PhD CO2well: Coupled Well-Reservoir model for CO2 and H2 storage

PhD CO2well: Coupled Well-Reservoir model for CO2 and H2 storage Apply

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Job description

Accurate modelling of gas injection applications in deep subsurface reservoirs is a challenging task. First, the simulation framework should include complex physical phenomena, i.e., thermal-multiphase-chemical flow. The computational models depend on many uncertain reservoir parameters and imprecise measurements which requires a significant number of forward modelling runs for performance optimization or risk assessment. For that, the modelling process should achieve the required level of accuracy, robustness, and efficiency. To satisfy these requirements, we are going to utilize in this project the following methodologies:

In the Operator-Based Linearization (OBL) approach, the governing physics of complex flow and transport processes are translated into multi- dimensional tables representing the physical terms in governing partial differential equations. This translation provides direct mechanisms for robust and efficient simulation of complex thermal-compositional and chemical processes relevant to CO2 sequestration.

A drift-flux multi-segmented well approach allows to represent realistic multi-phase flow in the wellbore and surface facilities which can be directly coupled with the flow in the reservoir. This model has been extended to thermal flow but only applied to petroleum related applications with a limited range of temperatures.

A fugacity-activity model was proposed for rigorous thermodynamically consistent prediction of phase behaviour in gas-brine systems. Additional effects of dissolved ions to phase behaviour can be handled through the activity coefficients correlation. This model has been validated against experimental and theoretical results for isothermal CO2 sequestration applications. Further investigations on applicability of this model to H2 storage will be a part of this work.

The concepts of drift-flux flow in multiple segments for CO2 sequestration applications will be coupled with continuum Darcy-type modelling of reaction- induced porosity/permeability changes in the wellbore and near-wellbore region. We will include an accurate representation of chemical interactions in the drift-flux multi-segment well-model for a wide range of thermodynamic conditions typical for CO2 sequestration or H2 storage sites. This allows for the combination of different well and surface segments (valves, branching, shuts). Besides, we account for non-Darcy flow effects through the appropriate inclusion of Forcheimer models. We will ensure consistency at the interface between all three domains in our combined wellbore and near-well model.

Requirements

Need to have:

Programming in Python and C++

Experience in Reservoir Simulation

Some undertanding of thermodynamics

Nice to have:

Experience in Operator-Based Linearization (OBL) approach

Experience in wellbore modeling tools (e.g., OLGA)

Experience in scientific writing

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Additional information

For information about the application procedure, please contact [email protected].

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 21 mei 2023 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Faculty/Department

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Job Type

PhD

Scientific field

Engineering

Hours per week

36-40

Salary

€ 2.541,00 - € 3.247,00

Desired level of education

University graduate

Vacancy number

TUD03764

Method of applying

Via system Job description

Accurate modelling of gas injection applications in deep subsurface reservoirs is a challenging task. First, the simulation framework should include complex physical phenomena, i.e., thermal-multiphase-chemical flow. The computational models depend on many uncertain reservoir parameters and imprecise measurements which requires a significant number of forward modelling runs for performance optimization or risk assessment. For that, the modelling process should achieve the required level of accuracy, robustness, and efficiency. To satisfy these requirements, we are going to utilize in this project the following methodologies:

In the Operator-Based Linearization (OBL) approach, the governing physics of complex flow and transport processes are translated into multi- dimensional tables representing the physical terms in governing partial differential equations. This translation provides direct mechanisms for robust and efficient simulation of complex thermal-compositional and chemical processes relevant to CO2 sequestration.

A drift-flux multi-segmented well approach allows to represent realistic multi-phase flow in the wellbore and surface facilities which can be directly coupled with the flow in the reservoir. This model has been extended to thermal flow but only applied to petroleum related applications with a limited range of temperatures.

A fugacity-activity model was proposed for rigorous thermodynamically consistent prediction of phase behaviour in gas-brine systems. Additional effects of dissolved ions to phase behaviour can be handled through the activity coefficients correlation. This model has been validated against experimental and theoretical results for isothermal CO2 sequestration applications. Further investigations on applicability of this model to H2 storage will be a part of this work.

The concepts of drift-flux flow in multiple segments for CO2 sequestration applications will be coupled with continuum Darcy-type modelling of reaction- induced porosity/permeability changes in the wellbore and near-wellbore region. We will include an accurate representation of chemical interactions in the drift-flux multi-segment well-model for a wide range of thermodynamic conditions typical for CO2 sequestration or H2 storage sites. This allows for the combination of different well and surface segments (valves, branching, shuts). Besides, we account for non-Darcy flow effects through the appropriate inclusion of Forcheimer models. We will ensure consistency at the interface between all three domains in our combined wellbore and near-well model.

Requirements

Need to have:

Programming in Python and C++

Experience in Reservoir Simulation

Some undertanding of thermodynamics

Nice to have:

Experience in Operator-Based Linearization (OBL) approach

Experience in wellbore modeling tools (e.g., OLGA)

Experience in scientific writing

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Additional information

For information about the application procedure, please contact [email protected].

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 21 mei 2023 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.