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Current TUCoRE Focus Areas
Multiphase Flow of High-Viscosity
Systems
This focus area builds upon TU's expertise in multiphase flow to develop improved
fluid flow models for high-viscosity systems. Most commonly used multiphase
flow models are designed either lighter oil systems or heavy oils at higher
temperatures. This study program is designed to improve the capability of modeling
multiphase behavior of high-viscosity systems.
Multiphase Dispersion Characterization
Prediction of key variables such as entrainment, droplet size and rheology is
critical in evaluating the transport and separation of multiphase dispersions.
Activities to advance our fundamental understanding of dispersion properties
include:
Modeling - Historical models of entrainment, droplet size, inversion and dispersion rheology have all been empirically determined from limited databases. Such models provide low reliability for extrapolation to new conditions. TUCoRE is developing new mechanistic models to allow better prediction of dispersion properties of untested conditions.
Facility Development - A dispersion characterization rig (DCR) has been acquired to characterize the separation of various multiphase dispersions, including emulsions and foams, over a wide range of pressures and temperatures. TUCoRE also sponsored the construction of an undergraudate facility to demonstrte and study droplet formation mechanisms.
Current Seed Projects:
Droplet Dynamics in Multiphase Flow