Combined Experimental and Modelling Approach towards the Prediction of CaCO3 Growth on Subsea Infrastructure

Cathodic protection of subsea infrastructure, such as wind turbines and CO2 pipeline transportation networks, involves the application of a voltage/current to protect the outer structure from corrosion by seawater. The imposed current/voltage typically results in calcium carbonate (limescale) deposition on the outside of these structures. The resulting mineral deposit can have considerable benefits, acting as a diffusion barrier to electrochemically active species, and blocking active sites on the steel surface, mitigating the rate of further external corrosion. As such, this deposition process has significant implications on the design requirements and optimisation of cathodic protection systems. As a consequence, understanding the deposition rate and the extent of protection provided by the mineral layer is imperative.<br /> <br /> This PhD project, in collaboration with Deepwater Corrosion Services will develop a numerical predictive model of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) deposition on subsea infrastructure. The predictive model will be supported by advanced experimental techniques (quartz crystal microbalance and electrochemical methods), and address limitations of current models through integration of growth rate-property-structure relationships, with a view to generate models which can be validated by real-world data. <br /> <br /> Ultimately, the developed model will enable optimisation of cathodic (corrosion) protection systems for subsea infrastructure, thereby substantially reducing operational costs, whilst ensuring safe and efficient operation.<br /> <br /> You must be able to start by no later than 1st October 2025.

<p style="margin-left:28px"> </p> <p>Deepwater Corrosion Services specialise in the design, specification, and implementation of cathodic (corrosion) protection systems for external of subsea infrastructure, spanning offshore platforms, CO2 transportation networks, and wind turbines, amongst others.</p> <p>When implementing cathodic protection systems, as a result of the imposed current/voltage, it is common to observe mineral deposition on the outside of these structures. The resulting mineral deposit can have considerable benefits, acting as a diffusion barrier to electrochemically active species, and blocking active sites on the steel surface, mitigating the rate of further external corrosion. This deposition process has significant implications on the design requirements and optimisation of cathodic protection system. As a consequence, understanding the deposition rate and the extent of protection provided by the mineral layer is imperative.</p> <p>There is a concerted effort within Deepwater Corrosion Services to develop predictive models for CaCO3 deposition which not only predict kinetics of precipitation, but extend to consider the linkage to the physical properties of CaCO3 and its ability to stifle corrosion at the steel-mineral layer interface (i.e. precipitation rate-structure-performance relationships). This is particularly important considering the dramatic rise in development of offshore infrastructure in the UK, both in terms of wind farms and pipelines for carbon capture and storage processes.</p> <p>This PhD project, in collaboration with Deepwater Corrosion Services will develop a numerical predictive model of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) deposition on subsea infrastructure. The predictive model will be supported by advanced experimental techniques (quartz crystal microbalance and electrochemical methods), and address limitations of current models through integration of growth rate-property-structure relationships, with a view to generate models which can be validated by real-world data. </p> <p>Ultimately, the developed model will enable optimisation of cathodic (corrosion) protection systems for subsea infrastructure, thereby substantially reducing operational costs, whilst ensuring safe and efficient operation.</p> <p style="margin-left:28px"> </p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Combined Experimental and Modelling Approach towards the Prediction of CaCO3 Growth on Subsea Infrastructure </strong></em>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/501/professor-richard-barker">Professor Richard Barker</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award CASE Competition Award 2025/26.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Tuesday 8 April 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape CASE Competition Award in collaboration with DeepWater EU Ltd, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £20,780 per year and an additional top-up of £4,000 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape CASE Competition Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Richard Barker by email to <a href="mailto:R.J.Barker@leeds.ac.uk">R.J.Barker@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>