Microfluidic visualization of phase and flow phenomena related to carbon dioxide transport and usage

The usage and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) underground for enhanced resource recovery and climate change mitigation comprise an integral component of the global energy future. The phase and flow behavior of fluids to and in the porous subsurface media must be fully understood to allow for the safe transport and optimal usage of CO2. Flow through subsurface media occurs predominantly at the sub-millimeter scale, and corresponds well microfluidic capabilities.;This thesis focuses on developing and applying microfluidic technologies to the direct study of phase and flow behavior of fluids relevant to CO 2 transport and usage. Firstly, the development of a fast, novel microfluidic approach for the direct quantification of dew point conditions of water in impure CO2 at supercritical conditions is described to inform conditions suitable for CO2 transport in pipelines. Secondly, the development of the first real-rock microvisual platform is described to understand fluid-solid interactions in subsurface reservoirs.