Work package 3
Work Package Title: Salt precipitation in microchannels of varying wettability in the presence of organic phases and surfactants
Duration: 30 Months
In this WP, visualization experiments shall be done to explore the pore surface wettability effect on salt precipitation mechanisms using supersaturated solutions: a. in the absence of other substances, b. in the presence of organic water-immiscible phase, c. in the presence of organic water-miscible phase and d. in the presence of surfactants. The effect of the heterogeneity of pore surface wettability shall be explored for all the above fluid systems.
Task 3.1. Salt precipitation mechanisms in homogeneously-wet microchannels.
Salt precipitation in hydrophilic and hydrophobic homogeneously–wet microchannels. Calcium carbonate precipitation shall be investigated using aqueous supersaturated solutions a. in the absence of other substances, b. in the presence of organic water-immiscible phase (eg. dodecane), c. in the presence of organic water-miscible phase (ethylene glycol, MEG), d. in the presence of surfactants (cationic, anionic and non-ionic).
Task 3.2 Salt precipitation mechanisms in mixed-wet microchannels.
Similar experiments, using the same fluid systems with those described in Task 3.1 shall be done in mixed–wet microchannels.
Task 3.3 Theoretical modeling.
Already existing theoretical models which have been developed during previous projects will be updated with the results of the four cases of Tasks 3.1 and 3.2. Microchannel structure, wettability and supersaturated solution properties for mass transport and precipitation will be simulated with Computational Fluid Dynamics methods for characteristic systems, in order to provide insight on key mechanisms that affect the mixing and precipitation processes. Results will be validated with experimental data. Parametric and sensitivity analysis of these theoretical approximations will be used to predict the transport and precipitation properties in an extended range of operating conditions, avoiding extended time-consuming and costly experimentation.