Safety of high pressure gaseous releases from buried pipelines

Summary

Hydrogen is one route to decarbonise the gas network. Design and operation of existing pipeline networks, the associated safety guidance, and the governing standards are all based on natural gas. While hydrogen is similar to natural gas, their properties differ significantly, and these differences must be accounted for to ensure the safe transition to hydrogen.

The consequences of gasous leaks of hydrogen, and hydrogen-methane blends, from buried pipelines must be understood in order to determined to inform safety guidance.

This project requires the application of both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element modelling (FEM) to numerically investigate buried leaks.  The work will include an assessment of scenarios where the gas tracks through the surrounding soil and the resultant hazardous area. The factors leading to crater formation and the consequences of such a release will also be considered. A coupled CFD-FEM approach will be needed to capture the fluid structure interaction, and potential cratering of the soil. Whilst there is an absence of numerical work in this direction previous experimental work may be used to support the modelling efforts.

The study will be undertaken at the Hydrogen Safety Engineering and Research Centre (HySAFER).

The outputs from this study are expected to used to inform approaches to safe and effective pipeline operation and management.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.