Fault seal potential of heterogeneous sequences for CO2 storage

Description

Decarbonisation is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. One method to help achieve the goals as set by the Paris Agreement is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Any storage site that is bounded, or influenced, by faults must consider all possible fault leakage risks. No current method actively used in industry can predict fault behaviour, including fault rock permeability and hence fault seal potential, in heterogeneous sequences containing siliciclastic and carbonate layers. This PhD will attempt to fill this knowledge gap and generate a method that can improve our ability to predict fault leakage potential in these scenarios.

This PhD will utilise field localities, such as faults on Italy, to gather macrostructural, microstructural, petrophysical and geomechanical data to build a database of fault rock properties within heterogeneous sequences analogous to potential CCS sites. Laboratory analysis will use the world-renowned rock deformation laboratory at the University of Liverpool. This PhD will benefit from collaboration with world-leading expert on carbonate faults, Dr. Fabrizio Agosta. Although not funded through industry, the applicability of the PhD to the CCS industry will allow for close links to those working within this area, with potential meetings and presentations to industry.

Key Research Questions:

1. Under what scenarios may a fault leak within heterogeneous sequences?

2. What level of heterogeneity may have significant influence or no influence on the fault seal behaviour?

3. How much does the fault rock permeability vary in heterogeneous sequences?

4. How can the results be implemented into industry standard software?

Your Qualifications:

• Background knowledge / experience preferable in: fault analysis, carbonate and siliciclastic petrography, microstructural analysis, laboratory analysis experience

• Experience in standard petrographic techniques (optical / SEM)

• Strong fieldwork experience

• Familiarity with industry software will be useful, e.g. Petrel, Move, T7, DecisionSpace

Start Date: 1st October 2023

Further Details:

This PhD project is funded by The Faculty of Science & Engineering at The University of Liverpool and will start on 1st October 2023.

Successful candidates who meet the University of Liverpool eligibility criteria will be awarded a Faculty of Science & Engineering studentship for 3.5 years, covering UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend (e.g. £17,688 p.a. for 2022-23).

Faculty of Science & Engineering students benefit from bespoke graduate training and £5,000 for training, travel and conferences.The Faculty of Science & Engineering is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience. Our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience. Students must complete a personal statement profoma and ensure this is included in their online application.

How to Apply:

All applicants must complete the personal statement proforma. This is instead of a normal personal/supporting statement/cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. The proforma can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/ym2ycne4. More information on the application process can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mwn5952t. When applying online, students should ensure they include the department name in the ‘Programme Applied For’ section of the online form, as well as the Faculty of Science & Engineering as the ‘studentship type’ in the finance section.

Application Web Address: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/