Numerical Simulation of Polymer Dispersion Systems for Polymer Injection on Offshore Platforms

Abstract

Because of the limited space and high cost of offshore platforms, the dispersion and dissolution of the polymer are required to be of high efficiency, which is essential for polymer injection to enhance hydrocarbon recovery. The numerical simulation models of the water–powder mixing process by Venturi jetting and air-mixing were established. The multiphase flow fields in the water jet ejector, water–powder mixing head, and stirring tank were numerically simulated by FLUENT. Then, the distributions of velocity, volume fraction, pressure, and turbulent kinetic energy of each phase were obtained to evaluate the effects of polymer dispersion and the dissolution of the two mixing methods. According to the maximum velocity of the mixture at the Venturi jet, the optimized length of the throat is 25 mm in our models. The results of the air-mixing process show that a 120° angle of support rods has the best effect of water–powder mixing. The results of the present study show that compared with air-mixing, the combination of Venturi jet and the stirring tank can obtain a broader agitation range and more extensive effect on the flow field, which could uniformly disperse the polymer powder into water. This study has a guiding significance for the design of the onsite polymer injection process.

Simulation by coupling of the level set and thermal methods to extruded material flow in 3D printed polymers

“…A closer look at the 3D printer head shows that the streamlines near the nozzle form a vortex, however, in the way that was fluidizes the material, thus, a thermal field is visualized forming the isotherms. In a real-world 3D printer, this eddy flow with vortex may generate a nonuniform surface quality that causes problems [14], also they state, the predicted evolution of temperature, it can then be used as input for a new sintering model that describes the coalescence of adjacent filaments. This result was discussed by the authors Tichý et al [15], and the temperature range of this work is similar to these authors.…”

Venturi Injector Optimization for Precise Powder Transport for Directed Energy Deposition Manufacturing Using the Discrete Element Method and Genetic Algorithms

“…When powder is introduced both in virtual tests [19] as well as in real tests [20], it should be noted that the requirements for fluid transport are different from those for powder transport, and so the design of injector geometry continues to be studied and advanced, as did by Xu et al [21]. Of course, it is necessary to study how the sprayed powder behaves depending on its use [22,23].…”

Investigation of the Role of Impeller Structural Parameters on Liquid–Liquid Mixing Characteristics in Stirred Tanks

“…Liquid–liquid mixing and dispersion phenomena are commonly found in many industrial processes, such as extraction, emulsification, polymerization, and wastewater treatment. − In these processes, high liquid–liquid mixing rate and narrow droplet size distribution are required for excellent heat and mass transfer rates, which have remained challenging to obtain. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of the hydrodynamic characteristics and droplet dispersion behavior of the liquid–liquid system has become necessary.…”