CFD Simulation of CO₂ Through a Converging–Diverging Nozzle

The chapter delves into the CFD simulation of CO2 through a converging-diverging nozzle, a crucial area of study in the petroleum industry. It begins with an introduction to the challenges posed by CO2 condensation in natural gas extraction, highlighting the need for efficient separation methods. The literature review covers previous studies on condensation inside supersonic nozzles, with a particular focus on CO2 condensation. The experimental study by PETRONAS and a patented method by McGuire are discussed, showcasing successful CO2 separation using supersonic separators. The chapter also explores the physical properties of CO2 and the equations of state used for modeling and simulation. The simulation setup using ANSYS CFX is detailed, with a comparison of different turbulence models and equations of state. The results indicate that turbulent conditions closely replicate experimental data, with a significant pressure drop observed after the throat area. The chapter concludes by suggesting future research directions, including the addition of various natural gas components and transient simulations.