Flow of viscoelastic surfactants through porous media

Journal article (2018)

Authors

S. De Eindhoven University of Technology
S. P. Koesen Eindhoven University of Technology
R. V. Maitri Eindhoven University of Technology
M Golombok Shell Global Solutions International B.V., Eindhoven University of Technology
J.T. Padding Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
J. F.M. van Santvoort Eindhoven University of Technology
Research Group
Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2018 S. De, S. P. Koesen, R. V. Maitri, M. Golombok, J.T. Padding, J. F.M. van Santvoort
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.15960
Fluid mechanics Porous media Rheology Complex fluids
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Published Date

2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Process and Energy

Research Group

Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems

Abstract

We compare the flow behavior of viscoelastic surfactant (VES) solutions and Newtonian fluids through two different model porous media having similar permeability: (a) a 3D random packed bed and (b) a microchannel with a periodically spaced pillars. The former provides much larger flow resistance at the same apparent shear rate compared to the latter. The flow profile in the 3D packed bed cannot be observed since it is a closed system. However, visualization of the flow profile in the microchannel shows strong spatial and temporal flow instabilities in VES fluids appear above a critical shear rate. The onset of such elastic instabilities correlates to the flow rate where increased flow resistance is observed. The elastic instabilities are attributed to the formation of transient shear induced structures. The experiments provide a detailed insight into the complex interplay between the pore scale geometry and rheology of VES in the creeping flow regime.