Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A minimum volume apparatus and method is provided including a tool for obtaining at least one parameter of interest of a subterranean formation in-situ, the tool comprising a carrier member, a selectively extendable member mounted on the carrier for isolating a portion of annulus, a port exposable to formation fluid in the isolated annulus space, a piston integrally disposed within the extendable member for urging the fluid into the port, and a sensor operatively associated with the port for detecting at least one parameter of interest of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of incrementally decreasing the borehole pressure at a variable rate by controlling a test volume within the borehole. The system includes an incrementally controllable pump, closed loop feedback and a controller for drawing down the pressure of a test volume to a level just below formation pressure. This incremental drawdown system will significantly reduce the overall measurement time, thereby increasing drilling efficiency and safety.

Abstract: A minimum volume apparatus and method is provided including a tool for obtaining at least one parameter of interest of a subterranean formation in-situ, the tool comprising a carrier member, a selectively extendable member mounted on the carrier for isolating a portion of annulus, a port exposable to formation fluid in the isolated annulus space, a piston integrally disposed within the extendable member for urging the fluid into the port, and a sensor operatively associated with the port for detecting at least one parameter of interest of the fluid.

Abstract: A minimum volume apparatus and method is provided including a tool for obtaining at least one parameter of interest of a subterranean formation in-situ, the tool comprising a carrier member, a selectively extendable member mounted on the carrier for isolating a portion of annulus, a port exposable to formation fluid in the isolated annulus space, a piston integrally disposed within the extendable member for urging the fluid into the port, and a sensor operatively associated with the port for detecting at least one parameter of interest of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of incrementally decreasing the borehole pressure at a variable rate by controlling a test volume within the borehole. The system includes an incrementally controllable pump, closed loop feedback and a controller for drawing down the pressure of a test volume to a level just below formation pressure. This incremental drawdown system will significantly reduce the overall measurement time, thereby increasing drilling efficiency and safety.

Abstract: The present invention is a differential pressure fluid density production logging tool. The tool comprises an elongated housing adapted to traverse a wellbore. The housing has ports in hydraulic communication with the wellbore at spaced apart locations. The tool also comprises a differential pressure transducer having two inputs, a selective valve, and a reference tube filled with a liquid having a known density. The valve is selectively operable to shunt the inputs of the transducer, to connect the reference tube across the inputs of the transducer to calibrate the transducer, and to connect the ports across the inputs of the transducer to enable measurement of the fluids in the wellbore.

Abstract: "A method and apparatus for automated, non-destructive permeability determination of a whole-core reservoir rock sample from pressure and time measurements taken as a known volume of pressurized gas, injected into the sample through a probe, diffuses through the sample in a modified hemispherical flow pattern.

Abstract: A poppet valve is mounted internally of a core tranfer piston of a core testing device. The valve face of the poppet valve is smoothly configured so that particulate matter will not cling thereto. A flow of gas is provided to blow debris away from the poppet valve assembly into the external environment.

Abstract: A fluid pump for delivering accurate volumes of high-pressure fluids is obtained using an intensifier to supply the majority of the motive power required to displace the fluids. The intensifier balances the forces between the output pressure of the displaced fluid (above a convention drive piston) with a large diameter booster piston that is driven pneumatically by low-pressure gas. A small horsepower motor provides needed power to overcome the friction of the high pressure gas pump, the differential pressure needed for the use of the pump, and to accurately control or trim the high-pressure output or rate to a precise value. A ball screw and spur gears are used to transmit the power. The pump is uniquely designed to reduce the stress from the motor to the components.

Abstract: A low range differential pressure transducer is connected in a closed fluid system which also contains a U-tube filled with oil in its upper portion and mercury in its lower portion. Under conditions of high line pressure similar quantities of oil are displaced within the closed system from one arm of the U-tube to the other, causing the mercury in the latter arm to be forced down while rising in the other arm. The difference in height between the levels of mercury is used in calculating the differential pressure. By connecting a number of U-tubes in series the cumulative differences between the levels of mercury in the arms of each U-tube can be used in calculating the differential pressure for a transducer designed to measure differential pressure over a wider range of low pressures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the viscosity and density of a fluid by circulating the fluid upward through a tube, having a cup positioned therein, at a fluid flow rate which suspends the cup in a stationary equilibrium position. Thereafter, a weight is added to the cup and a new fluid flow rate which suspends the weighted cup in the equilibrium position is determined. The density and viscosity of the fluid are determined as a function of the two fluid flow rate values and the physical characteristics of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically determining the permeability and porosity for a plurality of core samples. The apparatus includes a carousel capable of carrying a plurality of core samples, a piston for selectively transferring one of the core samples from the carousel into a sample holder wherein the piston in cooperation with the sample holder seals the core sample in a test chamber, and a second piston located internal to the first piston for selectively closing and opening the lower end of the core sample so that gas introduced in the upper end of the core sample can be utilized to conduct a permeability test when the lower end is open and a porosity test when the lower end is closed by the internal piston.

Abstract: Improved end plugs for abutting core samples during porosity and permeability testing. The end plug has a face having at least one circular channel and a plurality of radial channels formed on its surface which are in fluid communication with the circular channel. The face abuts a porous disk which in turn abuts the core sample.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring Klinkenberg permeability and pore volume of a tight core plug sample is provided wherein a pressure transducer is positioned between the sample cell and the manifold of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically determining the permeability and porosity for a plurality of core samples. The apparatus includes a carousel capable of carrying a plurality of core samples, a piston located under the carousel for selectively raising one of the core samples from the carousel into an upper sample holder wherein the piston in cooperation with the sample holder seals the core sample in a test chamber, and a second piston located internal to the first piston for selectively closing and opening the lower end of the core sample so that gas introduced in the upper end of the core sample can be utilized to conduct a permeability test when the lower end is open and a porosity test when the lower end is closed by the internal piston.

Abstract: Improved perforated end plug circular plates for abutting core samples during porosity and permeability testing. The perforated end plug plates having at least one circular channel formed on the surface opposing the abutting surface of the plate, a plurality of radial channels formed also on the opposing surface and being in fluid communication with the circular channel. At least one circular array of holes formed in the surface abutting the core sample and in fluid communication with the circular and radial channels on the opposing surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for measuring the volumes of oil (310) and water (320) in an oil and water mixture (300) wherein the mixture (300) flows at a constant volumetric flow rate. The device includes a formed cylindrical passageway (200) capable of receiving the fluid mixture (300) and for separating the fluid mixture (300) into separate oil and water droplets (310, 320) while maintaining the constant volumetric flow rate. Electrical probes (400) mounted across the passageway (200) are interconnected with an alternating current source (1200) to apply current to the flowing oil and water droplets in the passageway (200). The resulting sinusoidal voltage pulses (1300, 1310) produced by the flowing oil and water droplets are compared to a predetermined voltage level (1320) and if a water droplet (320) passes the probes (400), the sinusoidal voltage pulses (1310) exceed the predetermined level (1320) and these pulses are then counted (1240).

Abstract: Micellar-polymer systems for use in oil recovery are designed by examining an oil-bearing reservoir to determine its suitability for secondary-type oil recovery operations and to determine whether secondary-type oil recovery is, in fact, economic. If predetermined criteria of reservoir configuration and economic yield are met, a suite of suitable micellar dispersions is prepared from components which are both available and economic. The interfacial tension between each of the micellar dispersions, such as the preferred microemulsions and reservoir fluids, is then optionally determined along with mobility of the micellar dispersions and stability of the micellar dispersions on contact with the fluids in the reservoir and the reservoir material simulating the reservoir. Filterability determinations are made to screen out any micellar dispersion which might plug the reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring Klinkenberg permeability and pore volume of a tight core plug sample is provided wherein a pressure transducer is positioned between the sample cell and the manifold of the system.