Скачать или смотреть Microfluidics Technology Opportunities for an Energy Industry in Transition

Microfluidics is the study and application of fluid at small scales. Although these technologies have been applied most in health applications, energy applications present many opportunities that I will review in this talk. The earliest work involved simple micromodel systems used to visualize fluid behavior in porous media - work that predates the field of microfluidics. Applications in the energy industry have grown and microfluidic methods specific to the needs of energy systems - accommodating high pressure and temperature and solvent resistance - have presented a wide array of opportunities. In the conventional energy sector these methods have been applied to study fluid transport and measure physical properties of fluids at conditions relevant to subsurface operations. As there is growing interest in CO2 injection in the subsurface, microfluidic methods are once again addressing questions of CO2 storage capacity and injectivity. There are also opportunities for small scale PVT (pressure-volume-temperature) cells to inform in these applications. Lastly, I will highlight opportunities for microfluidics in electrocatalytic CO2 conversion, a means to lever renewable electricity to divert CO2 emissions and replace fossil sources for products and fuels.

David Sinton | PhD, P.Eng., FCSME, FASME, FEIC, FCAE, FAAAS, FRSC
Professor, Mechanical Engineering Canada Research Chair in Microfluidics and Energy