Geothermal-Flowloop (GFL): Investigating multiphase flows under geothermal conditions

IF 3.9 2区工程技术 Q3 ENERGY & FUELS

Geothermics Pub Date : 2025-09-23 DOI:10.1016/j.geothermics.2025.103500

Adolph Bravo Jr. , Erlend Straume , Ben Robinson , Namrata Kale , Harry Froment , Amir Shamsa , Maria Eleni Mitzithra , Barnaby E. King , Andri Stefánsson

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The design and operation of geothermal wells, pipelines, and associated infrastructure depend on accurate analysis and understanding of multiphase flow behavior. While a variety of multiphase flow models are available, most are based on experimental data obtained under near-ambient conditions for air–water or oil–gas systems. Applying these models to high-temperature geothermal fluids potentially results in substantial inaccuracies, highlighting the need to investigate multiphase flow under conditions relevant to geothermal applications. Here we introduce the Geothermal-Flowloop (GFL)—a novel, purpose-built facility for direct observation and analysis of multiphase flow in geothermal fluids at representative temperatures and pressures. The system enables controlled multiphase flow experiments with water or brine and gases at temperatures up to 200 °C and pressures up to 40 bar. Equipped with an optical window, hydrophone, and gamma densitometers, the GFL allows real-time and direct visualization of fluid flow behavior including identification of flow regimes, cavitation, slip, liquid holdup and void fraction determination. The GFL also offers a platform for evaluating emerging technologies with potential geothermal applications. By facilitating detailed investigations under realistic operating conditions, the facility contributes to the advancement of geothermal infrastructure design and performance optimization.

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地热循环（GFL）：研究地热条件下的多相流动

地热井、管道和相关基础设施的设计和运行依赖于对多相流行为的准确分析和理解。虽然有各种各样的多相流模型，但大多数都是基于在空气-水或油气系统的近环境条件下获得的实验数据。将这些模型应用于高温地热流体可能会导致大量的不准确性，这突出了在地热应用相关条件下研究多相流的必要性。在这里，我们介绍了地热流环（GFL）——一种新型的、专门建造的设备，用于直接观察和分析地热流体在代表性温度和压力下的多相流动。该系统可以在温度高达200°C，压力高达40 bar的条件下进行水或盐水和气体的控制多相流实验。GFL配备了光学窗口、水听器和伽马密度计，可以实时、直接地可视化流体流动行为，包括流动状态的识别、空化、滑移、含液率和空隙率的测定。GFL还为评估具有潜在地热应用的新兴技术提供了一个平台。通过在实际运行条件下进行详细调查，该设施有助于推进地热基础设施的设计和性能优化。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Geothermics 工程技术-地球科学综合

CiteScore

7.70

自引率

15.40%

发文量

237

审稿时长

4.5 months

期刊介绍： Geothermics is an international journal devoted to the research and development of geothermal energy. The International Board of Editors of Geothermics, which comprises specialists in the various aspects of geothermal resources, exploration and development, guarantees the balanced, comprehensive view of scientific and technological developments in this promising energy field. It promulgates the state of the art and science of geothermal energy, its exploration and exploitation through a regular exchange of information from all parts of the world. The journal publishes articles dealing with the theory, exploration techniques and all aspects of the utilization of geothermal resources. Geothermics serves as the scientific house, or exchange medium, through which the growing community of geothermal specialists can provide and receive information.