Postdoc position in thermodynamic modelling of SmartWater
Postdoc position in thermodynamic modelling of SmartWater
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling
The Danish Hydrocarbon Research and Technology Centre (Centre for Oil and Gas – DTU), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), invites applicants for a Postdoc position in thermodynamic modelling. Centre for Oil and Gas – DTU is established by the Danish Underground Consortium and DTU. As part of a national strategy on oil and gas, the research centre is an ambitious, targeted effort to improve recovery of oil and gas from the Danish North Sea. The first of the cross-disciplinary research programmes of the centre is advanced water flooding of the Dan, Halfdan, and Kraka oil fields. This project is a collaboration with DTU Chemical Engineering which will be the main place of work.
Responsibilities and tasks
The positions will be an integrated part of the advanced water flooding programme with the focus on EOR methods for improving oil recovery in chalk reservoirs in the Danish part of the North Sea. The project will provide valuable input for rock surface chemistry studies, corrosion studies, core flooding experiments, and reservoir simulation. The Postdoc is expected to perform innovative, fundamental, and applied research on:
- Selection of injection fluids for core flooding experiments on chalk samples from the relevant reservoirs
- Thermodynamic modelling of multicomponent ionic systems in relation to oil recovery
- Study salt solubilities at reservoir conditions
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques can be used to produce an additional 10-15% of the initially available hydrocarbons after primary and secondary recovery. One method is SmartWater flooding where concentrations of selected ions in the injection water are varied. There is some experimental evidence that salinity altered injection water is an effective EOR method in sandstone, however the effect in carbonates and the exact mechanism is not clear. The increased oil recovery is often attributed to wettability alterations of the rock, which can be caused by exchange of positive ions with the CaCO3 or by adsorption of negatively charged ion on the rock surface. When changing the ionic composition of the water the exact conditions for precipitation of salts and fines formation have to be investigated.
Speciation calculations will be conducted for different proposed SmartWater compositions to assist with core flooding experiments with the aim to find an effective SmartWater for carbonate reservoirs.
The line-of-sight application potential of this project is to assist the screening processes of potential water based recovery methods in the Kraka, Dan, and Halfdan oil fields.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. degree in physical chemistry, chemical engineering or similar
- Experience with computational chemistry and programming desirable
- Interest in applied research
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
- Good writing and communication skills in English
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 2 years with the possibility of a 1 year extension.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Kaj Thomsen 4525 2860 and Senior Researcher Karen Feilberg 4525 7210.
You can read about the scientific basis for the centre’s activities here: http://www.oilgas.dtu.dk/english/Research
Application procedure:
Please submit your online application no later than Monday 20th June 2016. Apply online at http://www.career.dtu.dk
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Diploma (an official translation into English)
- List of publications
- Names and addresses of three references
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.
Evaluation of applications will begin on June 20th 2016, and will continue until the positions are filled.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
