Characterisation of dissolved hydrogen diffusion and bubble nucleation in waste suspensions

Summary

As the UK prepares to invest in new nuclear power plants, industry and research organisations are also looking towards developing the next generation of effluent and waste treatment processes. Overcoming challenges to the decommissioning of legacy nuclear facilities is critical to building confidence in the long-term future of nuclear as a low-carbon energy source in the UK. On sites, such as Sellafield in the UK, there is a significant risk of hydrogen building up above flammable limits, owing to its production in various wastes from corrosion or radiolysis. Understanding the dynamic balance between dissolved hydrogen in liquid phases and gaseous hydrogen is critical to predicting hydrogen transport and release, allowing safe management of the hydrogen risk.

For this PhD, you will work alongside some of the UK’s leading nuclear researchers at Leeds, as part of the Nuclear Engineering Group, and industry experts at Sellafield Ltd, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the influence of various environmental factors on the solubility of dissolved hydrogen in waste sludges. It will also seek to understand the dynamics of bubble nucleation under partial vacuum as a method of controlling hydrogen release. Additionally, we will use both experimental and computer fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to study hydrogen diffusion within these wastes, to enable prediction of transportation and release dynamics in complex waste silos.

CDT information

This project is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear). It is led from the University of Manchester and includes leading nuclear research universities in the North of England and Scottland (University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, University of Strathclyde). We aim to deliver the next generation of nuclear researchers to help the UK achieve its Net Zero targets and beyond, in a collegial cohort environment. The CDT will also include technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure all candidates are familiar with the nuclear sector, and specialist research skills training.

SATURN_Nuclear_CDT

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable university in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant 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.