| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this thesis research is to have a fundamental understanding of the behavior of particles in Non-Newtonian Herschel-Bulkley Fluids. Settling velocity or depositional velocity is a critical parameter in drilling technology, and hydrocarbon processing as the non-settling condition of particles depends on it. Also, understanding the settling velocity of a Newtonian fluid with high salinity will help for better separation of oil and natural gas streams in processing facilities. There are limited studies available in the literature for Herschel-Bulkley (H-B) fluid with salinity. In this study, we measure the fluid rheology of non-Newtonian Herschel-Bulkley (H-B) fluid with and without salinity. Experiments were conducted to measure the settling velocity of a particle in different salinity conditions. From experimental results, settling velocity characteristics with changing salinity in drilling fluids will be found. In Qatar’s grand challenges, it is indicated that energy should be produced efficiently. Fundamental understating of non-depositional velocity in drilling and other hydrocarbon processing will assist in efficient hydrocarbon recovery in Qatar. Data from previous research for the Undergraduate Research and Entrepreneurship program was used to present the new findings. From experiments, it was found that the settling velocity of particles increases with increasing size of the particles. A power relationship was established between the collected data for the drag coefficient and Reynold’s number. Increasing the salt concentration increased the settling velocity of the particles. Also, as sphericity of particles increases, the settling velocity increases. Plans were made to determine the relationship between surface tension and the settling velocity of particles in non-Newtonian fluids. However, due to COVID-19, labs were closed, and hence experiments were not completed. Larger column experiments were not carried out for this reason. In the future, a paper will be submitted to the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition 2020 and showcase the efforts made to fill the gap in the research for the modeling of the behavior of non-Newtonian fluids. | |
