Salary: £32,000 - £40,000 per annum
FTE: 1.0
Term: Fixed for 30 months
Closing date: 26 November 2023
The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering in partnership with Cokebusters (https://cokebusters.com/) are seeking to appoint a KTP Associate to develop the next generation of their smart pig technology. The post will be predominantly based at Cokebusters site in Chester with visits to the University of Strathclyde campus.
Cokebusters is a high-growth, international company specialising in the mechanical decoking, descaling and associated in-line inspection industrial piping. Cokebusters world-leading inspection tool or “intelligent pig” was developed to overcome difficulties with inspecting small bore tubing with complex geometry, such as furnace tubes. The design has been iterated several times over the years to meet client demand. Cokebusters are now preparing to launch their latest version – Mk VI – this patented technology will them to enter new markets for this quality inspection service. This KTP will develop novel inspection technologies for next generation inspection pigs, keeping Cokebusters at the cutting edge.
The project is part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme that aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. Successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects are funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK and are part of the government’s Industrial Strategy. To find out how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position please visit: www.ktpws.org.uk
The position offers the KTP Associate the following benefits:
• a challenging and rewarding job with real responsibility
• a planned programme of training courses, including a £5k personal development budget
• mentoring from experienced industrial and academic supervisors
• the support and resources of the University of Strathclyde
• the possibility of registering for a higher degree with the University
• the potential for good career development with the company at the end of the scheme
• developing and proving expertise in the prospering fields of renewable energy and remanufacturing
• the opportunity to make important and tangible improvements in an ambitious and dynamic company
• the opportunity to create foundations with the organization to develop new business models
The objective of this project is to bring new inspection capability to Cokebuster’s smart pigs allowing the company to expand its services. Opportunities exist to add/enhanced detection algorithms. The associate will work with Cokebusters and Strathclyde to determine the best option from a commercial and technical standpoint. The tool will be tested and matured using the onsite test facilities until it is ready to release into the field.
To be considered for the role you will be expected to have a PhD degree in Electronic Engineering or equivalent. The successful candidate will have experience in ultrasonic instrumentation and inspection. For a full list of role requirements please see the person specification below.
Job Description
Brief Outline of Job:
Working with colleagues at Cokebusters and academics at the University of Strathclyde the associate will undertake a 2.5 year program of work that will look to integrate new inspection technologies into Cokebuster’s products. Areas to consider include:
• Improved ultrasonics
• Novel algorithms to enhance signal to noise ratios.
• Use of AI algorithms (white and black box).
• Implementation of algorithms in embedded hardware or desktop software.
• Improve operator experience through an improved graphical user interface.
The associate will prototype concept pigs and test them using Cokebuster’s impressive suite of test facilities. **Continued - See Further Particulars**
Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Professor Gordon Dobie, Electronic & Electrical Engineering (gordon.dobie@strath.ac.uk).