Flow Assurance Laboratory

The Flow Assurance Laboratory facilities are prepared to perform experiments at high pressure, using high precision equipment, ensuring reliability in the results obtained. We are focused on the fluids and multiphase flow characterization based on experimental measurements. In addition, we work on software development for thermodynamic predictions.

Principal Investigator
Prof. Rigoberto Eleazar Melgarejo Morales, Dr.

Responsible Researcher
Celina Kakitani, Dra. (celinak@utfpr.edu.br)

Call: +55 (41) 3279-6599

High-pressure cell

High-pressure cells (autoclave and PVT cells) are suitable for measuring phase equilibria data (hydrate, dew point, bubble point). The high-pressure cells are designed to operate up to 300 bar.

Technical specifications

Operating pressure	Up to 300 bar
Operating temperature	-10 C – 100 C
Gas phase	Methane, synthetic natural gas, carbon dioxide, SF6
Water phase	Deionized water
Additive	NaCl, ethanol, isopropanol, MEG
Volume cell	30 ml – 1 liter
Material	Stainless steel 316
Visualization	Yes

Measurement

Flow rates
Temperature
Advanced instrumentation
- Impedance Sensors
- Ultrasound
- Camera

Investigation

Phase equilibria
- Hydrate
- Dew point
- Bubble point
Fluid characterization

Rock-flow cell

Phenomena involving hydrate formation, agglomeration, sloughing, bedding, annealing, dissociation can be studied by performing experiments in the rock-flow cell with visual capabilities. The advantage of this cell is the ability to simulate flow under well-defined and controlled conditions. The Flow Assurance Laboratory has two rock-flow cells designed to operate up to 100 bar.

Technical specifications

Operating pressure	Up to 100 bar
Operating temperature	2 C – 30 C
Gas phase	Methane, synthetic natural gas
Liquid phase	Water, mineral oil,
Additive	Antiagglomerant hydrate inhibitor
Internal diameter	1” and 2”