Description

The saturation cell for brine–CO₂ systems is engineered to dissolve CO₂ into brine under controlled high-pressure conditions using a floating piston accumulator mounted on a stand. The cell is equipped with a magnetically driven stirrer located in the brine phase to ensure homogeneous mixing and to maximize mass transfer efficiency. Integrated pressure transducer with display, inlet/outlet valves, and a precision CO₂ injection system—with a sparger to produce fine bubbles—further enhance the gas–liquid contact area. The cell can be used with an electrical heating jacket capable of reaching up to 150°C, allowing precise temperature control to simulate reservoir conditions and optimize gas solubility. All wetted components are fabricated from Hastelloy, providing excellent resistance to both brine and CO₂-induced corrosion. A syringe pump is employed to initially pressurize the brine and transfer the CO₂-saturated brine into the downstream process, while a CO₂ gas booster pressurizes and delivers the CO₂ into the cell. In operation, the 1-liter cell is first partially filled with 0.5 liters of brine at 200 bar by displacing the piston. Subsequently, 0.5 liters of CO₂ gas at 200 bar is injected, and the mixture is agitated for approximately 5 hours to achieve saturation in accordance with Henry’s Law. Any excess CO₂ remaining in the gas phase after saturation can be gently vented through the outlet valve, ensuring that the desired equilibrium is maintained within the cell.