NZ: PhD scholarship in Geothermal Reservoir Engineering

Pipes at the Wairakei geothermal power plant, New Zealand (source: flickr/ Abaconda, creative commons)

Alexander Richter 1 Jan 2014

The University of Auckland has published an advertisement for a full PhD scholarship in Geothermal Reservoir Engineering with the research topic “  Reinjection of Non Condensable Gases in Geothermal Reservoirs”.

Objectives

The objectives of the PhD are to To develop new numerical and applied field techniques for modelling and understanding injection/reinjection of non-condensable gases (NCG) into geothermal reservoirs. This is to provide pressure support to the geothermal reservoir while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of geothermal power developments.

The work will involve an experimental part, investigating injection of NCG (mainly CO2 and H2S) on several representative rock samples. This is to monitor and understand the reactive and transport mechanisms, quantify geological trapping of the NCG’s and quantify the impact on primary and secondary permeability. A detailed transient transport numerical model (TOUGH2) will be used to model and understand the trapping mechanism and the impact of the NCGs on the fluid-rock interaction. This will feed into reactive transport modelling of a large scale geothermal reservoir model using integrated geological, geochemical, geophysical and production data.

The final outcome is intended to assist in the investigation, feasibility and application of the injection/reinjection of NCG in geothermal reservoirs with high NCG content in New Zealand and overseas. Collaboration with the New Zealand geothermal industry is currently being sought.

The TOUGHREACT/CHEMTOUGH reservoir simulator will be used and possibly modified and developed further as needed.

The Scholarship will cover:

• Tuition fee (three years), full time only (no exceptions).
• Salary of $25,000.0 NZ pa (Tax Fee).
• $3000.0 NZ pa for research related travel expenses.

Main Supervisor: Dr. Sadiq J. Zarrouk (The University of Auckland)

Co supervisors: Dr. Ed Mroczek, Dr. Bruce Mountain and Dr. John Burnell (GNS)

Who should apply?

• The applicant should have a BE/BSc (Hons) or ME/MSc in a relevant field of engineering or Science (GPA/GPE of 7).
• The applicant must have experience in using the TOUGH2 geothermal reservoir simulator.
• Excellent computer programing skills are essential.
• Applicants should have a minimum of two publications in a relevant area of research.
• Demonstrated commercial experience and training in the geothermal industry is an advantage.
• Very hard working and self-motivated students (only).
• English requirements (if not first language) is ILETS 7.5 or equivalent.
• The selected candidate should start the PhD within three months of being awarded the scholarship.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Sadiq J. Zarrouk, Senior Lecturer (Geothermal Engineering), Geothermal Course Coordinator, Department of Engineering Science,

The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand

Email: s.zarrouk AT auckland.ac.nz