23. Engineering Aspects on Flow Similarity for Design Water-in-oil Emulsion Circuit

The chapter focuses on the engineering challenges and solutions involved in designing a laboratory flow circuit that mimics offshore oil production conditions. It delves into the dynamics of emulsion flow through various pipe fittings and the physical mechanisms that break down droplets. The study highlights the importance of dimensionless parameters like the Weber number in achieving flow similarity and discusses the limitations and adaptations required for a laboratory setting. The chapter also presents a detailed analysis of pressure drop for different fluid compositions and emulsions, providing valuable insights into the operational constraints and safety considerations. By comparing the performance of various emulsions, the study offers practical recommendations for optimizing the laboratory circuit's design and operation. The conclusion emphasizes the complexity of achieving complete flow similarity and suggests potential improvements for future research.