Abstract: Aqueous liquid which has been in contact with a subterranean geological formation, especially a hydrocarbon reservoir, is examined in order to detect or measure viscosifying polymer therein, by flowing a sample of the liquid through a constriction thereby causing extensional flow and alignment of any polymer molecules with the flow, and examining the solution for birefringence of aligned polymer molecules. The amount of birefringence is determined from intensity of light which has passed through the solution relative to intensity of the light source.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid which has been in contact with a subterranean geological formation, especially a hydrocarbon reservoir, is examined in order to detect or measure viscosifying polymer therein, by flowing a sample of the liquid through a constriction thereby causing extensional flow and alignment of any polymer molecules with the flow, and examining the solution for birefringence of aligned polymer molecules. The amount of birefringence is determined from intensity of light which has passed through the solution relative to intensity of the light source.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring physical properties of non-Newtonian fluids, such as fluids containing dispersed solid particulate material and having a yield stress. A fluid resistance member is moved through the non-Newtonian fluid sufficiently slowly that viscous drag on the member is negligible and fluid resistance is essentially due to the yield stress of the fluid. The torque required to maintain the movement of the member through the fluid is measured, and at least one physical property, other than apparent viscosity of the fluid, is determined by employing a known relationship between the measured torque and the physical property of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a rock matrix dielectric permittivity. The method and system use a matching liquid with a temperature dependant permittivity. The matching liquid may be used in an automated and/or downhole system for measuring matrix dielectric permittivity of rock formations.

Abstract: A convenient method of testing imbibition of one or more imbibant fluids by a matrix of particles with a fluid already therein, comprises making a body 4 of packed particles with a matrix fluid filling the interstices between the particles, placing an imbibant fluid in each of a plurality of capillaries 6, 7, partially inserting each capillary into the body 4 so that part of the capillary with imbibant fluid therein projects from the body 4 and observing time for fluid to be taken from each capillary into the body. The method allows comparison of multiple imbibant fluids by placing each fluid in a respective capillary.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a rock matrix dielectric permittivity. The method and system use a matching liquid with a temperature dependant permittivity. The matching liquid may be used in an automated and/or downhole system for measuring matrix dielectric permittivity of rock formations.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring physical properties of non-Newtonian fluids, such as fluids containing dispersed solid particulate material and having a yield stress. A fluid resistance member is moved through the non-Newtonian fluid sufficiently slowly that viscous drag on the member is negligible and fluid resistance is essentially due to the yield stress of the fluid. The torque required to maintain the movement of the member through the fluid is measured, and at least one physical property, other than apparent viscosity of the fluid, is determined by employing a known relationship between the measured torque and the physical property of interest.

Abstract: A convenient method of testing imbibition of one or more imbibant fluids by a matrix of particles with a fluid already therein, comprises making a body 4 of packed particles with a matrix fluid filling the interstices between the particles, placing an imbibant fluid in each of a plurality of capillaries 6, 7, partially inserting each capillary into the body 4 so that part of the capillary with imbibant fluid therein projects from the body 4 and observing time for fluid to be taken from each capillary into the body. The method allows comparison of multiple imbibant fluids by placing each fluid in a respective capillary.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition assembly includes a cable; seismic sensors that are disposed along the cable; and a filler material inside the cable. The filler includes a hydrocarbon-based liquid and an agent to cause the filler material to have a rheological property that is substantially different than a corresponding rheological property of the hydrocarbon-based liquid.