in the Oil and Gas industry.
Quantitative skills including use of artificial intelligence; communicating and networking with academic and commercial sectors; insight into and understanding of the rapidly evolving energy industry as society responds to the climate crisis; problem solving skills; team working; technological literacy; adaptability.
Supervisor:
1st Supervisor: Prof Neil Harris
2nd supervisor: Dr Michelle Cain
Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit a candidate with a physical science or engineering science background. Prior study of this specific research area is not a pre-requisite, but candidates must be highly numerate and be willing to study any previously unknown underpinning areas of science that are required. We encourage applications from under-represented groups and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Funding:
Sponsored by EPSRC and SLB, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £18,000 (tax free) plus fees for four years.
This studentship is open to applicants with UK eligibility only. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.
Cranfield Doctoral Network:
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to Apply:
*Please apply directly to the Cranfield University website*
For further information please contact:
Name: Prof. Neil Harris
Email: Neil.Harris@cranfield.ac.uk
For information about applications please contact: E: studyenvironment@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for the PhD, please complete the online PhD application form stating the reference No. SWEE0186
SLB is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law.
