Australia-APA(I) in Optimal Management of Corrosion

The University of Sydney, Australia

A 3 years full-time PhD scholarships funded by an ARC Linkage-Project grant is currently open for application. This is part of a national research project designed to carry out comprehensive and in-depth study of the chemical and microbiological stability of polymeric and inorganic linings in the gas phase of sewer systems. These coatings are used for long term protection of sewer concrete against acid corrosion caused by microbiologically generated sulphuric acid and chelating carboxylic acids generated by fungal growth.

ISSUE
Domestic wastewater is transported to wastewater treatment plants in concrete pipes. In many instances hydrogen sulphide is generated in the wastewater. The low solubility hydrogen sulphide is released to the headspace of the pipes where it is oxidized to sulphuric acid by sulphide oxidizing bacteria. In addition, the sewer wall on the headspace also has fungi that generate strong carboxylic acids that can chelate metals from the concrete structure. The combination of these factors leads to concrete corrosion.

This is a serious problem for the water industry. Thus, the cement piping infra-structure used by the Water Industry is valued at $60 billion and 1% of this sum is used in maintenance each year.

THIS PROJECT
To protect the infrastructure, polymer based permanent coatings, such as epoxies, polyurethanes, etc are used as environmental barriers for concrete pipes exposed to corrosive environments in sewer systems. Furthermore, some of the polymeric coatings are applied as thick layers (~20mm) at great expense. However, the scientific basis to determine the coating thickness is unclear.

Currently the understanding of polymer coating degradation within these sour systems is largely empirical. The use of coatings is based more on experience than in science. Optimisation of the performance of sacrificial coatings operating in sour environments, require fundamental research to understand the critical physical and chemical properties of the materials and the effect of sour environments on these properties. The project will create advanced knowledge and innovative technologies to support the Australian water industry in achieving efficient and cost-effective water and waste water utility management.

These projects will be conducted in collaboration with University of Queensland and Newcastle University, CH2Mhill, Department of Chemical Engineering and with the following water companies: Brisbane City Council, Gold Coast Water, SA Water, South East Water Limited, Sydney Water Corporation, United Water and Water Corporation.

Applicants should have an Honours 1 degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering. Experience/background in waste water treatment would be an advantage. Applicants must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens. The scholarship stipend is $26 140pa (tax exempt). A top-up can be negotiated for high achieving students. Please note that this scholarship is conditional on the University signing an agreement with the Partner Organisation named in the grant.

For further information, contact Dr. Marjorie Valix (Phone: 9351 4995 Fax: 9351 2854 E-mail: see below). Applications, including a curriculum vitae, copy of an academic transcript, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, the names and contact details of at least two referees should be sent to Dr. Marjorie Valix, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney NSW 2006.

Application Deadline: 31 January 2008

Every application for funding for a research grant must be accompanied by a completed Research Proposal Clearance Form