Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for characterizing a fluid provide for flowing a sample fluid through a microfluidic flow line in a first direction and into contact with a microfluidic sensor, measuring a property of the fluid sample using the microfluidic sensor; and after measuring the property of the fluid sample, flushing the microfluidic sensor by flowing a solvent through the microfluidic flow line in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for determining for determining asphaltene onset pressure of a formation fluid are described herein. The method includes the following processes: (a) transmitting light through a sample of the formation fluid; (b) decreasing pressure of the sample; (c) detecting intensity of the transmitted light during depressurization; (d) identifying a change in intensity of the transmitted light during depressurization; (e) increasing pressure of the sample to a fixed pressure; and (f) detecting intensity of the transmitted light at the fixed pressure and at an equilibrated light intensity. Processes (a) to (f) are repeated for a number of different fixed pressures. The asphaltene onset pressure of the formation fluid sample can be determined using (i) the intensity of the transmitted light during each depressurization and (ii) the intensity of the transmitted light at each of the different fixed pressures.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for determining the presence and/or rate of a flow of a fluid sample include transmitting light through the fluid sample are disclosed. The methods comprise, applying a series of thermal pulses to the fluid sample, the series comprises a time interval between each thermal pulse, detecting transmitted light using a light detector; and determining at least one of (a) whether or not the fluid is flowing and (b) a flow rate of the fluid, based on an intensity of the transmitted light corresponding to at least one time interval.
Abstract:
A method for determining an asphaltene onset condition of a crude oil is provided. The method includes receiving a crude oil within a downhole tool inside a well and taking a first measurement of an optical property of the received crude oil. The method also includes lowering the pressure or temperature of the crude oil after taking the first measurement of the optical property to cause aggregation of asphaltenes in the crude oil, and then separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil. Further, the method includes taking a second measurement of the optical property of the crude oil within the downhole tool after separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil and determining an asphaltene onset condition of the crude oil through comparison of the first and second measurements of the optical property. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for characterizing a fluid provide for flowing a sample fluid through a microfluidic flow line in a first direction and into contact with a microfluidic sensor, measuring a property of the fluid sample using the microfluidic sensor; and after measuring the property of the fluid sample, flushing the microfluidic sensor by flowing a solvent through the microfluidic flow line in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
Abstract:
A method for determining an asphaltene onset condition of a crude oil is provided. The method includes receiving a crude oil within a downhole tool inside a well and taking a first measurement of an optical property of the received crude oil. The method also includes lowering the pressure or temperature of the crude oil after taking the first measurement of the optical property to cause aggregation of asphaltenes in the crude oil, and then separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil. Further, the method includes taking a second measurement of the optical property of the crude oil within the downhole tool after separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil and determining an asphaltene onset condition of the crude oil through comparison of the first and second measurements of the optical property. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.