| dc.description.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. | |
