Phase and Interfacial Behavior
The impact of CO2 in modifying the interfacial tension (IFT) is systematically studied in binary and ternary systems by using the pendant drop method at elevated pressures in binary CO2-oil systems and ternary CO2- water/brine-oil systems. The impact of pressure and aqueous phase composition on volumetric expansion is also investigated using the captive bubble method. A new approach has been developed to infer CO2 solubility in the hydrocarbon phase based on volumetric expansion and density data.
Further properties of brines are investigated at conditions associated with geothermal energy and CCS in saline aquifers such as density, viscosity, and pH. The impact of CO2 saturation on these properties is analyzed at elevated pressuresand in a wide range of temperatures and for varying brine concentrations.