PhD Studentship: Stability and Partitioning of chemical markers associated with the ageing of transformer paper insulation

This 3.5 year PhD is fully funded; tuition fees are paid and a tax free stipend is also provided, set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25).

Ageing status of transformer paper insulation is commonly estimated through chemical markers that are generated through the degradation of cellulose. 2-Furfural and methanol are some commonly used ageing markers. Once generated these markers undergo a complex partitioning process between solid and liquid insulation. Furthermore, some of the markers may undergo further reactions affecting their stability in the liquid. The stability and partitioning of the markers are impacted by various factors including material types, ageing status, temperature and other environmental factors. Therefore, the understanding of the partitioning and stability of these markers is vital for an accurate DP estimation. This project will investigate the partitioning of chemical markers and their stability aspects through a combination of laboratory experiments and simulation approaches.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Please contact Dr. Shanika Matharage through shanika.matharage@manchester.ac.uk for this project before you apply.

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