Fluids Engineering
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) conducts comprehensive applied fluids engineering research to optimize industrial fluid systems for efficiency, reliability and performance. Fluid systems are found in every industry and consist of any process which involves fluids (oil, water, gas, slurry, acid, etc.)
SwRI’s Fluids Engineering Department helps clients identify and mitigate inefficiencies, understand complex fluid phenomena through research and apply fundamental knowledge to solve industry challenges. With expertise and world-class facilities, we enable our customers’ technologies to reach higher safety and compliance standards.
Applying Fluid Mechanics R&D to Multiple Industries
We deliver practical solutions in the areas of fluid mechanics and thermal management, providing actionable insights and validated data. We specialize in complex and extreme conditions, helping clients better predict fluid behavior with the goal of reducing risk, improving performance and optimizing designs. Full-scale testing facilities, simulation expertise and CFD-informed testing enable enhanced oil and gas production, greater efficiency in thermal management systems and reliable fluid handling in spacecraft.
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Flow Measurement & Calibration
SwRI helps clients measure and calibrate fluid flow technology.
For decades, SwRI’s world-class, high-accuracy flow measurement facilities have helped industries reliably quantify fluid movement in systems such as oil wells, pipelines and power plants. Our research focuses on system efficiency, ensuring reliability and reducing uncertainty in custody transfer through data-driven design and operational decisions. By combining testing, calibration and advanced research, we provide data and solutions that enhance performance, ensure compliance with standards and increase confidence in critical flow measurement systems.
Multiphase Flow Expertise
SwRI's multiphaseflow test facility helps clients perform applied R&D on oil, gas technology.
SwRI helps clients design and operate reliable multiphase flow systems. We have decades of experience in multiphase flow research focusing on challenging regimes, gas–liquid phase separation, wet gas metering, and flow assurance issues in pipelines and production systems. By combining large-scale experimental testing with advanced computational modeling, we help clients reduce operational risk, improve measurement accuracy, and prevent problems like flow instabilities, erosion, and equipment damage under complex real-world flow conditions.
- Multiphase Flow Research
- Erosion Testing, Analysis & CFD Modeling
- Flow Assurance
- Wet Gas Measurement
Fluid Equipment Validation & Research
Low-temperature pressurized subsurface safety valve (SSSV) testing for carbon capture and utilization (CCUS).
SwRI’s fluid equipment validation and research services leverage decades of expertise in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and full-scale testing. We clients test and optimize pumps, compressors, valves, heat exchangers, piping, coatings and fluid formulations used in oil and gas, power generation, information technology, and sustainable energy. With a commitment to innovation and technical excellence, SwRI helps clients develop and prove reliable, efficient and cutting-edge fluid equipment solutions.
- Fluid Systems & Applications
- Industrial Pump Testing & Validation
- Downhole Completion & Subsea Value Testing
Environmental & Energy Solutions
Flare testing R&D supports decarbonization technology.
We help clients advance their sustainable energy goals through applied R&D that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves resource efficiency and supports the transition to low-carbon infrastructure. Using data-driven strategies, we analyze and mitigate urban environmental concerns such as heat islands and air quality, creating greener communities. By integrating expertise in carbon management, hydrogen technologies, water treatment and environmental systems, SwRI develops practical solutions that enhance energy system performance while supporting regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.
- Sustainable Energy Solutions
- Gas Pipeline Leak Detection Services
- Emissions Sensing Technology Development
Please contact Shane Siebenaler at +1 210 522 5758 for additional information about Fluids Engineering at SwRI.
