Article
Energy & Fuels
Bo Zhang, Ranjith Pathegama Gamage, Chengpeng Zhang, Ayal Wanniarachchi
Summary: This study investigates how fracture roughness affects proppant transport and placement using an improved computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method. The results show that increasing fracture roughness enhances the lateral conveyance of proppant and reduces its settling velocity. The fractal dimension of fracture walls and the fracture inclination angle also influence proppant movement and deposition.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cong Lu, Qijun Zeng, Jiaxing Liu, Zhenfu Ma, Xianzhen Shao, Lin Tang, Yanxia Huang, Guangqing Zhou, Xianbo Meng, Jiandong Wang, Jianchun Guo
Summary: In this study, a mathematical model of proppant embedding was established based on rock surface indentation experiment and Hertz contact theory. Shale spontaneous imbibition experiments were conducted to develop a mathematical model for hydration depth, and a proppant embedded mathematical model of rough fractures was built considering the elastic-elastoplastic-plastic whole-stage. The research provided insights into the laws of proppant embedding and offered a theoretical basis for shale reservoir fracturing design and fracture effectiveness analysis.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tian-Kui Guo, Zhi-Lin Luo, Jin Zhou, Yuan-Zhi Gong, Cai-Li Dai, Jin Tang, Yang Yu, Bing Xiao, Bao-Lun Niu, Ji-Jiang Ge
Summary: This study investigates the migration and placement of proppants within complex fractures by considering fracture wall roughness using computational fluid mechanics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM). The results show that proppant placement non-uniformity and migration capacity are enhanced in rough fractures compared to smooth fractures. The injection rate and fracturing fluid viscosity have a significant impact on proppant migration and placement.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yiwen Gong, Ilham El-Monier, Mohamed Mehana
Summary: The study used a coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian approach to quantify proppant distributions in complex fracture networks and validated the method's effectiveness. It was found that networks with secondary and tertiary fractures tend to receive more proppant, and the impact of fracturing fluid viscosity on proppant transport varies.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Zhou Hangyu, Guo Jianchun, Zhang Tao, Gou Haoran, Chen Chi, Wang Shouxin, Tang Tang
Summary: This study focuses on the proppant transport and distribution in fractures, especially in rough fractures, and investigates the effect of wall retardation on proppant migration and settlement. The researchers used the two fluid method (TFM) and the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to analyze the characteristics of shale and tight sandstone samples and construct rough fracture models. The study found that the wall-retardation effect is further enhanced by the unevenly distributed fracture aperture in rough fractures, and the morphology of rough fractures has little impact on proppant transport when the mean fracture aperture is above the critical value.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yushi Zou, Shicheng Zhang, Xinfang Ma, Xiaohuan Zhang, Shipeng Zhang
Summary: This study finds that continental shale oil formations are more complex and heterogeneous than marine shale formations. The presence of dense laminas, lithologic interfaces, and mineral-filled natural fractures in these formations can create complex hydraulic fracture growth, proppant placement, and conductivity evolution mechanisms. The findings provide important insights for the implementation of hydraulic fracturing.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jian-Hua Li, Bo-Bo Li, Qiao-Yun Cheng, Zheng Gao
Summary: Hydraulic fracturing technology is crucial in improving the recovery rate of shale gas. This study proposes a permeability model to examine the combined effects of a proppant and stress on permeability, taking into account changes in fracture width and porosity. The model quantifies and analyzes the compressibility and permeability of supported fractures, and its rationality is verified through test data.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hai Qu, Rui Wang, Xiang Ao, Zhonghua Liu, Hun Lin, Qianhua Xiao
Summary: Experimental investigation of particle-fluid flow in a vertical nonplanar fracture showed that narrowing width complicates slurry flow and reduces bed coverage area, with vortex flow appearing at the contraction of the cross-section and irregular bed formation due to non-uniform placement. A mathematical model was developed to predict the coverage percentage of the particle bed.
Article
Thermodynamics
Hai Qu, Yang Xu, Ying Liu, Zhelun Li, Xu Liu, Zhijun Zeng, Ruichang Guo
Summary: This paper proposes a novel method to study the particle transport characteristics in rock fractures by combining three-dimensional laser scanning and casting technology. The experimental results show that distorted streamlines, vortexes, sand settling, and dispersion are primary characteristics of particle transport. Increasing fluid velocity and viscosity can improve particle distribution.
Article
Engineering, Petroleum
Lei Hou, Yiyan Cheng, Derek Elsworth, Honglei Liu, Jianhua Ren
Summary: Sand screenout is a serious challenge in hydraulic fracturing, and this research proposes a method combining data-driven methods and field measurements for continuous evaluation and prediction of screenout probability. By optimizing the inputs and training a deep learning model, the probability of screenout can be accurately predicted, and the effect of pump rate on screenout probability is analyzed.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhiying Wu, Chunfang Wu, Linbo Zhou
Summary: This study experimentally examines the proppant transport and placement in narrow curving channels and analyzes the factors affecting particle placement in curving fractures. The results show that non-uniform proppant placement occurs in curving fractures, with a lower dune height and covered area compared to straight fractures. The curving pathway hinders proppant distribution and leads to a dune closer to the inlet. Additionally, a large depleted zone is formed in the curving section, hindering oil and gas flowback.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Margaret Benge, Allan Katende, Jonny Rutqvist, Mileva Radonjic, Andrew Bunger
Summary: The Caney shale in southwest Oklahoma, USA, is an emerging hydrocarbon play. While past work has shown that the distinction between brittle and ductile is not mechanically justifiable, the current study reveals important differences between nominally ductile and reservoir zones. The ductile zones, characterized by higher clay content and textural differences, are more prone to creep deformation, indicating a higher vulnerability to proppant embedment and greater production decline over time.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Brian D. Yamashiro, Ingrid Tomac
Summary: The influence of rough rock surface geometry on flow behavior of neutrally buoyant particles in fractures is investigated in this study. The roughness level is evaluated by varying the root-mean-square asperity height and fractal dimension of synthetic surfaces. The effects of flow Reynolds number and multiparticle volumetric concentration are also considered. The results show that the particle transport rate is enhanced in some rough fractures at intermediate particle diameter to mechanical aperture ratio values, but further narrowing of the mechanical aperture leads to particle arrest. The evaluations of multiparticle flow and transport also reveal that increased particle interactions result in varied hydraulic aperture values.
GEOMECHANICS FOR ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wenpei Ma, Ingrid Tomac
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of proppant agglomerations during flow and transport within fractures intersected at typical angles for jointed fractures. Results show that proppant volumetric concentration and fluid flow rate are closely correlated, and increasing fluid dynamic viscosity strongly promotes proppant agglomeration. Changes in fracture intersection angle minimally affect proppant agglomerates, while increasing the proppant concentration generally promotes particle agglomeration with varying effects when coupled with flow rate.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Mateusz Maslowski, Malgorzata Labus
Summary: This paper presents experiments on proppant embedment phenomenon on shale rock from the Baltic Basin, an unconventional gas deposit region. The results show that proper selection of proppant and fracturing fluid can reduce fracture width and increase conductivity. The novel laboratory imaging procedure introduced in the article is a valuable method for assessing the vulnerability of reservoir rocks to embedment.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jieqing Gan, Zongyan Zhou, Aibing Yu, Dean Ellis, Reece Attwood, Wei Chen
Summary: Multibody dynamics (MBD) simulation is a useful tool for analyzing the kinematic function of multibody systems, while discrete element method (DEM) is commonly used for simulating particle flows and overall processes. Combining MBD and DEM methods through functional mock-up interface (FMI) co-simulation can predict equipment performance by considering both material and equipment behavior. This study utilized Dymola software to perform MBD and FMI co-simulations, developing MBD models for a hydraulic excavator system and GPU-based DEM models for excavator digging cycles. The results demonstrated the significant impact of solid materials on excavator movement.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lingling Liu, Shibo Kuang, Baoyu Guo, Aibing Yu
Summary: Oxygen blast furnace (OBF) is a low carbon ironmaking technology that suffers from high gas flame temperature. Injecting COREX off-gas (CROG) into the industrial BF can improve coal combustion and overall performance. The optimum injection rate of CROG helps achieve better fuel economy by enhancing indirect reduction and coke combustion.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
E. Dianyu, Haihan Fan, Zhongfang Su, Guangtai Xu, Ruiping Zou, Aibing Yu, Shibo Kuang
Summary: This paper proposes a hydrocyclone with a tapered inlet design to reduce the influence of particles misplacement. The new hydrocyclone integrates the advantages of both spiral inlet and tangential inlet. Through the analysis of separation performance, flow characteristics, and volume fraction distributions, an optimum design is identified. Compared to a standard hydrocyclone, the new design significantly improves tangential velocities, expands the locus of zero vertical velocity, and achieves more stable air core, symmetric radial and axial velocity distributions, as well as reduced eddy flow and short-circuit flow. This study offers a new perspective for improving hydrocyclone flows and performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yifan Qin, Xiao Dong Chen, Aibing Yu, Jie Xiao
Summary: Mathematical modeling of mass transfer and absorption in the small intestine is challenging and requires a reliable and computationally efficient predictive model. This study derives an absorption model that considers the 3D intestinal inner wall structure and can be used in a 1D distributed model. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to quantify the mass-transfer coefficient. The model provides insights into the influence of intestinal morphology and motility on mass transfer and absorption.
Article
Energy & Fuels
E. Dianyu, Peng Zhou, Langyong Ji, Jiaxin Cui, Qiang Xu, Liejin Guo, Aibing Yu
Summary: In this study, a validated CFD-DEM model is used to investigate the dynamics, microstructure, and thermochemical behaviors in the raceway of a blast furnace with hydrogen injection operations. The effects of hydrogen injection concentration on raceway size, gas temperature, and components are studied.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hao Miao, Ke Huang, Yingwen Li, Renjie Li, Xudong Zhou, Jingyu Shi, Zhenbo Tong, Zhenhua Sun, Aibing Yu
Summary: In this study, the LNP formulation, atomization methods, and buffer system were optimized to maintain stability and efficiency of mRNA encapsulated LNPs during the atomization process. A suitable LNP formulation for atomization, AX4, DSPC, cholesterol, and DMG-PEG2K at a 35/16/46.5/2.5 (%) molar ratio, was identified based on in vitro experiments. Soft mist inhaler (SMI) was found to be the most suitable method for pulmonary delivery of mRNA encapsulated LNPs. The physico-chemical properties of the LNPs, such as size and entrapment efficiency, were further improved by adjusting the buffer system with trehalose. In vivo fluorescence imaging of mice demonstrated the potential of SMI with proper LNPs design and buffer system for inhaled mRNA-LNP therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fei Xiao, Min Luo, Fayuan Huang, Mengmeng Zhou, Jianchuan An, Shibo Kuang, Aibing Yu
Summary: This paper presents a modified vortex elbow designed to handle coarse particles, and studies the gas-solid flows and wall erosion using a combined approach of discrete element model and computational fluid dynamics. The effects of particle size on flow characteristics and elbow erosion are quantified and compared with a standard elbow. The results show that the modified vortex elbow decreases the maximum penetration ratio and total penetration depth for all particle sizes, with more significant effects for larger particles. The wall erosion is also explained using flow characteristics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Li Ji, Puja Paul, Bhuvana K. Shanbhag, Ian Dixon, Shibo Kuang, Lizhong He
Summary: This review summarizes the emerging applications of hydrocyclones in food and bioproduct processing. While hydrocyclones are efficient in removing larger particles such as mammalian cells, separating small cells like yeast is more challenging. Strategies such as decreasing body diameters and increasing inlet velocities have been explored to tackle this challenge at the cost of increasing the water split at underflow and reducing the concentration ratio.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Long Huang, Runyu Liu, Fayuan Huang, Jiale Yuan, Deyang Wen, Qingxia Liu, Yuemin Zhao, Haishen Jiang, Shibo Kuang
Summary: In this study, the performance of a new perturbed rotary centrifugal airflow classifier was investigated through experiments and numerical simulations. The results show that abnormal pressure distribution in the internal flow field deteriorates the classification effect of different tooth structures. The highest classification efficiency was achieved by the single-row tooth structure under certain operating parameters.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fayuan Huang, Shibo Kuang, Ruiping Zou, Bodhisattwa Chaudhuri, Aibing Yu
Summary: This paper presents a numerical study of tribocharging during pneumatic conveying and validates the model using specific charge measurements. It quantifies the cumulative charge and its effect on horizontal pneumatic conveying. The study establishes a phase diagram to predict charging modes and analyzes flow characteristics to understand charging phenomena.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Xinyang Zhang, Lulu Jiao, Junjie Li, Shibo Kuang, Aibing Yu
Summary: This study presents a numerical investigation on the effect of belly diameter to effective height ratio (RD-H) on the performance of ironmaking blast furnace (BF). The results recommend an optimal RD-H range for BF designers, which ensures low coke rate, low gas pressure drop, high productivity, and high thermal energy utilization.
STEEL RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Adriano Gomes de Freitas, Ricardo Borges dos Santos, Luis Alberto Martinez Riascos, Jose Eduardo Munive-Hernandez, Shibo Kuang, Ruiping Zou, Aibing Yu
Summary: Pneumatic conveying of powders is an engineering process that is used to transport dry granular or powder materials. This process consumes a significant amount of energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of this research project is to develop a model for pneumatic conveying and analyze the bulk characteristics of the particles being transported. Due to the empirical nature of pneumatic conveyance, it is difficult to establish general models. Therefore, evaluating energy efficiency is usually limited to specific experimental conditions. The research focuses on the optimization of a workflow using data from an industrial operation controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). By applying mathematical methods, it has been shown that it is feasible to control an efficient pneumatic conveying system by manipulating only two input parameters.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinyi Tian, Yuqing Gao, Xiaoyun Ye, Fei Huang, Yuwei Zhao, Tong Zhang, Wei Zhao, Xiurong Chen, Hualin Wang, Shibo Kuang
Summary: A gravity-driven hydrocyclone was proposed for the separation and activation of granular sludge without the need for an intake pump. CFD simulations showed that the inclination angle affected fluid flow, particle motion, and separation performance, but had little influence on particle rotation and translation. The new hydrocyclone achieved efficient separation and the split ratio increased with the inclination angle.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Fazli, Murray Rudman, Shibo Kuang, Andrew Chryss
Summary: This paper describes the numerical methodology of several versions of immersed boundary methods (such as Volume Penalization IBM, Indirect Imposition of Discrete Forcing IBM, and Direct Imposition of Discrete Forcing IBM) and their applications in Newtonian and yield-pseudoplastic flows. The investigation shows that explicit forcing methods are incompatible with flows with non-Newtonian yield-pseudoplastic rheology, while the implicit forcing method is reliable for modeling non-Newtonian flows.
APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Haoyu Wang, Zhen Tan, Shibo Kuang, Aibing Yu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of operation strategies on the process characteristics of centrifugal slurry pump using the DDPM method. The results show that slurry flowrate and particle size have significant impacts on pump erosion, while impeller speed affects the severity of erosion.
