Research
Research Laboratories
Digital Core Analysis Lab
The Digital Core Analysis Lab (D-CAL) hosts state-of-the-art X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) and optical imaging facilities, which are used to investigate the internal structure and fluid flow properties of real rock pore networks. Specifically, D-CAL hosts Texas A&M University at Qatar’s Thermo-Fisher Heliscan µCT scanner, which enables volume images of medium to low density materials to be acquired at resolutions down to ~800 nm. The lab also hosts multiscale optical imaging systems (Nikon Ti-2 inverted microscope with Micronit microfluidic chip holder, Leica stereo-microscope, bespoke Z-Cam imaging rig) for visualizing fluid flow experiments in synthetic quasi-2D pore networks (i.e., micromodels/macromodels). The lab also contains an SLA optically transparent-capable 3D printer, which can be used with in-house–developed software tools to rapidly prototype physical pore network models. Finally, D-CAL is equipped with four high-performance workstations (256 GB RAM / RTX 2080 ti GPUs/AMD Threadripper 2950X CPUs) with image-processing software tools installed (Avizo, ImageJ, Matlab etc.), which are available to facility users to process and analyze multimodal image datasets.
Multiphase Flow in Porous Media Lab
The multiphase flow in porous media (MFPM) laboratory tackles different phenomena related to multiphase flow in reservoirs, such as wettability and spontaneous imbibition. The lab is equipped with state of the art equipment to quantify and visualize these phenomena. Furthermore, the lab has several coreflooding units, a gas porositmeter, a high pressure and temperature wettability alteration apparatus, a centrifuge apparatus for capillary pressure measurements, a high-power plasma cleaner for surface etching, and a contact angle goniometer to quantify wettability. This equipment help in studying capillary trapping and waterflood efficiency at different wettability states. In addition, to optimize the extraction of time extensive SCAL properties when coupled with analytical solutions. The lab is also equipped to fully characterize the rock and fluid properties.
Advanced Multiphase Flow Assurance and Production Lab
The centerpiece of the Advanced Multiphase Flow Assurance and Production Lab (AMFAPL) is a bespoke multiphase flow loop, capable of simulating fluid flow within the wellbore annulus. In this flow loop, researchers investigate the fundamental physics of multiphase flow, as well as the hydraulics of drilling and production phenomena. The loop has numerous advanced analytical capabilities, including electrical process tomography, particle image velocimetry, laser diagnostics and high speed optical imaging capabilities that can capture 120,000 frames/sec to resolve fluid motion. These physical experiments are supplemented with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using the Ansys platform, which can model nanoscale phenomena to field-scale problems. In addition to investigating problems relating to wellbore fluid flow, AMFAPL has capabilities for investigating production related phenomena, using the state-of-the-art Grace Instruments core flooding unit, which can be used to study enhanced oil recovery via foam and surfactant flooding at reservoir conditions. The above capabilities can be combined to effectively study immiscible fluid flow processes form the pore to the wellbore and beyond.
Drilling and EOR Lab
The Drilling and EnhancedOil Recovery (EOR) Laboratory has won a Research Laboratory Safety Award for three consecutive years. It is where some of the most up-to-date analytical equipment held within the Petroleum Engineering Program are located. Specifically, there are three major analytical equipment's situated in the lab: (1) Ultra HTHP Viscometer Model 7600, (2) the UIP1500hd Ultrasonic Device and (3) benchtop MRI device. These devices have been used extensively to study a variety of phenoma around the problem domains of drilling and enhance oil recovery, leading to multiple peer reviewed journal and conference papers. In addition to these core instruments, the lab has several additional analytical capabilities:
- Core Flooding Setup
- Fluid Loss Equipment
- Sag Show Tester
- Model Thin Setup
- ITE- PVT System T13-1358
- Fann Model 35 Viscometer