Farzan Kazemifar

A methodology for velocity field measurement in multiphase high‐pressure flow of CO2 and water in micromodels

This paper presents a novel methodology for capturing instantaneous, temporally and spatially resolved velocity fields in an immiscible multiphase flow of liquid/supercritical CO2 and water through a porous micromodel. Of interest is quantifying pore-scale flow processes relevant to geological CO2 sequestration and enhanced oil recovery, and in particular, at thermodynamic conditions relevant to geological reservoirs. A previously developed two-color microscopic particle image velocimetry approach is combined with a high-pressure apparatus, facilitating flow quantification of water interacting with supercritical CO2. This technique simultaneously resolves (in space and time) the aqueous phase velocity field as well as the dynamics of the menisci. The method and the experimental apparatus are detailed, and the results are presented to demonstrate its unique capabilities for studying pore-scale dynamics of CO2-water interactions. Simultaneous identification of the boundary between the two fluid phases and quantification of the instantaneous velocity field in the aqueous phase provides a step change in capability for investigating multiphase flow physics at the pore scale at reservoir-relevant conditions.

Near-Critical CO2 Flow Measurement and Visualization

Near-critical CO2 flow has been studied because of its potential application in carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, which is one of the proposed solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emission. Near the critical point the thermophysical properties of the fluid undergo abrupt changes that affect the flow structure and characteristics. Pressure drop across a stainless steel tube, 2 ft long with 0.084 in ID, at different inlet conditions and mass flow rates have been measured. The effects of variations of inlet conditions have been studied. The results show extreme sensitivity of pressure drop to inlet conditions especially inlet temperature in the vicinity of the critical point. Also, shadowgraphs have been acquired to study the flow structure qualitatively.© 2013 ASME