Lin Ma

Lin Ma

Dr, Dr

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Personal profile

Overview

I am a Presidential Fellow (equivalent to assistant professor) focusing on Multi-scale imaging and characterization of rocks (Digital rocks) in geoenergy reservoirs and subsurface energy storage. I am also the theme lead of subsurface energy and storage at University of Manchester at Harwell

My current research aims to build novel and advanced 3D/4D digital approaches and correlative experiments to fully understand the complicated pore networks and the reactions of subsurface energy (e.g. natural gas, geothermal, hydrogen and CO2) with rocks under subsurface conditions (e.g. temperature, pressure, and chemistry) cross multiple scales (nm to cm). Machine learning tools and image based modeling are applied for enhanced understanding of these topics. My research aims to achieve the goal of enabling economic growth and environment protection via applications of clean energy extraction and subsurface energy storage.

I have secured over 2 million pounds grant as a PI and participated in over 7 million pounds project as a co-I/WP leads in the last six years. These project covers a wide range of topics including shale gas, carbon storage, geothermal and aquifer heat storage, underground hydrogen storage and nuclear waste disposal.

PhD applications and research collaborations are welcome. lin.ma@manchester.ac.uk

 

Research interests

Digital Rocks for Net Zero Energy

multi-scale 3D and 4D imaging characterisation of geo-energy storage

 

1. Multi-scale Imaging characterisation of pores and rocks (sub-nano scale to cm-scale)

2. 4D imaging of fluid-rock interaction under subsurface conditions (250°C & 3600Psi) 

3. Upscaling of pore network from nm-scale to mm-scale

4. CO2 sequestration and reaction in shales

5. Time-lapse imaging of fines migration and filter cake

6. Mineral precipitation and dissolution induced by artificial operations

7. Multi-scale investigation of subsurface energy storage

 

The applications include shale gas/oil, carbon storage and sequestration, geothermal and heat storage, nuclear wate disposal, Hydrogen and compressed air storage etc.

 

Opportunities

Biography

Presidential fellow/ Lecturer, University of Manchester 2020-

Research Fellow, University of Manchester 2018-2019

PDRA, University of Manchester, 2016-2017

PhD Petroleum geosciences, University of Manchester, 2012-2015

MSc Petroleum geology, Jilin University, 2009-2012

BSc Petroleum geology, Jilin University, 2005-2009

My group

PhD students: 

  • Chenzi Shi (2018- 2023): Time-lapse imaging of fines migration within hydrocarbon reservoirs (co-supervised)
  • Ke Wang (2019-2023): Multi-scale investigation of CO2-induced microstructural and mechanical alterations in rocks (co-supervised)
  • Shuangyi Gong (2020- ): Pore-scale investigation on fluid-rock interaction of geothermal and heat storage sub-surface reservoirs (co-supervised)
  • Ziyu Zhang (2021-): Multi-scale investigation of thermal-hydro-mechanical-chemical processes in carbon sequestration, a case study of Teesside 
  • Heather Braid (2021-): Multi-scale and multi-approach investigation of subsurface hydrogen storage
  • Xin Zhong (2022-): Nano-scale imaging and modeling of gas transport in clay-rich mudstones
  • Camilo Salazar (2022-): Subsurface storage potentials for flow betteries
  • Ali Bony Kaya (2023-): Deep learning asssited imaging processing and upscaling

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth

External positions

Associated Editor, Journal of Geoenergy

Section Editor, Marine and Petroleum Geology

Areas of expertise

  • QE Geology
  • 3D/4D Imaging
  • unconventional reservoirs
  • CO2 sequestration
  • shale

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • Energy
  • Manchester Energy
  • Sustainable Futures
  • Digital Futures

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