Abstract: Asphaltene onset pressure of a formation fluid is determined by subjecting the fluid to a plurality of tests where depressurization is conducted at a different depressurization rate for each test while optically monitoring the fluid for asphaltene flocculation. The pressures at which asphaltene flocculation are detected in each test are fit to a curve as a function of depressurization rate, and the curve is extrapolated to a pressure (e.g., 0 psi) to provide the asphaltene onset pressure.

Abstract: Asphaltene onset pressure of a formation fluid is determined by subjecting the fluid to a plurality of tests where depressurization is conducted at a different depressurization rate for each test while optically monitoring the fluid for asphaltene flocculation. The pressures at which asphaltene flocculation are detected in each test are fit to a curve as a function of depressurization rate, and the curve is extrapolated to a pressure (e.g., 0 psi) to provide the asphaltene onset pressure.

Abstract: Asphaltene onset pressure of a formation fluid is determined by subjecting the fluid to a plurality of tests where depressurization is conducted at a different depressurization rate for each test while optically monitoring the fluid for asphaltene flocculation. The pressures at which asphaltene flocculation are detected in each test are fit to a curve as a function of depressurization rate, and the curve is extrapolated to a pressure (e.g., 0 psi) to provide the asphaltene onset pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for obtaining a data response of a fluid as a function of pressure of the fluid, and estimating a dew point pressure of the fluid by detecting an inflection pressure, a downward curve pressure, a characteristic change pressure, and an intersection pressure of the function representative of the data response. The estimated dew point pressure of the fluid based on at least one of the inflection pressure, the downward curve pressure, the characteristic change pressure, and the intersection pressure.

Abstract: Asphaltene onset pressure of a formation fluid is determined by subjecting the fluid to a plurality of tests where depressurization is conducted at a different depressurization rate for each test while optically monitoring the fluid for asphaltene flocculation. The pressures at which asphaltene flocculation are detected in each test are fit to a curve as a function of depressurization rate, and the curve is extrapolated to a pressure (e.g., 0 psi) to provide the asphaltene onset pressure.

Abstract: An optical sensor and corresponding method of operation can detect a phase transition and/or related property of a hydrocarbon-based analyte. The optical sensor includes an optical element with a metallic film coupled or integral thereto, with a sample chamber holds the hydrocarbon-based analyte such that the hydrocarbon-based analyte is disposed adjacent the metallic layer. The optical sensor further includes a light source configured to direct light through the optical element such that the light is reflected by the metallic layer under conditions of surface plasmon resonance. The optical sensor analyzes the reflected light to detect a phase transition and/or related property of a hydrocarbon-based analyte.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a flow cell permitting flow of a hydrocarbon-based analyte therethrough. A metallic film is disposed adjacent or within the flow cell. At least one optical element directs polychromatic light for supply to an interface of the metallic film under conditions of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and directs polychromatic light reflected at the interface of the metallic film (which is sensitive to SPR at such interface and thus provides an SPR sensing region within the flow cell) for output to at least one spectrometer that measures spectral data of such polychromatic light. A computer processing system is configured to process the measured spectral data over time as the hydrocarbon-based analyte flows through the flow cell to determine SPR peak wavelength over time and to process the SPR peak wavelength over time to determine at least one property related to phase transition of the analyte.

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: An optical sensor includes a flow cell permitting flow of a hydrocarbon-based analyte therethrough. A metallic film is disposed adjacent or within the flow cell. At least one optical element directs polychromatic light for supply to an interface of the metallic film under conditions of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and directs polychromatic light reflected at the interface of the metallic film (which is sensitive to SPR at such interface and thus provides an SPR sensing region within the flow cell) for output to at least one spectrometer that measures spectral data of such polychromatic light. A computer processing system is configured to process the measured spectral data over time as the hydrocarbon-based analyte flows through the flow cell to determine SPR peak wavelength over time and to process the SPR peak wavelength over time to determine at least one property related to phase transition of the analyte.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for obtaining a data response of a fluid as a function of pressure of the fluid, and estimating a dew point pressure of the fluid by detecting an inflection pressure, a downward curve pressure, a characteristic change pressure, and an intersection pressure of the function representative of the data response. The estimated dew point pressure of the fluid based on at least one of the inflection pressure, the downward curve pressure, the characteristic change pressure, and the intersection pressure.

Abstract: A sensor including a vibrating wire is used to measure a dew point of a fluid.

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: An optical sensor and corresponding method of operation can detect a phase transition and/or related property of a hydrocarbon-based analyte. The optical sensor includes an optical element with a metallic film coupled or integral thereto, with a sample chamber holds the hydrocarbon-based analyte such that the hydrocarbon-based analyte is disposed adjacent the metallic layer. The optical sensor further includes a light source configured to direct light through the optical element such that the light is reflected by the metallic layer under conditions of surface plasmon resonance. The optical sensor analyzes the reflected light to detect a phase transition and/or related property of a hydrocarbon-based analyte.

Abstract: A sensor including a vibrating wire is used to measure a dew point of a fluid.