Numerical and experimental study of a novel aerodynamic foam breaker for foam drilling fluid

Abstract

Defoaming is a key technology for increasing the efficiency of foam drilling in petroleum engineering. To enhance the performance of a mechanical foam breaker in foam drilling, a novel aerodynamic foam breaker with two annular slits was investigated in this study. The computational fluid dynamics code of ANSYS Fluent was used to simulate the velocity and pressure distribution inside the foam breaker, and the optimum distance between the two annular slits was determined based on the simulation methods. Meanwhile, a series of experiments were conducted to test the actual performance of the foam breaker. The results demonstrate that various factors may affect the efficiency of the foam breaker, including the foam gas‐liquid ratio, basic liquid viscosity, and air supply method. A higher gas‐liquid ratio of the foam and air supply pressure result in a superior foam breaker performance. The viscosity of the foam liquid phase exhibits exactly the opposite behavior, meaning that the foam breaker more effectively destroys foam from a lower‐viscosity liquid. This study verifies the practicability of this novel aerodynamic foam breaker and discusses the effects of different parameters on the defoaming percentage, and this study can act as a reference and guidance for subsequent defoaming research.

[Retracted] Application of Computer Simulation Optimization Algorithm in Waste Treatment of Drilling Engineering

“…Based on this model, we establish the technological innovation dynamics mechanism of drilling waste treatment and provide a theoretical basis and suggestions for technological innovation of drilling waste treatment, to reduce the pollution of drilling waste to the environment and enhance the competitiveness of enterprises [3]. Comparing the characteristics of drilling waste treatment technology, it is recognized that drilling waste treatment technology needs innovative breakthroughs to create good economic and social benefits for enterprises and society under the premise of meeting the requirements of reduction, harmlessness, and resourcefulness [4].…”

Novel PVDF-g-NMA Copolymer for Fabricating the Hydrophilic Ultrafiltration Membrane with Good Antifouling Property

“…Membrane fouling results from the adsorption and accumulation of foulants on the membrane surfaces and membrane pores, thereby clogging membrane pores and shortening the life of the membrane . The presence of foam increases the forming time of membranes, equipment load, and environmental pollution, creating many problems for industrialization . Bubbles in the PVDF casting solution affect the integrity of the PVDF flat membrane and the continuity of the PVDF hollow fiber membrane.…”

A Study on the Oil-Bearing Stability of Salt-Resistant Foam and an Explanation of the Viscoelastic Phenomenon

“…Aqueous-based foams are composed of liquid-phase films and a gas-phase core, which have low density and high viscosity [1], enabling them to be widely used in many fields, such as petroleum and gas development [2], drilling and well workover operations [3], and froth flotation in the mining industry [4]. However, foams have a large specific surface and belong to thermodynamically unstable systems, which make it difficult for them to exist stably for a long time [5].…”