Characterisation and Prediction of CaCO3 Growth on Subsea Infrastructure via Experimental Methods

Investigation of the formation and growth of calcareous deposits on subsea infrastructure and the associated effects on the performance of cathodic protection systems. The project will work with an industrial sponsor to improve the understanding of how calcareous deposits affect the polarisation of off-shore structures under various environmental conditions.<br /> <br /> The primary aim of this project is to determine the rate at which calcareous deposits form on subsea infrastructure, such that their protective effect can be incorporated into the design of off-shore cathodic protection systems. Using a combination of laboratory techniques and industrial field data, the candidate will:<br /> - Identify the main parameters which drive the formation of CaCO3.<br /> - Experimentally determine how these parameters govern film growth under various environmental conditions and polarisation states.<br /> - Apply advanced experimental techniques to characterise film properties and explain the observed electrochemical behaviour.<br /> - Derive rate equations correlating the local conditions to the formation rate of CaCO3 and the degree to which this protects the surface from corrosion.<br /> <br /> Optionally, the candidate may also develop a numerical model of the system.<br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Background</strong><br /> Cathodic protection systems are installed on off-shore systems all over the world. A common technique to design these systems is the use of computational models to determine the current requirements. However, as it stands, such models are not able to accurately account for the polarisation stage of the process, which is primarily driven by the growth of calcareous deposits. By understanding the formation and growth of protective films, models can be generated with much greater accuracy. In doing so, cathodic protection systems can be designed that are much safer, more reliable and economically efficient.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Methodology</strong><br /> A comprehensive literature review should be conducted, alongside a review of provided field data to determine a range of environmental conditions relevant to subsea infrastructure. Laboratory techniques should be used to polarise steel samples and to measure the growth of CaCO3 films under varying conditions. Calcareous deposits should then be characterised using ex-situ analysis techniques and then combined with analysis of collected data to derive rate equations to predict growth rate and protective properties. Numerical modelling may also be used to verify the predictive accuracy of the derived equations.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Skills Required</strong><br /> The candidate must hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in either mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, material science, or related field. Strong mathematical and data analysis skills are required, alongside critical thinking and communication skills. Laboratory experience and basic understanding of electrochemistry are desirable but not required. Familiarity with numerical simulation (CFD/FEA/BEA) would be beneficial but not required.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Industry/external partners</strong><br /> The project will be completed in partnership with Deepwater EU Ltd., a UK-based company focusing on corrosion control and prevention. Dr Michael Jones, a previous student of the University of Leeds, will act as the primary industrial advisor on the project. Additional support will be provided as necessary by Dr Matthew Taylor, Deepwater’s Chief Technology Officer.</p> <p> </p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">make a formal application for research degree study through the University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <ul> <li>For <strong>‘Application type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’. </strong></li> <li>The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is<strong> 2027/28 Academic Year.</strong></li> <li>You will need to select your <strong>‘Planned Course of Study’</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>‘EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)’ </strong></li> <li>The project start date for this project is <strong>01/10/2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. </li> <li>Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>‘Characterisation and Prediction of CaCO3 Growth on Subsea Infrastructure via Experimental Methods’</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/501/professor-richard-barker">Prof Richard Barker</a> as your proposed supervisor.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the finance section that the funding you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2027/28: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></p> <p>You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. </p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 18 November 2026 or at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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>

Applicants to research degree programmes in the School of Mechanical Engineering should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. 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 supervisor or Admissions Team 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>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (currently £21,805 in academic session 2026/27) for 3.5 years and rising annually, in line with standard UKRI rates. Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. </p> <p><br /> <strong>Competition funded  </strong></p> <ul> <li>"Competition funded" means that we advertise a larger number of projects than available awards. Not all projects advertised for this funding opportunity will receive funding. The selection panel will consider all applications received across the full range of advertised projects and select the awardee/s based on the strength of their application. </li> </ul> <p><br /> <strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /> <strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li class="MsoNoSpacing">Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered. </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2027.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul> <p><br /> If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please see our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page.</a></p> <p> </p>

<p>For further information please contact the PGR Admissions Engineering and Physical Sciences team on this email address: <a href="http://phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk/">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>If you are interested in this project or have any questions, please contact the project supervisor <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/501/professor-richard-barker">Prof Richard Barker </a>on this address: <a href="mailto:R.J.Barker@leeds.ac.uk">R.J.Barker@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>