Project Info

Using Added Mass Exhibited during Oscillations to Measure Gas Density

Xiaolong Yin | xyin@mines.edu

Gas density is a function of pressure, temperature, and composition and an important parameter for estimating a gas reservoir’s economic potential. In this project, we would like to develop and test an experimental method that allows us to measure gas density quickly and inexpensively at high-pressure, high-temperature conditions relevant to petroleum reservoirs. This method employs the principle that as a sphere oscillates in a dense gas, the frequency of oscillation is impacted by the density of co-accelerated gas. If successful, this work could be published as a novel experimental method for fluid dynamics / fluid properties.

More Information

We started the project in 2015. Below is an MS thesis and a published paper among the presentations and publications that we worked out in the past few years. Interested students are welcome to contact us for inquiries and discussions.

1. Krishnan K. Using Oscillations to Detect Capillary Condensation in MCM-41. MS Thesis. Colorado School of Mines, 2019.

2. Larson Z, Cho Y, Yin X. Experimental technique to measure mass under high pressure conditions using oscillatory motions of a spring-mass system. Meas. Sci. Technol. 28, 065902, 2017

Grand Engineering Challenge: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Sophomore, junior, and senior students with good class standing and desire to learn to run labs.

Time Commitment

4-6 hours/week

Skills/Techniques Gained

  • Lab skill and experience with high-pressure measurements
  • Analysis of data and errors
  • Design, testing, and use of mechanical-electrical devices
  • Exposure to CFD (computational fluid dynamics) if time permitting

Mentoring Plan

Student will be working with a group of four, consisting of other undergraduate / graduate students working on this topic. We hold weekly group meetings. Fresh student will spend 2-4 weeks to practice along with current students. After that they will be able to carry out their own experiments.