Abstract: This invention relates in general to characterizing hydrocarbon reservoirs and/or determining flow properties of fluids associated with the reservoir-including fluids introduced into the reservoir to provide for hydrocarbon extraction-using biological tags and real-time polymerase chain reactions for tag detection. In embodiments of the present invention, one or more biological tags may be added to one or more liquids associated with the hydrocarbon reservoir and subsequently one or more liquid samples may be taken from locations associated with the hydrocarbon and the presence of the one or more biological tag may be qualitatively and/or quantitatively tested for in the samples using real-time PCR.

Abstract: Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based fluid sensors adapted to measure physical properties of oilfield reservoir fluids under downhole conditions. Certain embodiments of the invention may be characterized as a MEMS based reservoir fluid sensor adapted for downhole conditions having a planar member machined from a substrate material, an electrical conductor formed at least partly on the planar member; and a gauge formed on the planar member and adapted to measure a physical effect on the planar member, the physical effect being indicative of a property of a fluid in contact with the planar member.

Abstract: A flow meter for multiphase flows, includes a holdup measuring device having a Venturi located upstream thereof and separated therefrom by a distance that results in flow through the holdup measuring device being at least partially homogenized by the effect of the Venturi on the fluids flowing therethrough.

Abstract: Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based fluid sensors adapted to measure physical properties of oilfield reservoir fluids under downhole conditions. Certain embodiments of the invention may be characterized as a MEMS based reservoir fluid sensor adapted for downhole conditions having a planar member machined from a substrate material, an electrical conductor formed at least partly on the planar member; and a gauge formed on the planar member and adapted to measure a physical effect on the planar member, the physical effect being indicative of a property of a fluid in contact with the planar member.

Abstract: A flow meter for multiphase flows, includes a holdup measuring device having a Venturi located upstream thereof and separated therefrom by a distance that results in flow through the holdup measuring device being at least partially homogenized by the effect of the Venturi on the fluids flowing therethrough.