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Determining phase diagrams of gas-liquid systems using a microfluidic PVT
Farshid Mostowfi1, Shahnawaz Molla, Patrick Tabeling
1Schlumberger DBR Technology Center, Edmonton, AB, T6N 1M9, Canada. fmostowfi@slb.com
Lab on a Chip
|August 30, 2012
Summary
A new microfluidic device accurately measures gas-liquid phase diagrams (PVT measurements) by mimicking reservoir fluid behavior. This technology significantly reduces measurement times from hours to minutes for thermodynamic properties.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate phase diagram analysis (pressure-volume-temperature or PVT measurements) is crucial for understanding reservoir fluid behavior.
- Conventional PVT measurements are time-consuming and can be complex.
- Mimicking downhole fluid conditions in a laboratory setting is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel microfluidic device for analyzing gas-liquid phase diagrams.
- To simulate the phase transition of reservoir fluids from formation to surface conditions.
- To enable rapid and accurate measurement of thermodynamic properties of gas-liquid systems.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic device with a serpentine microchannel etched in silicon.
- Integrated membrane-based optical pressure sensors for local pressure measurements.
- Geometrical restrictions within the microchannel to induce controlled bubble nucleation and prevent supersaturation.
Main Results:
- The device successfully mimics reservoir fluid phase transitions.
- Achieved local equilibrium between gas and liquid phases, enabling direct measurement of equilibrium properties.
- Demonstrated excellent agreement with conventional PVT measurements for hydrocarbon mixtures.
- Reduced measurement time for thermodynamic properties from hours to minutes without compromising accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The novel microfluidic device offers a significant advancement in PVT analysis.
- It provides a faster, accurate, and reliable method for characterizing gas-liquid systems.
- This technology has practical implications for the oil and gas industry, improving efficiency in fluid characterization.
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