Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus configured to grow a single crystal includes a support configured to carry the single crystal. The support includes an end portion having variable widths along a length of the support. The apparatus can be used to grow, for example, large, high quality single crystals of ice in a short amount of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus detects dew precipitation and determines dew precipitation onset pressure in a sample of formation fluid located downhole in an oilfield reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes (a) isolating a sample of formation fluid downhole; (b) illuminating the sample downhole with fluorescence excitation light; (c) measuring at least one characteristic of fluorescence short from the sample; (d) reducing pressure on the sample; (e) repeating steps (b) to (d); (f) detecting dew precipitation when a change is detected in a parameter that is a function of the at least one characteristic of fluorescence emission; and (g) setting dew precipitation onset pressure equal to pressure on the sample when the change in the parameter is detected. The parameter preferably is a function of fluorescence intensity and fluorescence red shift, and the change is an increase in fluorescence intensity and detection of fluorescence red shift.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring oil flow velocity in a well are provided which utilize fluorescence quenching. A marker which quenches the natural fluorescence of crude oil is chosen and injected into the oil flow at a first location. At a second location, the oil flow is subjected to light at a wavelength which will cause oil to naturally fluoresce. The fluorescence signal is detected at the second location by a sensing probe. The time that it takes for the quenching marker to move from the first location to the second location is measured by sensing a decrease in fluorescence due to the quencher. Fluid velocity is determined by dividing the distance between the marker-ejection point and the optical probe position by the time it took the marker to move that distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus detects dew precipitation and determines dew precipitation onset pressure in a sample of formation fluid located downhole in an oilfield reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes (a) isolating a sample of formation fluid downhole; (b) illuminating the sample downhole with fluorescence excitation light; (c) measuring at least one characteristic of fluorescence short from the sample; (d) reducing pressure on the sample; (e) repeating steps (b) to (d); (f) detecting dew precipitation when a change is detected in a parameter that is a function of the at least one characteristic of fluorescence emission; and (g) setting dew precipitation onset pressure equal to pressure on the sample when the change in the parameter is detected. The parameter preferably is a function of fluorescence intensity and fluorescence red shift, and the change is an increase in fluorescence intensity and detection of fluorescence red shift.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring oil flow velocity in a well are provided which utilize fluorescence quenching. A marker which quenches the natural fluorescence of crude oil is chosen and injected into the oil flow at a first location. At a second location, the oil flow is subjected to light at a wavelength which will cause oil to naturally fluoresce. The fluorescence signal is detected at the second location by a sensing probe. The time that it takes for the quenching marker to move from the first location to the second location is measured by sensing a decrease in fluorescence due to the quencher. Fluid velocity is determined by dividing the distance between the marker-ejection point and the optical probe position by the time it took the marker to move that distance.