Natural gas vaporization in a nanoscale throat connected model of shale: multi-scale, multi-component and multi-phase

Jatukaran, Arnav; Zhong, Junjie; Abedini, Ali; Sherbatian, Atena; Zhao, Yinuo; Jin, Zhehui; Mostowfi, Farshid; Sinton, David

doi:10.1039/c8lc01053f

Cited by 33 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…For example, it has been experimentally proven that phase transition in confined space occurs isothermally at a lower pressure, or isobarically at a higher temperature, than that in the bulk phase. − Recently, the critical point of pure fluids in confined space has also been unambiguously demonstrated to locate at a lower temperature and pressure than that in bulk by us using an isochoric cooling method . Experimental studies on the phase behavior of confined mixtures, on the other hand, are relatively scarce in the literature, − not to mention the fact that their phase behavior in the critical region has never been experimentally explored, which, in turn, results in disagreement and conflicting conclusions about the pore critical point (PCP) of mixtures in confinement; PCP is defined as a point beyond which the condensation of confined fluids can no longer occur. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to verify its existence and demonstrate its shift from the bulk critical point.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Study on the Criticality of a Methane/Ethane Mixture Confined in Nanoporous Media

et al. 2019

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For the first time, the critical region of a methane/ethane mixture confined in nanoporous media (SBA-15) is experimentally investigated using differential scanning calorimetry with an isochoric cooling procedure. The results reveal that the supercritical region of the confined fluid mixture exists at a lower pressure than its counterpart in the bulk space. The shift of the critical region is dependent on the pore size, which is similar to that of pure fluids [Tan et al., J. Phys. Chem. C, 2019, 123, 9824–9830]. Specifically, compared to that in bulk, the shift is greater for smaller pore size. The heat of capillary condensation of this mixture is also discussed. The findings in this work would shed some light on the understanding of confined phase behavior, especially criticality, in investigations toward more complex confined mixtures encountered in practical engineering application, for example, oil and gas recovery from unconventional reservoirs.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Study on the Criticality of a Methane/Ethane Mixture Confined in Nanoporous Media

et al. 2019

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“…These properties in turn influence fluid entrainment and flow behavior in porous media. In this context, deviations in the bubble points of binary hydrocarbon mixtures shown experimentally using pressure–volume observations are relevant. − Studies of natural gas vaporization in a nanoscale throat-connected model showed that the bubble point occurred at a lower pressure in the nanochannels than in the larger channels . Further, pores that are 10 nm or smaller in size were shown to greatly impact production from larger pores.…”

Section: Phase Transition Of Confined Liquidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…243−246 Studies of natural gas vaporization in a nanoscale throat-connected model showed that the bubble point occurred at a lower pressure in the nanochannels than in the larger channels. 247 Further, pores that are 10 nm or smaller in size were shown to greatly impact production from larger pores. Bubble points of propane− butane mixtures in nanochannels were significantly suppressed and under certain conditions were below the dew points of bulk mixtures.…”

Section: Phase Transitions Of Confined Hydrocarbonsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interfacial and Confinement-Mediated Organization of Gas Hydrates, Water, Organic Fluids, and Nanoparticles for the Utilization of Subsurface Energy and Geological Resources

et al. 2021

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Harnessing the subsurface geologic environments in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner is challenged by uncertainties associated with predicting the fate of fluids and sustaining porosity and permeability in subsurface geologic environments. Some of these uncertainties arise from confined and interfacially induced structures of fluids in subsurface geologic environments. The formation of gas hydrates, phase transitions of confined fluids, assembly and deposition of heavy hydrocarbons, and the agglomeration and fate of nanoparticles in confined environments are summarized in this review. Nanoscale confinement contributes to anisotropic structures and dynamics of fluids, which is the basis for anomalous phase transition thermodynamics, reactivity, transport, and geomechanical behavior. In this review, we discuss the structures of confined fluids and deviation in observed properties from bulk fluids. The factors influencing the structures of confined fluids can be generally divided into two groups: (a) pore characteristics including pore size, pore surface chemistry, and pore geometry and (b) confined fluid/solid characteristics such as molecular structure, concentrations, charges, pore filling, and presence of additives. Scientific advancements and knowledge gaps in our understanding of the structures of confined fluids and the associated differences in observed properties compared to bulk fluids are discussed. The phenomena discussed in this review are of particular relevance to our efforts in harnessing the subsurface environments for a low carbon future by increasing the utilization of geothermal energy, using CO2 as a working fluid, and storing CO2 in subsurface geologic environments.

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“…While the capital cost of microfluidic setup may be comparable to that of some conventional testing such as coreflood, the inherent speed and very low sample volume usage of microfluidic approaches derive their operational cost significantly lower than that of conventional methods. The precedent for microfluidic reservoir fluid analysis includes measurements of saturation point measurements, − solubility, , diffusivity, , solid deposition, − rheology, and nanoconfined fluid properties. − Microfluidics has also been extended to probe the pore-scale dynamics of various enhanced oil recovery processes for conventional and unconventional reservoirs. − Specifically for foam processes, a microfluidic device with different channel geometries (representative of SAGD reservoirs) was used to investigate the water–gas foam formation and fragmentation . The hysteresis of the foam generation and collapse has been evaluated and quantified as a function of gas/liquid volumetric ratio in a simple microfluidic channel .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Screening High-Temperature Foams with Microfluidics for Thermal Recovery Processes

Haas¹,

Bao²,

Ramirez

et al. 2021

Energy Fuels

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Thermal recovery processes, and in particular, Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), are the most common and practical in situ technology for bitumen extraction. While SAGD is effective, steam injection results in poor steam chamber growth and distribution with poor conformance specifically in areas with poor formation geology and bedding properties. These factors result in economic and environmental costs. Co-injecting foaming surfactants with noncondensable gases along with steam is an alternative solution to control the steam chamber behavior and its advancement throughout the formation. Selecting appropriate foaming surfactants is essential for successful implementation of a foam-steam processes. Conventional laboratory methods provide some indication of foaming surfactant performance but fail to reflect reservoir conditions and time scales. Microfluidics is well suited to assess the relevant pore-scale performance of foaming surfactants, at relevant conditions, with tight control over experimental parameters. Here, we develop a microfluidic approach to generate nitrogen-foam and assess stability and mobility control performance at relevant temperature (>150 °C) with results compared to those of traditional bulk foam analysis. The microconfinement associated with porous media creates more stable foam at reservoir-relevant temperatures and pressures. Direct visualization of the foaming dynamics, subsequent stability, and mobility testing in porous media provide a rapid assessment of foam performance as well as a diagnostic of surfactant product failures such as precipitation and phase decomposition, findings that directly informed pilot operations here. This screening also enables down-selection of the most promising agents for subsequent testing with candidate reservoir oil, in conventional cores or micromodels.

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Natural gas vaporization in a nanoscale throat connected model of shale: multi-scale, multi-component and multi-phase

Abstract: Production of hydrocarbons from shale is a complex process that necessitates the extraction of multi-component hydrocarbons trapped in multi-scale nanopores.

Cited by 33 publications

References 31 publications

Experimental Study on the Criticality of a Methane/Ethane Mixture Confined in Nanoporous Media

Experimental Study on the Criticality of a Methane/Ethane Mixture Confined in Nanoporous Media

Interfacial and Confinement-Mediated Organization of Gas Hydrates, Water, Organic Fluids, and Nanoparticles for the Utilization of Subsurface Energy and Geological Resources

Screening High-Temperature Foams with Microfluidics for Thermal Recovery Processes

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