Key information
- Funding
- Self-funded
- School
- Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Award
- PhD
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September
Carbonate reservoirs contain over 60% of the world's remaining conventional oil reserves and account for over 30% of the world's daily oil production. However, most oil is left underground: on average less than 20% of available oil is recovered. A small (1% to 2%) increase will make a substantial impact on global hydrocarbon reserves. Due to their global importance, improved flow prediction and recovery in carbonate reservoirs are likely to be among some of the most significant developments for the oil and gas industry in the next decade.
Research projects
Our interdisciplinary research aims to improve our ability to characterise, model, and predict hydrocarbon recovery from carbonate formations, from pore- to reservoir-scale, using a range of state-of-the-art experimental, modelling, and simulation technologies, many of them developed in-house. We are currently working on three different themes, with several projects supporting each theme.
International Centre for Carbonate Reservoirs (ICCR)
This theme focuses on the static and dynamic characterisation and modelling of pore-scale processes in carbonates, the poro-perm evolution of carbonates due to chemical and mechanical processes (both at production and geological time-scales), and the geophysical characterisation of carbonate rocks. The theme is carried out in close collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford, who are partners in ICCR. ICCR comprises Europe's largest and most interdisciplinary team of academics working on carbonate reservoirs.
IOR and EOR simulations in fractured carbonate rocks
In this theme we focus on fluid-structure interactions during IOR and EOR in carbonate formations (from pore- to inter-well scale), develop and prototype new model concepts to improve the simulation of IOR and EOR processes, and investigate the use of proxy models for robust optimisation of complex recovery processes in fractured carbonate reservoirs.
Next generation experiments and modelling
Here we focus on developing flow diagnostic tools for real-time modelling of flow processes in fractured carbonate reservoirs, using concepts from computer graphics to prototype geological models (for more information, please see the Rapid Reservoir Modelling project), and combining 3D printing of porous materials with flow experimentation and modelling.
Entry requirements
Candidate criteria
Please contact the institute to discuss using the form below.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
For more information about your application and our English Language requirements, please see Section 10 of our page on English Language Requirements as part of your application.
Funding information
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| International | £26,604 | £13,302 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
We offer a number of competitive funded scholarships for research degrees. Full or partial support may be available for well-qualified candidates from UK research councils, research pools, charities or industry.
View our full range of scholarships.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
