Abstract: An immersion probe is described that includes sensing elements that allow for hydrate inhibitor dosage to be more efficiently provided into gas and/or oil wells. The immersion probe allows for detection of first appearance of water in a multiphase flow in a well, measuring the amount of inhibitor in water within the well, determining an accurate water-cut, and measuring other property such as water salinity. Accordingly, with the known water-cut, salinity and the water flow rate inferred from the inhibitor injection flow rate and inhibitor-in-water fraction, a correct dosage of the inhibitor can be injected to the well in order to prevent hydrate formation, while reducing overdosing. Water flow rate may also be inferred from an independently measured liquid flow rate and the immersion-probe measured water cut.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for quantifying a surface's cleanliness relative to a contaminant. Such devices and methods may comprising and use a source of interrogating radiation to which the contaminant is responsive, a means for directing the interrogating radiation, a detector, and an analyzer. Radiation emitted from the source is directed by the radiation means toward the surface or a surface cleaner that may hold the contaminant. The detector detects radiation from the surface or the surface cleaner produced in response to the interrogating radiation by the contaminant, e.g., fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation, and generate a corresponding signal that is compared by the analyzer relative to an electronic standard that corresponds to the surface in an acceptably clean state so as to quantify the surface's cleanliness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of hydrocarbons near an unmanned offshore oil platform. The method steps include monitoring reflected atmospheric and thermal radiation, detecting the presence of hydrocarbons, and generating an alert based on the presence of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A sensing scheme comprising determining the chemical degradation and physical degradation in oil using variation in transmission behavior of oil for multi-wavelength electromagnetic radiation, and separating the contributory effect of physical degradation from the chemical degradation is disclosed. Further sensor designs employing the said scheme are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the consumption of oil from an oil separation system (2) in the blow by gas recycling circuit of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Viscous oil residues are located based on fluorescence polarization. Methods and apparatus in accordance with the invention may be integrated with autonomous and remotely operated undersea vehicles to map the location of oil spills.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to characterize stock-tank oil during fluid composition analysis are disclosed. A disclosed example method to characterize a fluid associated with an underground geological formation comprises obtaining a sample of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation, determining, in a borehole associated with the underground geological formation, a stock-tank oil type for the sample of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation, and determining a property of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation based on the stock-tank oil type.

Abstract: Viscous oil residues are located based on fluorescence polarization. Methods and apparatus in accordance with the invention may be integrated with autonomous and remotely operated undersea vehicles to map the location of oil spills.

Abstract: The corrosion rate of a metal immersed in a fluid medium is measured by transmission of a beam of radiation normally in the visible or near infra-red portion of the spectrum, through a thin film of the metal immersed in the medium. The film of the metal is suitably supported on a radiation-transmitting substrate such as a glass plate or slide. The corrosion rate can be determined by passing a radiation beam through the metal film sample using a twin beam system to compensate for instrument factors such as the absorbance by the fluid medium, the cell windows and the film-supporting substrate. As the thickness of the film decreases, the reduction in film thickness is determined by the increase in beam intensity, using a reference beam to compensate for the instrument factors.

Abstract: A method for electrical survey of hydrocarbons deposits under seabed depths up to 1500 m and equipment therefor are provided. The equipment includes a vessel, a generator, an excitation field block, connected with a vertical dipole with coax electrodes, a data registration/processing block, bottom systems with. The lower dipole electrode is situated at maximally 100 m from the seabed, the upper electrode at maximally 200 m from the surface. The operation of the generator and bottom systems is synchronized the dipole is submersed into the sea, and fed with alternating-sign rectangular current pulses, whose on-off time ratio and duration are programmably determined. The bottom systems register reflected signals and electromagnetic field components, when the dipole's current is on and off.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying contaminants on a surface. In one embodiment, an infrared beam is transmitted onto a sample. A first infrared absorbance of the sample is determined at a first wave number. A second infrared absorbance of the sample is determined at a second wave number. The first absorbance is correlated to a first absorbance peak of a contaminant. The presence of a predetermined level of the contaminant is confirmed by correlating the second infrared absorbance to a second absorbance peak of the contaminant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of hydrocarbons near an unmanned offshore oil platform. The method steps include monitoring reflected atmospheric and thermal radiation, detecting the presence of hydrocarbons, and generating an alert based on the presence of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous determination of the damage to at least one system (7) used for the post-treatment of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine (2), caused by the lubricating oil, the fuel and/or at least one lubricating oil additive and/or fuel additive used.

Abstract: An oil quality sensor apparatus includes a housing that includes an oil flow path through which oil flows through the housing. One or more photo-detectors can be provided in association and a plurality of light-emitting devices located within the housing and proximate to the oil flow path. At least one light-emitting device among the plurality of light-emitting devices is sensitive to large particulates associated with the oil and at least one other light-emitting device among the plurality of light-emitting devices is sensitive to small particulates associated with the oil to thereby provide an indication of differences among particulates associated with the oil.

Abstract: A radiation detector operating at high temperatures is shown comprising a LuAP scintillating material for producing light when excited by incident radiation, a photocathode, and an electron multiplier. The photocathode is deposited directly onto the surface of the scintillating material that is oriented toward the electron multiplier. In a preferred embodiment, a metal flange is hermetically sealed to the scintillating material and this is fusion welded to the electron multiplier to create a vacuum envelope. This invention is particularly useful in high temperature noisy environments such as downhole operations to detect radiation within a well hole.

Abstract: A method for determining changes of a site, wherein the site is treated with an aqueous dispersion having at least one binder, at least one substance emitting visible light on UV exposure, at least one binder and, optionally, a dispersant and the site thus treated and/or untreated adjacent sites are exposed to UV light and the deviation of the light intensity of the emitted light of a partial area of the site from the mean light intensity of the emitted light of the site area and/or the light intensity of the emitted light of a part of the adjacent, untreated area from the mean light intensity of the emitted light of the adjacent untreated areas and/or the light intensity of the emitted light of the site immediately after the treatment with the composition from the light intensity of the emitted light at a later time and/or the light intensity of the emitted light of the adjacent untreated area immediately after the treatment of the site with the composition from the light intensity of the emitted light of th

Abstract: A simple and reliable portable flashlight shaped instrument that combines in a first embodiment an array of a combination of ultraviolet, white and multicolor LED arrays in combination with a broad band hydrocarbon gas detector and, in a second embodiment, a combination of ultraviolet, white and infrared LED arrays. There is also a readily attachable collector cone with a plurality of magnifying lenses, which are removable and a kit assembly with an extender sleeve for the collector cone, and a collector cone heater chamber. Many types of hydrocarbons fluoresce under the influence of an ultraviolet light. This rugged constructed instrument will find trace amounts of suspect materials and is extremely easy to use. The built in gas detector is cable of detecting trace amounts of accelerants days after a fire.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of a targeted group of hydrocarbons, such as diesel/fuel oil, lube oil, motor oil, hydraulic oil, jet fuel, mineral oil and crude oil in a highly reliable manner even though present at only extremely low concentration. A high power, pulsed light source is focused into a collimated beam that is reduced by a set of filters to a band of pulsed light within a precise set of wavelengths and directed vertically onto a target surface, such as a body of water. All but a precise band of light wavelengths returning to the apparatus are blocked so that substantially all light which then reaches an internal photodetector is within such precise band of wavelengths; as a result receipt of such light programmed intervals following such pulses is indicative of the presence of a member of the targeted hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: A system for detecting leaks of petroleum and other non-petroleum based products in an environment includes a sensor package comprising at least one LED and an optical photo-detector. The emitter transmits an excitation signal with an excitation wavelength, and the detector is tuned to the emission wavelengths of a fluorescing mixture, such as a petroleum based product, in a space where detection is sought. An alarm system coupled to the detector may be used for notifying users in case of a leak.

Abstract: A method is defined for determining whether a rock is capable of functioning as an oil reservoir has had or presently contains oil. The method includes the steps of: -cleaning a sample of the rock in a manner such that at least some of any adsorbed oil on the rock will remain and any oil inclusions within the rock remain intact; -irradiating the cleaned sample with fluorescence inducing electromagnetic (typically UV) radiation and measuring emitted (typically UV and visible) radiation from the sample; and-comparing the emitted radiation measurement against a similarly determined measurement from a rock sample of a known oil-producing reservoir, to determine whether or not the rock has had or presently contains oil. In a variation of the above method, the sample of the rock is cleaned step-wise in a manner that removes other than adsorbed oil on the rock, with a final cleaning step including contacting the sample with a solvent into which some adsorbed oil may be extracted.

Abstract: A foam level in a delayed coking drum is detected by utilizing the varying density of the boiling mass in the coke drum which has larger bubbles and is less dense at the top and smaller bubbles and a higher density at the bottom. A plurality of radiation detectors are disposed on the drum and calibrated such that zero radiation is equivalent to 100 percent level. The percentage reading for each detector is multiplied by the fraction of height each detector is in relation to the total height of all the detectors to give a product and the products summed to give a level.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for inspecting parts for surface contamination including the steps of covering the part with a film of water, and then scanning the wetted part with a infrared camera to preserve the reflected image of the reflected infrared light thereby defining a water break area of contamination.

Abstract: The thermal decomposition of Athabasca asphaltene at relatively low (<350° C.) temperatures is believed to proceed by elimination of groups situated on peripheral sites of the asphaltene. More severe degradation of the asphaltene structure does not occur until elevated (>350° C.) temperatures are attained.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a lubricating medium includes a UV light source, a UV receiver, a processor electrically coupled to both the UV light source and the UV receiver, and a memory device electrically coupled to the processor. The memory device has stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to (a) communicate with the UV light source and the UV receiver so as to expose a sample of the lubricating medium to the UV light and generate a UV spectrum of the sample in response thereto, and (b) compare the UV spectrum of the sample to a model spectrum and generate a control signal if the UV spectrum of the sample has a predetermined relationship to the model spectrum.

Abstract: A method is defined for determining whether a rock is capable of functioning as an oil reservoir has had or presently contains oil. The method includes the steps of:—cleaning a sample of the rock in a manner such that at least some of any adsorbed oil on the rock will remain and any oil inclusions within the rock remain intact;—irradiating the cleaned sample with fluorescence inducing electromagnetic (typically UV) radiation and measuring emitted (typically UV and visible) radiation from the sample; and—comparing the emitted radiation measurement against a similarly determined measurement from a rock sample of a known oil-producing reservoir, to determine whether or not the rock has had or presently contains oil. In a variation of the above method, the sample of the rock is cleaned step-wise in a manner that removes other than adsorbed oil on the rock, with a final cleaning step including contacting the sample with a solvent into which some adsorbed oil may be extracted.

Abstract: Formation drilling cuttings are centrifuged and a sediment sample is extracted and heated to burn off surface hydrocarbons. A non-fluorescing diluant is added to the sediment. The sediment is then subjected to UV excitation. Depending upon the permeability of the sediment, the speed at which emitted fluorescence brightens is found to vary. The time and brightness of the emission are measured. The time/brightness relationship is proportional to the permeability of the cuttings and can be used to calculate a relative permeability index for comparison to other know parameters to determine the presence of hydrocarbon and the likelihood of being able to produce the hydrocarbon from a wellbore.

Abstract: Method and device for predicting the flocculation threshold of asphaltenes contained in hydrocarbon mixtures. The method comprises the following stages: determining the refraction index (nA) of several asphaltenes used as reference asphaltenes; determining experimentally, for predetermined thermodynamic conditions, the variation of solubility index (&dgr;) in connection with the refraction index of hydrocarbon constituents including light hydrocarbons and reference asphaltenes; deducing therefrom a correlation relation modelling this variation of solubility index (&dgr;).

Abstract: A system for quantifying the petroleum content of aqueous media includes a sample cell; a first light source for generating a first light signal that stimulates fluorescent emissions when the first light signal irradiates hydrocarbons present in an aqueous solution in the sample cell; a spectral detector for generating a first electrical signal that represents spectral components of the fluorescent emissions in response to detecting the fluorescent emissions that are emitted from the sample cell; a second light source for generating a coherent light signal that is transformed into scattered light signals when the coherent light irradiates oil droplets in the aqueous solution; a detector for generating a second electrical signal in response to detecting scattered light signals emitted from the tube, where the second electrical signal represents the intensities and scatter angles of the scattered light signals; and a processor for determining a particle size distribution of the oil droplets from the second elec

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: The optical density of an oil sample at a plurality of wavelengths over a plurality of different (typically decreasing) pressures is monitored and used to find the size of agglomerated asphaltene particles which are precipitating from the oil sample. The optical density information used in finding the particle size is preferably optical density information relating to the scattering of light due to the asphaltene particles only. Thus, baseline optical density information of the oil sample at a high pressure is subtracted from optical density information obtained at test pressures at each wavelength of interest. Asphaltene particles of a radius of one micron and smaller were found to be powdery, while asphaltene particles of a radius of three microns and larger were found to include paving resins. The precipitation of asphaltenes is reversible by increasing the pressure under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A cleaning inspection kit inclusive of various compositions of water-soluble invisible fluorescent ink and various applicators therefor which are suited for a number of different surfaces, and a hand-held ultra-violet light. The appropriate applicator is used to mark an area with invisible compound prior to cleaning. After the area has been cleaned an inspection is made with the ultra violet light to expose the original area and to determine whether remnants of the original mark are still there. If so, the area could not have been properly cleaned. However, if the original mark is gone then the area was cleaned. The system allows management to inspect the quality of cleaning and maintenance services. The kit is simple to use as the inks are applied by convenient pen, powder or spray applicators, and a portable ultra-violet light is provided for fluorescing the inks. The method is non-destructive as all of the ink compositions wash away upon normal cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to disaggregate asphaltenes in petroleum oils and oil mixtures by mild heating. The presence of asphaltenes is determined by small angle neutron scattering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for fluorescence measurement of oil residues in water. The core of the invention is to use a powerful, narrow-band excimer lamp to excite intensive fluorescence radiation to detect the latter with a photodiode or the like, and to determine the oil concentration therefrom. The excimer lamp can be designed as a flat radiator a hollow cylindrical inner radiator or a tubular radiator, and can be combined with a through-flow or free fall measuring cell. The excimer lamp is advantageously operated in a pulsed or modulated fashion, the fluorescence radiation is measured at a right angle to the exciting radiation, the emitted and/or transmitted exciting light is monitored with the detectors, and a redundant measuring arrangement with a plurality of excimer lamps and fluorescence detectors is provided. The sensor is distinguished by reliability, freedom from maintenance and a long service life.

Abstract: A method of separating and analyzing slightly volatile cations and/or anions contained in a sample immediately and simultaneously. The sample is injected into a chromatography device in liquid phase co-operating with at least one stationary phase likely to retain the cations and the anions contained in the sample by competing interactions with the stationary phase or phases. The cations and anions are eluted by feeding at least one mobile phase which can be evaporated through the stationary phase or phases. The cations and the anions present in the mobile phase or phases are analyzed with the aid of an evaporative light scattering detector.

Abstract: A sealed neutron tube is provided, in which an insulating structure is designed to be solid to enhance the shock-proof performance thereof, an ion beam drawn out from an ion source is pulsated more rapidly, and the lifetime of a target is increased without substantially increasing the filling amount of the Tritium. The sealed neutron tube (1) includes a metal housing (20), an ion source (5) disposed and sealed within the metal housing for ionizing a Deuterium gas, an accelerating electrode (4) charged with a high voltage, disposed and sealed within the metal housing and facing the ion source, and a target (3) disposed within the accelerating electrode and absorbing Tritium and the like therein. An outer wall (20) is constructed by a metal housing, and a ceramic insulating member (11) is disposed within the metal housing. Since the accelerating electrode is held by this insulating member, the outer wall of the sealed neutron tube has enhanced shock-proof performance.

Abstract: A method of using natural oil inclusions in rock that is capable of oil entrapment to determine whether that rock has had, or presently contains, oil, comprising the steps of: selecting two or more regions on a sample of the rock; determining a ratio of the number of regions that contain oil inclusions, or the number of regions that do not contain oil inclusions, as against the total number of regions selected; and comparing that ratio against standard rock samples to thereby enable the determination to be made as to whether or not the rock has had or presently contains oil. The method can also be used to locate boundaries of different fluid phases in geological sites capable of retaining oil.

Abstract: An opto-electronic sensor for recognizing transparent articles, such as, for example, glass bodies, plastic bodies, or foils. The sensor includes at least one transmitter for transmitting light signals into a monitored region, at least one receiver for receiving the transmitted light signals, and at least one evaluation unit for the evaluation of the received signals. The transmitter is designed for the transmission of the light signals in the UV range. At least one reference transmitter is provided for the transmission of light signals into the monitored region. The light signals transmitted by the reference transmitter lie in a different frequency range from the light signals transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for inexpensively and accurately sensing with the use of a fiber optic guide the presence or absence of a particular substance ("analyte"). The preferred embodiment of the sensor of the present invention comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a loop shaped plastic fiber that is exposed to the environment and that acts as a sensing element. In the preferred embodiment, the fiber optic guide comprises a core and a cladding, either of which are coated with a coating that is selected to at least partially degrade in the presence of the analyte. The coating is selected to have an index of refraction below that of the core but sufficiently large to allow at least some light to escape from the core even in the absence of the analyte. A decrease in the amount of light is detected when the analyte is present.

Abstract: An oil detecting system for detecting a leakage oil by optical fluorescence measurement means even in the presence of external fluorescent light, for example, from parts and equipments of a vehicle and a plant comprises an irradiation apparatus for irradiating a light including an absorption wavelength of an oil to be detected and exciting molecules of the oil to make the oil fluoresce, a wavelength selection apparatus operatively connected to the irradiation apparatus and adapted to select a fluorescence wavelength of the leakage oil fluoresced by the irradiation apparatus, and an observation apparatus for detecting the fluorescence of the leakage oil and selecting only a period of observing fluorescing of the leakage oil over substantially the same time period that the leakage oil fluoresces light. A processing apparatus may be further provided so as to be operatively connected to the observation apparatus and adapted to process an image or a signal from the observation apparatus.

Abstract: A phase difference measuring apparatus obtains a first receive signal by transmitting and receiving a to-be-measured material in a reference state and a second receive signal by transmitting and receiving a signal wave to and from that material in a measured state. The apparatus finds a reference phase difference .theta..sub.1 from the transmit wave and first receive signal and an apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' from the transmit wave and second receive signal. The apparatus adds the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' to a product of the number of rotations, n, the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' passes through a given reference point and an angle of 360.degree. to find a true phase difference .theta..sub.2. The apparatus varies the number of rotations, n, to n+1 when the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ', while being increased, passes through the reference point and that number of rotations, n, to n=n-1 when the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for inexpensively and accurately sensing with the use of a fiber optic guide the presence or absence of a particular substance ("analyte"). The preferred embodiment of the sensor of the present invention comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a loop shaped plastic fiber that is exposed to the environment and that acts as a sensing element. In the preferred embodiment, the loop comprises a partial ellipse and the angles at which the light enters and exits a sensing zone is defined by the tangents to the elliptical arc. In the preferred embodiment, the fiber optic guide comprises a core and a cladding, either of which are coated with a coating that is selected to decompose in the presence of the analyte. The coating is selected to have an index of refraction just above or greater than the core, causing an increase in the amount of light that is detected when the analyte is present.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspection of metallic surfaces before subsequent treatment thereof (for example, painting) are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, several light sources illuminate the inspected surface with light beams having different wave lengths, reflected radiation is detected and converted to electrical signals, the electrical signals are processed digitally, and the results of processing are displayed. Some of the light sources are mounted so as to produce light beams inclined with respect to the inspected surface. These light beams are defined by an angular divergence of not more than 5 degrees. Display of results can be presented, in terms of the ISO standard, for inspection and assessment of industrial steel surfaces (i.e., in terms of preparation grades).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a parameter of a particle in a fluid is disclosed and, in particular, an apparatus and method for determining contamination or machine wear by the measurement of contamination or wear particles in a fluid used in the machine is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a measurement cell is provided with a fluid flow path. A first hall probe is arranged adjacent to the flow path for detecting dia-magnetic, para-magnetic, ferro-magnetic particles and a second optical sensor formed of a light emitting diode and phototransistor are provided for optically detecting the particles. A correlation between the hall probes and the optical detector enables an indication of the particles to be obtained so that a parameter of those particles can be determined to provide an indication of contamination or machine wear.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the API gravity of a sample of underground formation includes steps of:Solvating a known volume of an underground formation sample in a known volume of a solvent which will solvate hydrocarbons;Quantitatively measuring with a changeable filter portable fluorometer the emission fluorescence of the solvated sample at a fixed excitation wavelength with measurements of emission intensities at two points;characterizing the oil by the ratio of two emission intensities obtained at a fixed excitation wavelength;determining the yield;applying regression analysis to a data base of oils to obtain an equation which results in an algorithm value; andinterpreting the value of the algorithm to give a value for API gravity and estimate in-situ oil concentration.

Abstract: A phase difference measuring apparatus obtains a first receive signal by transmitting and receiving a to-be-measured material in a reference state and a second receive signal by transmitting and receiving a signal wave to and from that material in a measured state. The apparatus finds a reference phase difference .theta..sub.1 from the transmit wave and first receive signal and an apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' from the transmit wave and second receive signal. The apparatus adds the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' to a product of the number of rotations, n, the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ' passes through a given reference point and an angle of 360.degree. to find a true phase difference .theta..sub.2. The apparatus varies the number of rotations, n, to n+1 when the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.2 ', while being increased, passes through the reference point and that number of rotations, n, to n=n-1 when the apparent phase difference .theta..sub.

Abstract: Leakage in a heat exchanger between two liquids which are in indirect heat exchange relationship is detected by marking one of the two liquids with a colorless chemical marker and detecting it in the second liquid by extraction and conversion to a colored material. The heat exchanger liquids are preferably organic liquids which are immiscible with water. The marker is detected in a heat exchanger liquid by extraction of the marker followed by chemical conversion of the marker to a colored material that can be detected visually. Aminoalkylnaphthalenes are suitable markers which can be extracted by an acidic aqueous solution and converted to a colored material by reaction with a diazotized aromatic amine. Phenylazoalkylphenol derivatives are also suitable markers which can be extracted and simultaneously converted to a colored material with a detection reagent which is comprised of water and a water-soluble amine.

Abstract: A method of determining the content of insolubles in oils using (a) a relation for measuring either absorbance or transmittance from the intensity of transmitted light, (b) a calibration curve for determining the content of insolubles on calibration curve in an oil sample of interest from a measured intensity of scattered light as obtained with a standard sample, (c) the first correlationship for determining the first coefficient of quantification for correcting the effects of the color intensity of the oil sample and the content of insolubles in it, and (d) the second correlationship for determining the second coefficient of quantification for correcting the effects of the particle size distribution of the insolubles and an apparatus for determining the content of insolubles in oils including basically a light source, an interference filter, a sample cell, a measuring device for the intensities of scattered and transmitted components from a sample, a computing unit for performing processing operations based

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for evaluating wet cutting from a well borehole to determine the hydrocarbon content of the earth formations penetrated by the well borehole. The wet cuttings to be measured are mixed with a polar hydrocarbon solvent which has both hydrophilic and hydrophilic properties. The solution of the solvent and cutting is filtered and then its emission (fluorescence) spectrum is measured by irradiating it with ultraviolet radiation excitation at wavelengths at which most petroleum compounds fluoresce. The hydrocarbon content of the sample wet cuttings is then determined by comparing its fluorescence emission to the emission fluorescence of known samples.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for determining the degradation of oil after use of the same in an engine or the like. A test sample material is placed in a transparent container and various intensities of light are passed therethrough. A photovoltaic sensor senses the light polarized by the transparent container and the test sample and generates a first set of signals responsive thereto. The methodology is repeated with a sample of used automotive engine oil. The first and second set of signals are compared, and oil degradation is determined therefrom. Where the sensor detects and generates a signal only when the light intensity is equal to or less than the saturation intensity of the sensor, that is from the instant the light is first detected up until saturation of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the composition of an oil sample. The method and apparatus are premised on the discovery that spectral differences can be observed in the luminescence, excitation, light scattering and absorption spectra in the near UV, visible and near IR regions for various crude oil components, such as asphaltenes, deasphalted crude oil and organic solid residues. Accordingly, in one preferred embodiment the method comprises illuminating an oil sample with light of a suitable excitation wavelength, measuring the resultant fluorescence therefrom and comparing the resultant fluorescence to appropriate standards derived from known components of crude oil.