Abstract: A system for determining the phase envelope of a gas condensate includes a microfluidic device defining an entrance passageway, an exit passageway, and a microchannel in fluid communication with the passageways. The system includes an input sample bottle in fluid communication with the entrance passageway and a first pump associated with the input sample bottle for urging the gas condensate, in the input sample bottle, into the entrance passageway. The system further comprises an output sample bottle in fluid communication with the exit passageway and a second pump associated with the output sample bottle for pressurizing the gas condensate, in the output sample bottle, into the exit passageway in opposition to the first pump. The system comprises a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the gas condensate in the microchannel. The first pump and the second pump operate to provide a desired pressure drop across the microchannel.

Abstract: A system for determining the asphaltene content of crude oil includes a first optical flow cell, a first spectrometer operably associated with the first optical flow cell, and a mixer in fluid communication with the first optical flow cell. The system further includes a crude oil injection/metering device configured to receive the crude oil, the crude oil injection/metering device being in fluid communication with the first optical flow cell; a titrant injection/metering device in fluid communication with the mixer, the titrant injection/metering device configured to receive a titrant; and a filtration unit in fluid communication with the mixer. The system further includes a second optical flow cell in fluid communication with the filtration unit, and a second spectrometer operably associated with the second optical flow cell.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus for measuring thermo-physical properties of a reservoir fluid includes a first substrate defining a microchannel, an entrance well, and an exit well. The microchannel extends between and is in fluid communication with the entrance well and the exit well. The apparatus further includes a second substrate attached to the first substrate to form a microfluidic device. The second substrate defines an entrance passageway in fluid communication with the entrance well and an exit passageway in fluid communication with the exit well. The entrance passageway is configured to receive the reservoir fluid under pressure. A method of measuring thermo-physical properties of a reservoir fluid includes introducing the fluid under pressure into a microchannel and determining the thermo-physical properties of the fluid based upon the size and concentration of the bubbles formed as the fluid flows through the microchannel.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for measuring fluid pressure in a microchannel. A number of flexible membranes are positioned at locations along the microchannel such that pressure of the fluid in the microchannel causes a deformation of the membranes. An optical sensing system adapted and positioned to detect deformation of the membranes that thereby determine the pressure of the fluid flowing in the microchannel at a number of locations along the microchannel.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for analyzing phase properties in a microfluidic device. A fluid is introduced under pressure into microchannel, and phase states of the fluid are optically detected at a number of locations along the microchannel. Gas and liquid phases of the fluid are distinguished based on a plurality of digital images of the fluid in the microchannel. Bi-level images can be generated based on the digital images, and the fraction of liquid or gas in the fluid can be estimated versus pressure based on the bi-level images. Properties such as bubble point values and/or a phase volume distribution ratio versus pressure for the fluid are can be estimated based on the detected phase states of the fluid.