Multiphase Flow Research Articles

Development of an HPLC System Using a Phase-Separation Multiphase Flow as an Eluent— Effect of Pore Size in Column-Packed Particles on the Novel Separation Mode —

Development of an HPLC System Using a Phase-Separation Multiphase Flow as an Eluent— Effect of Pore Size in Column-Packed Particles on the Novel Separation Mode —

DIGITAL SOLUTION FOR OPTIMIZATION OF FORMATION TESTING DESIGN

Evaluation of pumping time to receive a clean sample during fluid sampling job with wireline formation tester as well as evaluation of pumping scenarios to minimize sampling duration under existing constrains (reservoir and sandface constrains, safety etc.) are actual problems especially for fluid sampling in low-permeability formation. The article describes the digital solution allowing to simulate mud filtrate invasion in near-wellbore zone during well drilling and mud filtrate displacement by reservoir fluid during fluid sampling job with taking into account a formation damage dynamics. In this way, the software is able to evaluate depth of mud filtrate invasion and simulate both the multiphase inflow dynamics and the skin-factor dynamics during sampling job and predict sampling duration. To take into account a complex, essentially non-1D geometry of multiphase fluid flow in near-wellbore zone during fluid sampling, the special upscaling technique was developed. This upscaling technique is based on modification of 1D model by introduction of «effective» mud filtrate invasion profile and «geometry factor» which depend on ratio of vertical to horizontal permeabilities. The correlations between empirical model parameters and ratio of vertical to horizontal permeabilities were obtained by matching results of «pseudo 2D» simulations of pumping dynamics with results of 2D / 3D simulations conducted using commercial simulators ECLIPSE® and COMSOL Multiphysics®. The developed «pseudo 2D» model is computationally fast ones that allows to effectively conduct sensitivity study as well as adjust the model parameters and sampling scenario in real time in accordance with the real-time wireline formation tester measurements.

An improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics method for modeling multiphase flows

Multiphase flows are prevalent in both natural and engineered systems. The study of multiphase flow problems using numerical simulation is challenging due to the presence of high nonlinearities and moving interfaces. In this paper, an improved multiphase smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model is proposed for simulating multiphase flows. In the improved multiphase SPH model, an improved interface repulsive force model is proposed to reduce the interpenetration of particles at the multiphase interface and make the multiphase interface smooth and clear, and an improved kernel gradient correction is introduced to optimize the computational results. In addition, the particle shifting technology is applied to make the particle distribution uniform. Five numerical examples including the Rayleigh–Taylor instability, non-Boussinesq lock-exchange problem, square droplet deformation, single bubble rise, and circular droplet oscillation are investigated to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the improved multiphase SPH model. The results demonstrate that the improved multiphase SPH approach is effective in modeling multiphase flows.

Numerical investigation of the multiphase flow and loading state of underwater semiclosed initial interrupted bubbles

The pulsation of bubbles and the impact load from reverse flow, generated by the evolution of semiclosed initial intermittent bubble multiphase flow during underwater launches, are crucial factors affecting launch safety. This paper employs the mixture multiphase flow model and the interphase heat and mass transfer model to simulate the interaction between the gas inside a partially enclosed cylinder and the water medium outside the cylinder, combined with simulation and piggybacking experiments, to analyze the flow process and load state. The numerical model is further utilized to study the evolution of the multiphase flow field of the semienclosed initial intermittent bubble, the pulsating load of the bubble, the impact load of the inverted water flow, and the influence of structural dimensions on the load. The results show that the initial intermittent bubble in the mouth of the cylinder experiences an expansion–contraction–expansion pulsation process, and as the migration of the interface between the phases results in significant pressure pulsation, the peak pulsation can exceed twice the pressure difference between the initial gas pressure inside the cylinder and the hydrostatic pressure at the mouth of the cylinder. At the late stage of bubble pulsation, a large amount of water with pulsating bubbles flows into the semiclosed cylinder, and the pulsation-induced velocity and gravity are used to form a high-speed inverted water flow. The interaction between the inverted water and the gas inside the cylinder generates an oscillating shock load where the maximum shock load is significantly greater than the ambient pressure load. Additionally, the effect of structural dimensions on the load state under the same intermittent conditions is examined.

Enhancing subsurface multiphase flow simulation with Fourier neural operator

Accurate numerical modeling of multiphase flow in subsurface oil and gas reservoirs is critical for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery. However, traditional physics-based algorithms face substantial computational hurdles due to the need for fine grid resolution and the inherent geological heterogeneity. To overcome these challenges, data-driven surrogate models solving the flow governing partial differential equations (PDEs) offer a promising alternative to enhance the efficiency of hydrocarbon production operations. In this study, we employ the Fourier Neural Operator (FNO) to extract spectral information from the reservoir properties, thereby facilitating the solution of coupled porous flow PDEs. Our focus is on two-phase flow dynamics, specifically exploring how water injection enhances reservoir pressure and displaces oil. This scenario involves solving a set of nonlinearly coupled PDEs with highly heterogeneous coefficients. Numerical results demonstrate that the developed FNO accurately predicts the reservoir pressure distributions. We further observe that the FNO's zero-shot super-resolution capability is sensitive to abrupt local changes in the reservoir pressure near injection and production wells. To enhance its accuracy, we propose a multi-fidelity FNO model that exhibits better adaptability across various grid configurations. After moderate training on graphics processing units (GPUs), the FNO achieves a speedup of three orders of magnitude compared to traditional numerical PDE solvers. Our experiments confirm the FNO's potential to replace repetitive physics-based simulations, significantly advancing computational efficiency in the uncertainty quantification of reservoir performance.

Adaptive momentum equation method for overcoming singularities of dispersed phases

The singularity issue arising from the phase fraction approaching zero in multiphase flow can significantly intensify the solution difficulty and lead to nonphysical results. By employing the conservative form of momentum equations in high-phase-fraction and discontinuity regions and the phase-intensive form of momentum equations in low-phase-fraction regions, computational reliability can be assured while avoiding the singularity issue. Regarding the proposed adaptive momentum equation method, the form of momentum equations for each cell is determined by a conversion bound and a phase fraction discontinuity detector. A comparative analysis is conducted on this method and other singularity-free methods. For discontinuities of dispersed phases, an error estimation method of the conversion bound is presented through theoretical analysis. Computational results demonstrate that the discontinuity detector accurately captures discontinuities in high-phase-fraction regions while disregarding pseudo-discontinuities in low-phase-fraction regions. Compared to the conservative form corrected by the terminal velocity method, the method yields higher-quality flow fields and potentially exhibits an efficiency improvement of over 10 times. Compared to the phase-intensive form, the method benefits from the physical quantity conservation, providing higher computational reliability. When encountering discontinuities, the expected error from the error estimation method aligns well with the actual error, indicating its effectiveness. When the conversion bound is below 1/10 000 of the inlet phase fraction, the errors of the adaptive method are essentially negligible.

In situ 3D polymerization (IS-3DP): Implementing an aqueous two-phase system for the formation of 3D objects inside a microfluidic channel.

Rapid prototyping and fabrication of microstructure have been revolutionized by 3D printing, especially stereolithography (SLA) based techniques due to the superior spatial resolution they offer. However, SLA-type 3D printing faces intrinsic challenges in multi-material integration and adaptive Z-layer slicing due to the use of a vat and a mechanically controlled Z-layer generation. In this paper, we present the conceptualization of a novel paradigm which uses dynamic and multi-phase laminar flow in a microfluidic channel to achieve fabrication of 3D objects. Our strategy, termed "in situ 3D polymerization," combines in situ polymerization and co-flow aqueous two-phase systems and achieves slicing, polymerization, and layer-by-layer printing of 3D structures in a microchannel. The printing layer could be predicted and controlled solely by programming the fluid input. Our strategy provides generalizability to fit with different light sources, pattern generators, and photopolymers. The integration of the microfluidic channel could enable high-degree multi-material integration without complicated modification of the 3D printer.

Influence and optimization of dual-orifice jet nozzles on oil capture performance of under-race lubrication with a radial oil scoop for high-speed bearings in aero-engine

The objective of this research is to determine the influence of dual-orifice jet nozzles on the oil–air flow dynamics and oil capture performance in the under-race lubrication for high-speed bearings and to identify the optimal design parameter combinations for optimizing the oil capture performance. An experimental setup for under-race lubrication is specifically designed, complemented by a multiphase computational fluid dynamics model to elucidate the oil–air flow behavior. The response surface methodology is combined with a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm to perform multi-objective optimization of the oil capture performance. The findings indicate that oil capture efficiency initially rises to a peak and subsequently declines with increasing orifice spacing, identifying an optimal orifice spacing that maximizes efficiency. While the oil flow rate from dual-orifice jet nozzles is lower than twice that of single-orifice jet nozzles, appropriate parameter matching allowed for an increase in both captured lubricant oil and efficiency. Optimized configurations achieved substantial enhancements in oil capture efficiency, with the greatest improvement exceeding 16%, all while maintaining precise oil supply to the high-speed bearings.

Effect of two-phase viscosity difference and natural fractures on the wormhole morphology formed by two-phase acidizing with self-diverting acid in carbonate rocks

Different types of acids are needed in the field to achieve various acidizing goals. Currently, there are no reliable acidizing models for multiphase flows and complex multiphysics coupling. This paper derives mathematical formulas for the oil–water acidizing process of a situ self-diverting acid combined with thermal–chemical–fracture interactions and discusses the influence of two-phase oil–water mixture and fractures on the wormhole morphology produced by self-diverting acid. The results show that the spent acid following the acid–rock reaction forms a high-viscosity sealing zone, causing the injected acid to be redirected. The self-diverting acid forms more numerous and longer branches than a conventional acid during single-phase acidizing. In the case of two-phase acidizing, the high viscosity difference produces distinct effects when using self-diverting acid compared with conventional acid. Specifically, the self-diverting acid extends the breakthrough time and forms a wormhole morphology with longer and more complex branches, whereas the conventional acid accelerates the breakthrough of the rock. As the viscosity difference decreases, the wormhole morphology of the self-diverting acid gradually approaches that of a single-phase acid. Large-aperture fractures completely determine the wormhole morphology, while smaller apertures determine the branch morphology of the wormhole. Fractures have a negative acidizing effect in the case of the self-diverting acid, unlike conventional acid. The proposed model accurately simulates the complex acidizing process of a self-diverting acid.

Comparison of the effects on heat transfer through oil oscillation in a steel piston cooling gallery: Friction welding versus laser welding

Piston cooling gallery plays a critical role in managing the temperature of the piston and its performance. This paper aims to study the effect of oscillatory heat transfer within the cooling galleries, focusing on two distinct types: flanged (friction-welded) and smooth structures (laser-welded). To do so, the Eulerian multiphase flow model and the k-ω SST turbulence model were used to simulate the oil and air flow through the cooling gallery. Key parameters such as the oil filling rate, wall heat transfer coefficient, oil outlet flow rate, heat removal rate by the oil, and overall wall heat transfer rate were assessed for both gallery designs at an engine speed of 1800 r/min. The results indicate significant disparities between the two cooling gallery structures: the smooth structure exhibits an oil filling rate that is 5.41% higher and an oil outlet flow rate that is 33.48% greater compared to the flanged structure. The flange structure impedes internal oil movement, which leads to boundary layer separation, secondary wall contact, and the emergence of a double vortex phenomena. Collectively, these factors influence the oil fill ratio. This, in turn, affects the distribution of oil within the gallery and, subsequently, the efficiency of heat transfer. Comparative analyses of heat transfer within both galleries, under the same studied conditions, revealed that the smooth structure outperforms the flanged one. However, the presence of a flange significantly alters the heat contribution from different walls, thereby highlighting the substantial impact of flanges on the overall efficiency of heat transfer.

Study of heat transfer coefficients of multiple high-pressure fan-shaped water impinging on the lower surface of high-temperature steel billets

The lack of research on the boiling heat transfer coefficient on billet surfaces during the high-pressure fan-shaped water descaling process significantly affects the cooling, quality, and rolling efficiency of the billet surface. This paper utilizes the Eulerian multiphase flow model in Fluent 19.0 software to simulate the boiling heat transfer behavior of multiple high-pressure fan-shaped water jets impinging the surface of high-temperature steel billets during descaling. The study highlights the correlation between the boiling heat transfer coefficient and three key parameters: the Reynolds number, dimensionless target distance, and dimensionless temperature. The simulation’s accuracy was validated by comparing the simulation results against experimental data. Findings indicate that the boiling heat transfer coefficients were respectively higher in the stagnation area, the lower side of the overlap zone, and at the edges of the flow strands on the billet surface, reaching up to approximately 6000 W·m−2·K−1. Additionally, the heat transfer coefficients were higher in the downstream region compared to the upstream area. The boiling heat transfer coefficient increased by 13.7 % and 9.38 % as the Reynolds number increased from 278,031 to 340,486 and as the initial temperature increased from 1373.15 K to 1573.15 K, respectively. On the other hand, the boiling heat transfer coefficient decreased by 19.0 % when reducing the target distance from 20 de to 54 de. Finally, a function was established to describe the boiling heat transfer coefficient based on the Reynolds number, dimensionless target distance, and dimensionless temperature.

Research on icing model and calculation methods

Aircraft icing seriously threatens flight safety. This paper describes a modified shallow-water icing thermodynamic model that is applicable to unstructured grids and considers the effects of changes in water physical parameters and sublimation on icing. An icing calculation method enables the automatic determination of whether freezing occurs and the type of icing. An autonomous icing calculation program is developed to extract the geometric coordinates and mesh information of the icing surface and combine this information with the multiphase flow field of air-supercooled water droplets. The icing equations in the Godnov format are discretized to produce a large-scale sparse matrix that is solved iteratively using the biconjugate gradient stabilized method. The output includes parameter distributions for the ice thickness, water film thickness, and equilibrium temperature. Taking the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautic 0012 airfoil as the study object, the results of icing simulations are compared with experimental data from an ice wind tunnel and the ice shapes calculated by the FENSAP-ICE software. The results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data, and the ice height errors at stagnation points are less than 15%. In the case of rime ice, single-horned ice shapes are simulated for both conventional and large supercooled droplets. For mixed ice and glaze ice, double-horned ice shapes are simulated for both droplet conditions. FENSAP-ICE fails to simulate the ice horns and produces large errors in ice thickness and ice range.

Study on the Performance of the Composite Textured End-Face Seal of a Mixer Based on Multiphase Flow Model

Study on the Performance of the Composite Textured End-Face Seal of a Mixer Based on Multiphase Flow Model

Numerical investigation of vehicle water entry with angle of attack

This paper investigates the water entry of a vehicle with angle of attack (AOA) through numerical methods, employing the volume-of-fluid multiphase flow model and overset grid technique. The validity of the numerical model is confirmed through experimental verification. Building upon this, the study analyzes the motion characteristics, cavity evolution, and flow field distribution of the vehicle during water entry, considering the influence of AOA and falling velocity. Numerical findings indicate that the collapse of the right side of the cavity induces a transient lateral force on the vehicle, resulting in vehicle tilting. Moreover, an increase in initial velocity delays vehicle tilt, while an increase in AOA reduces vehicle motion stability, leading to earlier tilting. Initially, the vehicle rotates counterclockwise around the Oz axis of the projectile coordinate system. Subsequent to cavity collapse, the vehicle experiences an opposing moment, leading to a reduction in rotation speed and eventual rotation in the opposite direction. Water impact triggers sudden changes in the vehicle's lift and drag coefficients, while cavity sticking induces a minor abrupt change in the lift coefficient. Following cavity collapse, both lift and drag coefficients exhibit significant oscillations. Unlike typical cavity collapse phenomena, the flow field on the right side of the vehicle undergoes alternating high-pressure and low-pressure regions.

Numerical heat transfer analysis of steam injection into subcooled water

Steam direct contact condensation (DCC) into subcooled water may be encountered in different important industrial process applications, such as steam jet pumps, steam ejectors, pressurizers, and emergency cooling systems of nuclear reactor core. In this work, a numerical simulation study has been done for injection of steam into a tank full of subcooled water. In the simulations, the Eulerian multiphase flow in addition to a realizable k-epsilon turbulence model has been utilized. Moreover, a DCC model has been used for condensation capturing. Fluent software with a user-defined function (UDF) for the DCC model was employed for simulations. The results obtained from simulations were validated with experimental results, and a fair agreement was observed. This study considered the local Nusselt number (LNN) the most suitable parameter for investigating the heat transfer rate (HTR) at the computational cell level. Therefore, the contours of the LNN, its axial distribution, and radial distribution were studied with respect to the inlet pressure of injected steam, temperature of tank water, and location along the axis of the nozzle. The results reveal the fact that the value of the LNN reaches a maximum at the nozzle exit along the axis of the nozzle at 323 K tank water temperature. LNN decreases by increasing or decreasing the tank water temperature beyond 323 K. It is claimed that the heat transfer (HT) study at such a local scale has been conducted for the first time to the best of our knowledge, and it unfolds various crucial facts regarding steam-water interaction.

Research on flow field characteristics of curved pipe in bulk grain cyclone conveying based on gas solid coupling

AbstractIn the transportation of grain particles, elbow wear is a pressing concern. A novel approach to mitigate this involves introducing a lateral air supplement rotation mechanism that enables swirling transportation. We assessed the integration of this device at angles of 45°, 55°, and 65° to the central axis of the main pipeline. While the multiphase flow velocity within the main conduit was held constant at 20 m/s, the lateral device's airflow velocities were tested at 20, 30, and 40 m/s. Utilizing the CFD–DEM simulation for grain particle transportation around bends, our findings indicated that an optimal arrangement was with the lateral device at 55° relative to the main pipeline, with an airflow speed of 30 m/s. This setup fostered a forward particle spiral, drastically diminishing wear on the pipe wall. Experimental evaluations corroborated the simulation's outcomes.

Numerical and experimental study on water-sediment flow in a lateral pumping station forebay

Multiple vortex flow patterns are commonly observed in lateral pumping station forebays, particularly in basins with high sediment concentrations. These patterns can lead to pump blockage, sediment deposition, and other issues that disrupt pump station operations. The water-sediment two-phase flow in lateral pumping station forebays is significantly influenced by the start-up combination, yet our understanding remains limited. To address this, the mixture multiphase flow theory is introduced to describe water-sediment dynamics, and the mathematical model is validated with experimental data. By analyzing the characteristics and formation mechanisms of large vortex and multiple small vortex regions in the original scheme, nine different start-up combination schemes were proposed. The research results indicate that, due to the narrow channel and slope effect in the lateral forebay, some of the gravitational potential energy of the water-sediment mixture is converted into kinetic energy upon entering the forebay, thereby increasing the velocity in the main flow area. Additionally, due to the friction and dissipation effects of the two sidewalls, a pressure difference is generated in the main flow area, resulting in the formation of multi-level vortices. Furthermore, the various types of proposed start-up combinations can optimize the flow patterns in the forebay to a certain extent. The preferred scheme improved the uniformity of flow velocity by 18.63% and increased the deviation angle by 17.62°, resulting in a 75.47% reduction in vortex area compared to the original scheme. These research results provide theoretical guidance for optimizing start-up combinations and reorganizing flow field structures to achieve hydrodynamic dredging effects.

Numerical analysis of hydrophobic surface effects on cavitation inception and evolution in high-speed centrifugal pumps for thermal energy storage and transfer systems

This study explores the influence of wettability surfaces on cavitation inception and evolution in high-speed centrifugal pumps used for thermal energy storage and transfer systems through numerical simulations. The simulations were conducted using the Kunz mass transfer model implemented in Fluent, combined with the Eulerian multiphase flow approach and the shear stress transport k–ω turbulence model. The cavitation dynamics were analyzed across contact angles ranging from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic conditions. The results demonstrate that superhydrophobic surfaces delay cavitation onset compared to hydrophilic ones, reducing the critical cavitation coefficient by at least 28%. At flow rates of 1.11 Q0 and 0.89 Q0, cavitation numbers show distinct trends, with superhydrophobic surfaces enhancing cavitation stability and reducing the frequency of cavitation shedding. The reentrant jet dynamics are also affected, with increased hydrophobicity weakening the jets and stabilizing cavitation zones. This research aims to advance the understanding of using surface wettability to manage cavitation in high-speed centrifugal pumps, thereby improving the performance and reliability of thermal energy storage and transfer systems.

Influence of pH value on erosive wear of 3D-printed polylactic acid for multiphase flow

Abstract Slurry erosion presents a critical challenge in hydrocarbon and cement processing industries, as well as in abrasive water jet cutting systems, leading to diminished operational efficiency and elevated maintenance costs. This study investigates the erosive wear behavior of Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) fabricated with varying infill microtextures—zigzag, concentric, and grid—under diverse pH conditions (2.73, 7.75, and 10.15) using garnet particles as the erodent. The results demonstrate that optimal operational conditions for PLA are achieved with a grid microtexture, a pH of 7.75, and a 325 μm erodent size. Conversely, the most severe wear occurs under a pH of 10.15, a 600 μm erodent size, and a zigzag microtexture. The grid microtexture is the most effective in minimizing erosion, while the zigzag pattern shows a 16.68% increase in wear when compared to the grid microtexture. Additionally, a shift from a slightly basic to a highly acidic environment increases wear by 1%, whereas a transition to a highly basic environment leads to a 32.6% increase in erosion within the grid microtexture. The study highlights the significant contributions of infill microtexture (64%), erodent size (23.7%), and pH value (11%) to the overall erosion rate.

Experimental study on the mass transfer and microscopic distribution characteristics of remaining oil and CO2 during water-miscible CO2 flooding

Accurate understanding and quantitative characterization of the microscopic distribution and mobilization mechanisms of remaining oil are crucial for further enhancing oil recovery during CO2 flooding. In this study, miscible CO2 flooding experiments after water flooding were performed to investigate the mass transfer and microscopic distribution characteristics of remaining oil and CO2 using micro-computed tomography technique. Additionally, the distribution characteristics of multiphase fluids (oil, water and CO2) in the pores were comprehensively investigated. Furthermore, the mass transfer effects during the miscible CO2 flooding process, as well as the CO2 sequestration ratio (SR) and sequestration factor (SF) were systematically examined. The experimental results show that the ultimate oil recovery factor after miscible CO2 flooding were 80.9 %, 70.7 %, and 64.7 %, respectively. During the water flooding stage, the produced oil mainly consisted of light hydrocarbons (C5–C16), followed by medium hydrocarbons (C17–C27). The remaining oil was mainly in cluster and network pattern, followed by multiple and oil film pattern. After miscible CO2 flooding, the produced gas mainly consisted of CO2 and CH4, with a significant increase in the mass fraction of light hydrocarbons (C5–C16) in the produced oil. The remaining oil was mainly in multiple and singlet pattern, followed by network and film pattern, with a small portion in cluster pattern. The higher the displacement rate, the smaller the SR, but most of the injected CO2 (SR > 70 %) was retained in the porous media, demonstrating the feasibility of CO2 geological sequestration during the miscible flooding process.