In the heart of China’s energy sector, a groundbreaking study is set to revolutionize the way we measure supercritical CO2 flow in downhole environments. Led by Chunfeng Zheng from the Engineering Company, Energy Development Limited Company of CNOOC, this research delves into the application of miniature Venturi sensors, offering a new horizon for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies and enhanced oil recovery methods.
The rapid adoption of CO2 gas injection technology in oil fields has significantly boosted crude oil recovery rates. However, accurately measuring the flowrate of CO2 and associated gases in these high-pressure, high-temperature environments has been a persistent challenge. Zheng’s study, published in the journal Energies, addresses this very issue, providing a robust solution that could reshape the energy landscape.
At the core of this innovation lies the Local Pressure Method (LPM), a technique that uses two separate pressure sensors to measure the pressure difference in a Venturi tube. This method stands in contrast to the traditional Differential Pressure Method (DPM), which relies on a single differential pressure sensor. “The LPM offers a practical and reliable solution, especially in downhole environments where space is at a premium,” Zheng explains. “While it may introduce larger errors due to the subtraction of two separate readings, the overall errors are small and acceptable for our needs.”
The study involved a meticulous combination of theoretical analysis, simulation design, and experimental validation. Water flow experiments were conducted using a 3D printed prototype model, confirming the consistency between simulation and real-world results. Subsequently, wet gas experiments validated the feasibility of the LPM, demonstrating its potential as an alternative to the DPM.
The implications of this research are vast. In an industry where precision and reliability are paramount, the ability to accurately measure supercritical CO2 flow can lead to significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency. “This study provides a new technical approach for flowrate measurement in wells with high concentrations of supercritical CO2-associated gas,” Zheng notes. “It’s particularly relevant for CO2 gas injection and CCUS projects, offering a practical solution under space constraints.”
The use of miniature Venturi sensors, coupled with the LPM, could pave the way for more efficient and effective CO2 injection processes. This, in turn, could accelerate the adoption of CCUS technologies, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuel use and contributing to China’s sustainable development goals.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for innovative measurement technologies will only grow. Zheng’s research, published in Energies, marks a significant step forward in this direction. By providing a reliable and practical solution for measuring supercritical CO2 flow, it opens up new possibilities for the future of energy production and carbon management. The study’s findings could influence future developments in flowrate measurement technologies, driving the industry towards greater precision, efficiency, and sustainability.
