Applications are invited for an EngD researcher for a collaborative project between the EngD Centre in Systems and PCIP, a small start-up company charged with the task of bring the ‘ice-pigging' technology to commercial fruition. Ice pigging is the term given to a process of freezing water containing a freezing point depressant to form a very thick ice slurry. This slurry is then ‘pumped' through pipes and ducts, and as is moves through the complex topology, it shears the fouling material off the wall leaving clean process equipment. The EngD research project, "Phase-Change Pigging for Industry", will focus on developing, improving and verification of the generic phase-change pigging technology by studying and quantifying the effectiveness of different freezing point depressants, in water, with a specific focus on 0.7M NaCl, corresponding to saline solutions used in medicine. Alternatives to water will also be studied, with focus on organic liquids with freezing points 10 or so degree centigrade below ambient temperatures. To ensure the work has industrial relevance, the researcher will concentrate on the application of the technology to three different industry sectors, health (particularly the NHS), hydrocarbon recovery (e.g. Chevron and BP) and Nuclear decommissioning (NDA). The work will build on the work already started in the Mechanical Engineering Department in the University of Bristol. Both experimental and numerical/theoretical work will be undertaken. The research will develop and test ideas in the well-equipped laboratory at Bristol, collaborating with other PCIP members and Departmental staff. During the 4-year EngD programme, the EngD researcher will develop solid connectivity to industry, developing an in-depth knowledge of their requirements and understanding and aligning the phase change pigging technology to provide industry with tangible benefits. The research will also develop research skills in an area that promises to become increasingly more important in terms of sustainability, reduced use of hazardous chemicals, and reduced power consumption. Further details on the project can be found on the EngD Centre web-site (http://www.sys-eng.bris.ac.uk/vacancies/).

Research at the EngD Centre is devoted to Systems, focusing on Managing Systems for Enhanced Performance, and encompasses projects from a broad range of disciplines including Computer Science and Management Systems, alongside the usual Engineering disciplines. The Systems EngD is a full-time four-year postgraduate research programme. The EngD researcher will spend about 75% of his/her time on the project with PCIP in Bristol, within the University, and the remaining time at the Centre on taught courses covering Systems and business-related topics. This EngD offers the experience of rigorous, leading-edge research within a business context.

Candidates should have a minimum of an Upper Second (2:1) class honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Process or a related disciplines) or in Physics, ideally some industrial experience, and should be able to demonstrate leadership potential. Candidates without a recognised degree may be acceptable if they can demonstrate significant, relevant industrial experience.

A tax-free EPSRC stipend (£14,100 for 2007/2008) is available for the successful candidate, enhanced by a generous contribution from PCIP. Tuition fees will also be covered. Standard EPSRC studentship eligibility applies. Please check your eligibility before applying. Non-eligible individuals are welcome to apply, but must be able to find alternative funding.

Please apply to Postgraduate Admissions in the University of Bristol's Faculty of Engineering. Information on how to apply, and where to obtain application forms, is available on the EngD Centre's web site - www.systems-engineering.bristol.ac.uk

For further details on the research project, contact Professor Joe Quarini ( ) or Dr Mike Tierney ( )

For further details regarding the EngD programme, please contact Dr Wendy Daniell ( )