Microfluidic Fabrication Techniques for High-Pressure Testing of Microscale Supercritical CO2 Foam Transport in Fractured Unconventional Reservoirs

Overview

This paper describes a protocol along with a comparative study of two microfluidic fabrication techniques suitable for high-pressure conditions. The techniques enable direct observation of fluid flow in surrogate permeable media and fractured systems under reservoir conditions.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Microfluidics
• High-pressure systems
• Fluid dynamics

Background

• Collaboration between the University of Kansas and the University of Wyoming.
• Development of a protocol for testing polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles.
• Utilization of state-of-the-art facilities for high-pressure microfluidics.
• Support from NSF and DOE for the project.

Purpose of Study

• To compare microfluidic fabrication techniques.
• To enable testing under high-pressure conditions.
• To facilitate direct observation of fluid flow in complex media.

Methods Used

• Photolithography
• Wet-etching
• Thermal-bonding
• Selective Laser-induced Etching (SLE)

Main Results

• Comparison of two microfluidic fabrication techniques.
• Demonstration of their applicability under high-pressure conditions.
• Insights into fluid flow behavior in surrogate permeable media.
• Establishment of a collaborative framework for future research.

Conclusions

• The study provides valuable protocols for high-pressure microfluidics.
• Both techniques show promise for future applications in fluid dynamics research.
• Collaboration enhances the capabilities of both research groups.

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