Engineering Doctorate (EngD) Studentship
"Instrument Development For Investigation Of Complex Fluid Behaviour At High Pressure And High Temperature"
EngD Centre in Systems
Managing Systems for Enhanced Performance


The EngD Centre in Systems invites applications for a University of Bath associated EngD Research Engineer to participate in a collaborative project with KAT (http://www.kat-lab.com/).

KAT provides highly specialised non-routine laboratory analytical services, primarily serving global upstream oil and gas industries. KAT is an SME and the intention is for the Research Engineer to develop a leadership role in the Mechanical Engineering aspects of the company.

The aim is to develop an integrated instrument comprising multiple, interlinked modules suitable for characterisation of complex fluids under controlled high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) conditions and capable of remote function. The three system modules include:

(1) A microscope with digital image capture;
(2) A rotational rheometer with magnetic bearing levitation;
(3) A sample conditioning and phase equilibration system.

New development involves the design of HPHT dosing pumps and automated valves, together with a software control program for interlinked modular function, pressure and temperature conditions, and sample transfer. An interface for remote external control such as by landline or radio link is also required.

The systems design approach of remote laboratory equipment will greatly shorten the production delays and potentially allow optimisation of oilfield production.

The EngD in Systems is a full-time four-year postgraduate research programme, incorporating taught Masters level courses in systems, management and enterprise.

Candidates should have a minimum of an Upper Second (2:1) class honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related subject, with a desire to develop the research project in terms of a systems based approach.

A tax-free EPSRC stipend (£14,100 for 2006/2007) is available for the successful candidate, enhanced by a minimum of £3,000 from KAT. 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.

Information on how to apply, further details of the project and where to obtain application forms, is available on the EngD Centre's web site - www.systems-engineering.bristol.ac.uk

For further details regarding the research project specifically, please contact Dr Patrick Keogh (P.S.Keogh@bath.ac.uk)

For further details regarding the EngD programme, please contact Dr Wendy Daniell (systems-eng@bristol.ac.uk)