Abstract CTS-9610059 D.D. Joseph and G.S. Beaver U. of Minnesota This a Grant Opportunity for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) award for collaborative research in the area of multiphase flow processes between the University of Minnesota and a group of oil companies (Dowell-Schlumberger, Intervep, STIM-Lab Consortium of 18 companies, and Syncrude Canada). The main focus will be on experimental investigation of elementary particle or bubble interaction mechanisms in non-Newtonian fluids and their effects on the macroscopic flow pattern and rheological behavior. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) techniques developed by the same group will be used to interpret and generalize the experimental results. These methods will address fundamental two-phase flow phenomena in five applicative areas: particle migration in shear flow of fracturing fluids and drilling muds, cutting transport, lubricated pipelines of concentrated oil in water emulsions, and rheology and stability of concentrated emulsions. The collaborating companies will provide considerable input in the project direction, research activities, and student support. The project will provide a scientific foundation for the complex multiphase flow processes encountered in various technologies in oil industry, with application to production, processing and transport of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon products.
