PhD position in NTNU

The candidate will be employed by Aker Subsea.
He/she will perform the thesis at NTNU in Trondheim.

PhD candidate at NTNU

Aker Solutions is one of the world’s top four providers of SUBSEA production systems and related services. We aim to be a lifecycle partner throughout the value chain of SUBSEA and sub-surface technologies, solutions and services for the oil and gas industry. Aker Solutions’ offerings cover all phases of the life of field, from concept screening and design through manufacturing, fabrication, installation and commissioning to operational support, maintenance and services. Our capabilities are available either as individual products and services or as complete EPCI deliveries.

Aker Subsea Pump Systems is a department within Aker Subsea. We deliver subsea boosting systems to boost oil and gas to platform or land as well as systems for water injection applications. We are a group of professionals with a broad range of expertise, ranging from hydraulic design and mechanical engineering to project execution skills. We are currently investing heavily in developing our product line which now also includes multiphase boosting. In relation to the development of the new and cutting edge MultiBooster™ technology, we have signed an agreement with NTNU to start a PhD within the area of multiphase boosting. We hereby invite you to apply for a PhD candidate position at NTNU Trondheim. The PhD will be executed over 3 years at the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology and cooperate with the specialist teams at Aker Solutions Tranby.

 Multiphase boosting

 Background

Major challenges are related to efficient utilization of existing infrastructure and exploration of new fields worldwide. Increased production of oil and gas, demands new field development based on sub-sea production, including bulk separation and multiphase boosting. The multiphase boosting represents an energy-intensive production segment in which limited research has been invested. Specifically this relates to the thermodynamic and flow fundamentals.

Aker Solutions has developed a high pressure multiphase pump concept, the MultiBooster™. In order to convert this concept into a successful industrialized product, we need to gain more in-depth knowledge of physics and the performance. We are currently doing major investments for new test facilities that will help increase our knowledge.

Multiphase boosting form a key element in future oil and gas production and it is of vital importance to understand and develop a consistent thermodynamic and fluid property basis. The know-how is linked to fundamentals as outlined below:

•           Thermodynamic and fluid property fundamentals for multiphase boosting

•           Performance parameters and fluid correction equations

•           Performance prediction, including real multiphase fluid behavior in MultiBooster™ impeller

The generation of know-how will be based on experimental investigations first using water/air and at the next stage model fluids, and the development of appropriate models for generalization of experimental data as an equipment best practice/design basis. The basic know-how will form common multiphase grounding in equipment design.

Proposed subjects of study:

• Gas blocking/accumulation in impeller (transient behaviour)
• Fluid properties influence on impeller performance
• Inlet condition impact on performance
• Effect of blade clearance on performance (special: MultiBooster™ impeller)

 The first part of the candidate’s research will be a literature study, some compulsory PhD classes and the building of a small scale test loop at NTNU Trondheim.

 Education and Experience:

• M.Sc, or equivalent education
• Good understanding of relevant fundamental physical processes
• Analytical skills within one or more of the following fields: fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Good knowledge of relevant simulation tools
• Fluent verbal and written English language

Personal Qualities:

 Excellent communication skills (English/Norwegian).

• • Ability to demonstrate initiative and assertiveness.
  • Be structured in his/her daily work.
  • Ability to work in teams as well as independently.

 The candidate will be employed at NTNU in Trondheim where he/she will perform the thesis. The candidate should also expect some travel activities to Aker Solutions facilities at Tranby.