Combined experimental and mass-transport modelling approaches for under-deposit localised corrosion

Internal carbon dioxide (CO2) corrosion of steel infrastructure is a degradation mechanism known to occur across mature energy, renewable energy and carbon abatement technologies. Despite extensive research, the complexities of CO2 corrosion has still left many questions unresolved, particularly those related to localised attack under sand/corrosion product deposits and the explanation behind its severity.

This project will capitalise on the latest electrochemical, spectroscopy and x-ray tomography imaging facilities at the University of Leeds, shedding new light into localised corrosion processes under deposits and their mitigation using chemical treatment.

The student will gain hands on experience with the acquisition and processing of x-ray tomography data of localised corrosion/deposit physical chemistry. In addition, they will benefit from access to state-of-the-art corrosion labs within the School of Mechanical Engineering, enabling them to implement advanced electrochemical and spectroscopy methods to measure localised corrosion, and assess inhibitor performance in-situ and in real-time.

The experimental outputs will subsequently enable the development of new numerical models using COMSOL Multiphysics to aid in predict localised corrosion susceptibility. A key output will be a scientific framework to support the selection of environmentally sustainable inhibitor to mitigate under deposit corrosion, applicable to a wide array of energy systems.