Parameterization of drag and dissolution of rising CO2 drops in seawater

Abstract

The dissolution of a CO2 drop is dependent on various factors like turbulence and relative velocity between the drop and the surrounding medium. When the drop is covered with hydrate, the mass transfer also decreases with decreasing temperature. This chapter focuses on analysis of the dissolution and dynamics of a single CO2 drop rising from 800 meters depth. The drop is simulated by a numerical model and theories of mass transfer and rise velocity are studied and compared to data from an ocean experiment. Hydrate is expected to reduce the mass transfer from the drop to the surrounding seawater that is when the drop is covered with hydrate, the mass transfer also decreases with decreasing temperature. A numerical model is used to simulate the drop. Different theories of frictional drag and mass transfer are investigated and compared to the experimental data. The seawater and CO2 drop characteristics from the experiment are implemented in the model.