Multiphase Flows in Microfluidics

Microfluidic systems provide unique opportunities to understand and analyze fluids using confined geometries. We create mimics of porous media with contrasting permeabilities in these microfluidic devices. We study multiphase flows inside the microfluidic porous media, including the flow of particulates and aggregates, foams, emulsions, and surfactant solutions.

Foam generation and foam flow in porous media

As foams play essential roles in industrial applications, such as enhanced oil recovery and carbon sequestration, it is important for us to understand the fundamental physicochemical processes to predict foam transport. We combine microfluidic experiments and image processing to quantitively examine foam flow in model porous media. Our group has elucidated how foam phase separates into a gas-rich and an aqueous-rich region, depending on the permeability of the porous media. Additionally, we also study foam flow through confined geometries in microfluidics to investigate phenomena such as bubble deformation, bubble breakup mechanisms, and lamella generation.

Flow Assurance: Asphaltene Deposition and Remediation

Asphaltenes are insoluble components of crude oil that accumulate on surfaces and impede fluid flow in the oil production process. We use microfluidic porous media to study the kinetics of asphaltene aggregation and deposition. We have also developed different asphaltene mitigation and remediation strategies. Microemulsion systems incorporating the use of greener solvents have been shown to effectively remove asphaltene deposits. On the other hand, we also developed a nanoparticle formulation that can reduce up to 70% of asphaltene deposition on different surfaces.