Mass Transfer Fundamentals in Complex Systems
Date
2024-12-17
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Abstract
Mass transfer plays a critical role in most engineering processes, significantly affecting production, processing efficiency, and overall economic outcomes. In the context of thermal recovery of heavy oil using solvents, accurately estimating diffusion coefficients is vital for effective project design. Calculating diffusion coefficients is a meticulous process that requires precise experimental work and data acquisition to ensure reliability. These coefficients are essential for designing and analyzing thermal recovery techniques, such as solvent-assisted steam approaches, where decisions regarding rates, solvent proportions, and types depend heavily on accurate diffusion data. It is crucial to consider the influential role of water, which is present in most reservoirs and significantly impacts mass transfer, often without being fully acknowledged. Previous research on multiphase mass transfer has primarily focused on atmospheric conditions and liquid solvents. However, this study examines mass transfer from gaseous solvents to heavy oil in the presence of a water layer at elevated pressures. Specifically, the behaviors of solvents such as dimethyl ether (DME), propane, and CO₂ are compared, investigating the effects of increased pressures and varying solvent-to-oil ratios. Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is employed to monitor the initial stages of the diffusion process, providing a detailed understanding of these complex interactions. The results obtained are then compared with the behavior of these solvents in a biphasic system with heavy oil but without a water layer. This comparative analysis highlights the role of the water layer, contributing to the optimization of thermal recovery processes. This study represents an advancement in understanding diffusion processes and their influence on thermal recovery methods. The findings provide a foundation for developing more efficient and sustainable methods of heavy oil extraction, highlighting the crucial role of water in the mass transfer process.
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Keywords
Mass Transfer, Diffusion Coefficient, Solvents, Solvent-Assisted Recovery Methods, Bitumen, CT Scanner
Citation
Mayorga Ariza, M. (2024). Mass transfer fundamentals in complex systems (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.