Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a quantifying force management system generally include a force applicator, a force indicator, and a force application assembly that includes a housing having an internal bore, a housing cap, and a force translator. In various embodiments, a portion of the force applicator extends through a housing cap opening wherein a force applicator bottom surface contacts a force translator top surface within the housing bore and whereby upon application of longitudinal force via the force applicator the force translator is compressed, and wherein the force indicator indicates the quantity of force being applied. In one aspect, embodiments of the quantifying force management system are incorporated in a piston assembly for use with a pressurized fluid density balance. A method of using the quantifying force management system, as a component of the piston assembly, in measuring the density of a liquid sample utilizing a fluid density balance is also provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve elevating its temperature and/or pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a quantifying force management system generally include a force applicator, a force indicator, and a force application assembly that includes a housing having an internal bore, a housing cap, and a force translator. In various embodiments, a portion of the force applicator extends through a housing cap opening wherein a force applicator bottom surface contacts a force translator top surface within the housing bore and whereby upon application of longitudinal force via the force applicator the force translator is compressed, and wherein the force indicator indicates the quantity of force being applied. In one aspect, embodiments of the quantifying force management system are incorporated in a piston assembly for use with a pressurized fluid density balance. A method of using the quantifying force management system, as a component of the piston assembly, in measuring the density of a liquid sample utilizing a fluid density balance is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of an emulsion stability probe generally include two opposing electrodes with a gap there between, one or more electrical circuitry devices embedded in a probe assembly, and electrical circuitry devices that function to quantify and manipulate a sensed current signal, wherein the manipulated signal can be transmitted to an emulsion stability meter. Embodiments of an in-line emulsion stability measurement system generally include an electrical stability probe equipped with a process-connectable fitting, wherein attachment of the electrical stability probe to a process piping segment, utilizing the fitting, provides the electrodes and gap at least partially within the process piping segment, and whereby an in-line emulsion stability measurement of process fluid disposed within the piping segment may be performed. Methods of performing an emulsion stability measurement in-line and/or using an embodiment of the emulsion stability probe disclosed herein are also provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve elevating its temperature and/or pressure.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve elevating its temperature and/or pressure.

Abstract: A pressure relief tool including a stem connected to a plunger assembly, a plunger rod slidably retained in the plunger assembly and the stem, a stem connector for connecting the stem to a test cell vent opening, a handle operably connected to the plunger rod, and a vent tube extending from said plunger assembly, the vent tube fluidly connected to an annular opening within the stem. A method of opening a blockage and venting pressure from a high temperature high pressure test cell includes attaching a pressure relief tool of the present invention to the test cell vent opening; advancing the plunger rod through the vent opening, puncturing the blockage in the test cell to allow fluid flow to the vent opening, and allowing fluid to exit the test cell through the annular opening in the stem and the vent tube.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve elevating its temperature and/or pressure.

Abstract: A pressure relief tool including a stem connected to a plunger assembly, a plunger rod slidably retained in the plunger assembly and the stem, a stem connector for connecting the stem to a test cell vent opening, a handle operably connected to the plunger rod, and a vent tube extending from said plunger assembly, the vent tube fluidly connected to an annular opening within the stem. A method of opening a blockage and venting pressure from a high temperature high pressure test cell includes attaching a pressure relief tool of the present invention to the test cell vent opening; advancing the plunger rod through the vent opening, puncturing the blockage in the test cell to allow fluid flow to the vent opening, and allowing fluid to exit the test cell through the annular opening in the stem and the vent tube.

Abstract: A test cell for determining expansion or contraction of a sample contained therein includes, a test cell body, a reflective surface within the test cell body, the reflective surface moveable responsive to expansion or contraction of the sample, a displacement sensor system exterior of the cell body, the displacement sensor system having a transmitter for transmitting directed electromagnetic radiation and a sensor for sensing electromagnetic radiation, a lens provided in the cell body, the lens constructed to allow electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough. The transmitter, reflective surface, and sensor are constructed and positioned such that directed electromagnetic radiation transmitted from transmitter toward reflective surface is reflected from reflective surface toward the sensor.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a materials testing method and apparatus comprises a test cell, a temperature control system, a pressure control system, a volume measurement system, a strength indicator system, at least one processor and an output device. The apparatus provides real-time output of temperature and pressure conditions, volume change of a test sample, and strength indication. A method of sample testing includes concurrent measurement of pressure, temperature, volume measurement and strength indication. Processed data is output to at least one graphic user interface as a function of time.