Enhancement of Hydrocarbon Phase Diagram Generation Using Microfluidic Chambers
Abstract
Understanding the phase behavior of hydrocarbons is essential in the oil and gas industry. However, current methodologies for obtaining phase diagrams are time-consuming, expensive, and yield few data points. Thus, a new methodology for generating phase diagrams is required.
In this work, a novel experimental methodology is presented for generating phase diagrams utilizing microfluidics. The designed microfluidic device utilizes a multiplexed network of dead-end chambers to generate 1,000 constant composition expansion data points over 100 temperature steps and 10 pressure steps. From these data points, phase transitions can be plotted, thus creating a phase diagram.
The methodology for fabricating silicon-glass microfluidic devices presented produces a microfluidic device that is capable of withstanding pressures up to 1,000 psi. This pressure limit is sufficient for most hydrocarbon phase diagram generation. The methodology can serve as a guide for the fabrication of silicon-glass microfluidic devices.
Using the fabricated device, a phase diagram is generated for n-butane. The results demonstrate the device’s capability to produce accurate data and generate a phase diagram that is within 0.50% of simulated results.
Citation
Siegel, Gabriel Ray (2020). Enhancement of Hydrocarbon Phase Diagram Generation Using Microfluidic Chambers. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /200773.