Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for characterizing interfacial tension (IFT) of reservoir fluids, which involves obtaining fluid property data that represents fluid properties of a reservoir fluid sample measured downhole at reservoir conditions, and inputting the fluid property data to a computational model that determines a value of oil-water IFT of the reservoir fluid sample based on the fluid property data. In embodiments, the fluid property data represents single-phase fluid properties of the reservoir fluid sample, such as fluid density and viscosity of an oil phase of the reservoir fluid sample and fluid density of a water phase of the reservoir fluid sample. In embodiments, the computation model can be based on machine learning or analytics combined with a thermodynamics-based physics model.

Abstract: A technique facilitates testing and monitoring of a well. An artificial lift system is operated to produce a well fluid, and data is collected as the artificial lift system is operated at different flow rates. The data collected at the different, e.g. varying, flow rates is used in estimating flow performance and to enable continued monitoring of the well. In some applications, the data may be obtained by utilizing a virtual flow metering technique.

Abstract: A method of preventing over-pressurization of a downstream piping network, using a safety VFD, includes continuously receiving, from sensors attached to an ESP, values representing input/output operating parameters of the ESP. The ESP is disposed in a wellbore and fluidically coupled to a piping network disposed at a surface of the wellbore. The method also includes comparing one or more values to operating parameter thresholds determined based on at least one of 1) expected ESP parameters during a blocked outlet condition of the piping network or 2) an association of the operating parameter threshold with a fluidic pressure of the piping network that has a potential of reaching an MAOP of the piping network. The method also includes determining that values meet the threshold and changing an input parameter of the ESP to change a fluidic output of the ESP to prevent the over pressurization of the downstream piping network.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for monitoring an electric submersible pump and detecting a shift are disclosed. A leading and a lagging average over a predetermined period of time may be determined for a data stream obtained from an oil and gas production system, and a difference between the leading average and the lagging average may be used to detect a shift.

Abstract: A method of determining solid particle surface energy includes placing solid particles in a container made of a very high surface energy material and pouring a liquid into the container. The method further includes tilting the container to drain out from the container a first subset of the solid particles floating at a top surface of the liquid and tilting the container to move the liquid away from a second subset of the solid particles that are below the top surface. The method also includes tilting the container to move the liquid back toward the second subset of the solid particles such that at least a portion of the second subset of particles floats at the top surface of the liquid and tilting the container to drain out from the container the portion of the second subset of the solid particles now floating at the top surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A customizable diagnostic meter is provided. The diagnostic meter includes a meter for performing a diagnostic test, wherein the meter includes a housing having a slot, and a module having one or more functions. The slot is configured to receive and removably secure at least a portion of the module. A customizable diagnostic meter kit including two or more modules configured to be inserted in a meter is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby: (E1) an inner liquid phase is made to flow in an inner flow member, and an outer liquid phase in an outer flow member, the flow of the inner liquid phase opening within the flow of the second liquid phase; and the temperature and pressure in the contact area between the first and second liquid phases being such that the first and/or second liquid phase is in the supercritical state, (E2) the flow rate of the inner phase and/or outer phase is varied in such a way as to modify the flow profile, and a torque is identified from values of the flow rates of the inner and outer phases, called transition flow rates, from which the modification in the flow profile occurs (from drops to a jet; or from a jet to drops); (E3 ) from the transition torque identified in step (E2), the value of the interfacial tension between the two inner and outer liquid phases is calculated, or the result obtained is compared to that obtained for another torque in the conditions of steps (E1) and (E

Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: The interfacial tension between two liquids is determined by: flowing an internal liquid (Li) through an internal flow member (2) and flowing an external liquid (Le) through an external flow member (4), with conditions being first established such that either droplets (G) of the internal liquid are formed in the external liquid, or a continuous jet of the internal liquid is formed in the external liquid, the continuous jet of the internal liquid then being formed in the external liquid or droplets of the internal liquid then being formed in the external liquid, and deducing therefrom the value of the interfacial tension between these two liquids.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a phase separation float assembly, a phase separation detection system, and a method for detecting phase separation. One embodiment comprises a first float subassembly comprising a first float adapted for vertical travel along a fuel level probe shaft and a magnet. This embodiment also comprises a second float subassembly comprising a second float adapted for vertical travel along the shaft. The first float has a first density and the second float has a second density greater than the first density. The second float subassembly further comprises at least one stop feature which engages the first float subassembly when the first float subassembly travels vertically a predetermined distance along the fuel level probe shaft. The first float density is selected such that the first float subassembly travels vertically along the shaft to engage the at least one stop feature in the presence of phase separation.

Abstract: A method is described for selecting an additive for enhanced recovery from a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir including the steps of using a set of parameters to determine, at a first level of molecular dynamic modeling, an effect of the additive on interfacial tension between a hydrocarbon and water/brine; using the effect of the additive on interfacial tension derived from the first level of molecular dynamic modeling to determine, at a second coarser level of molecular dynamic modeling wettability effects; and using the effect of the additive on interfacial tension derived from the first level of molecular dynamic modeling and the wettability effects derived from the second level of molecular dynamic modeling to determine at a third coarser level of molecular dynamic modeling imbibition or drainage effects.

Abstract: A system for monitoring coastal underground water is disclosed. The system includes a freshwater/saltwater interface position tracking device that is inserted into an observation well used for observing coastal underground water and can move on a freshwater/saltwater interface according to a change of buoyancy; and a first measuring sensor that is inserted into the observation well so as to be placed at a position above the freshwater/saltwater interface position tracking device and has a distance measuring unit used for measuring a first distance between the freshwater/saltwater interface position tracking device and the first measuring sensor, wherein the first measuring sensor has a first signal output unit used for outputting a signal indicative of the measured first distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the identification of different phases (11-20) in a multi-phase medium includes at least two arrays (26A, 26B) of ultrasound transducers capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound through the medium separating them. The method and apparatus is useful for the location of phase interfaces in vessels such as oil separators.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for determining a property of a solid material relating to wettability, and for evaluating chemical additives. A solid particle is positioned at an interface between a lighter fluid phase, such as oil, and a denser fluid phase, such as water. An external force is applied, preferably with a centrifuge, so as to urge the solid particle into the denser fluid phase. An observation is made as to whether the particles has passed through the denser fluid phase, and based on the observation the contact angle is calculated. The calculation is also based on the densities of each fluid phase, of the solid material, the amount of the external force applied, size of the solid material, and interfacial tension between the two phases. The calculation also preferably accounts for two curvatures representing the interface between the first phase and the second phase as deformed by the solid material.

Abstract: A method for detecting the formation of at least one phase in a mixture, particularly a hydrocarbon mixture. The method may include using a probe to expose a portion of the mixture to electromagnetic radiation to determine the value of a parameter of interest indicative of the formation of a phase. The method may also include using the value of the parameter of interest with a correlation between a known property of the mixture and the value of a parameter of interest to detect the formation of a phase.

Abstract: A method calculates the boundary layer level between fluids, in particular the boundary layer level between oil and water in connection with the use of a segment-based boundary layer meter. The calculations are based on the use of measurement signals from a number of segments, n, and the boundary layer level, L, of the water is calculated as follows: L = ? _ - ? 0 ? v - ? 0 ? ( L u - L l ) + L l where: Lu Upper water range area Ll Lower water range area ?n Density of segment no. n from the profile meter {circumflex over (?)}n Corrected density for segment no. n ? Calculated mean density ?v Mean density of water from the profile meter ?o Mean density of oil from the profile meter N Total number of segments included.

Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: The interfacial tension between two liquids is determined by: flowing an internal liquid (Li) through an internal flow member (2) and flowing an external liquid (Le) through an external flow member (4), with conditions being first established such that either droplets (G) of the internal liquid are formed in the external liquid, or a continuous jet of the internal liquid is formed in the external liquid, the continuous jet of the internal liquid then being formed in the external liquid or droplets of the internal liquid then being formed in the external liquid, and deducing therefrom the value of the interfacial tension between these two liquids.

Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: A fuel measurement system and method that can determine the fuel level in a vehicle fuel tank, even when the fuel is sloshing, splashing, or experiencing other dynamic conditions. Generally speaking, the system and method use different fuel measuring techniques to address different fuel tank conditions. For example, during normal conditions a traditional fuel level sensor may be used. During dynamic conditions, such as when the vehicle is experiencing significant acceleration, maneuvering, inclination, yaw rate, etc., the system may employ other measuring techniques that are better suited to address such an environment. One measuring technique that may be used is a consumption-based technique that uses fuel usage signals from one or more fuel injector sensor(s) to determine the amount of fuel consumed, and then subtracts that amount from a previous fuel level reading.

Abstract: Systems for controlling a droplet microactuator are provided. According to one embodiment, a system is provided and includes a controller, a droplet microactuator electronically coupled to the controller, and a display device displaying a user interface electronically coupled to the controller, wherein the system is programmed and configured to permit a user to effect a droplet manipulation by interacting with the user interface. According to another embodiment, a system is provided and includes a processor, a display device electronically coupled to the processor, and software loaded and/or stored in a storage device electronically coupled to the controller, a memory device electronically coupled to the controller, and/or the controller and programmed to display an interactive map of a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: Device for measuring thermodynamic characteristics of a fluid sample, comprising in combination: a high-pressure cell (6) equipped with a motorized piston, a drying oven surrounding the cell and intended to vary the cell temperature, motorization means arranged outside the drying oven, means for stirring the fluid placed within the cell, a frame supporting said oven and means (1) for tilting said frame so as to tip the cell up. The cell comprises:—a specific head for measurements on condensate gas wherein a chamber (42) of elongate shape along the axis of the cell is intended to collect the liquids, and—means (44) for visualizing the position of the liquid/gas interface.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a gas/liquid interface of a fluid in a tank having a probe and a controller. The probe has silicon diodes arranged linearly on a substrate. The controller applies power to each of the silicon diodes to make a determination of whether a fluid in which the silicon diode is immersed is a liquid or a gas based on a rate of transfer of heat from the silicon diode to the fluid. A method for determining the phase of a fluid in which a sensor is immersed includes the steps of immersing the sensor in a fluid and increasing power applied to the sensor. The value of a thermal transient of the sensor is then measured and the phase of the fluid is determined based on the measured value of the thermal transient.

Abstract: An interface detection apparatus detects a position of a hidden interface between first and second materials, the first material having a different physical property from the second material. The apparatus encompasses (a) an irradiation mechanism configured to irradiate an electromagnetic wave onto a sample implemented by the first and second materials, (b) a detection mechanism configured to detect the electromagnetic wave that has passed through the sample, and (c) a traveling mechanism configured to change the relative position of the hidden interface with respect to the position of the detection mechanism.

Abstract: A method for evaluating lyophobicity of an inner wall of a fine tube having a lyophobic film formed on the inner wall includes a step of setting up a fine tube having a lyophobic film extending from an end of the inner wall of the fine tube to a predetermined position of the inner wall, in a liquid placed in a unit in such a manner that the lyophobic film is positioned uppermost and also includes a step of measuring the position of the liquid surface of the liquid that has risen in the fine tube and then stopped and then determining the position of the lower end of the lyophobic film.

Abstract: An inexpensive, optical position sensor for measuring a position or length, x, along a one-dimensional curvilinear, coordinate system. The sensor can be used, for example, to determine the position of an interface between a clear and an opaque fluid (such as crude oil and water). In one embodiment, the sensor utilizes the principle of dual-fluorescence, where a primary fiber emits primary fluorescent light and a parallel secondary fiber collects a portion of the primary fluorescent light that is not blocked by the opaque fluid. This, in turn, excites secondary fluorescence in the secondary fiber at a longer wavelength. A light detector measures the intensity of secondary fluorescence emitted from an end of the secondary fiber, which is used to calculate the unknown position or length, x. Side-emitting fibers can be used in place of, or in addition to, fluorescent fibers. The all-optical sensor is attractive for applications involving flammable liquids.

Abstract: A dual-phase level monitoring (DPLM) instrument that provides continuous signals that enables determination of the location of the top surface of the lighter of two immiscible fluids (the product) and the hydrostatic pressure below the total fluid column of both immiscible fluids. By knowing the fluid specific gravities, the output signals are processed to yield the location of the air/product and liquid/liquid interfaces, and the depth of the lighter phase. The instrument is intended for use in groundwater monitoring wells with a light non-aqueous phase liquid (product) and tanks or vessels with dual-phase liquids and level monitoring and/or control issues. The DPLM instrument includes a first pressure transducer situated beneath the surface of the liquid with a greater specific gravity, which will typically be ground water. A level element with a float selected so as to be buoyant and float on the surface of the lighter fluid is positioned above the first pressure transducer.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the wettability of particulate surfaces. In particular, the method for determining the wettability of particulate surface includes the steps of inserting a test device having the particulate surface into a test liquid to form a liquid meniscus; measuring the liquid meniscus to generate a liquid meniscus measurement; and calculating the wettability of the particulate surface using the liquid meniscus measurement. The system for determining the wettability of particulate surface includes a test device having the particulate surface; a test liquid; and a measurement device.

Abstract: A foam detector generally including a pair of leads positioned adjacent to a surface layer of a fluid so that foam created on a surface layer of the fluid contacts at least one lead and sends a signal to a controller connected to the leads.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for affinity viscosimetry and a viscosimetric affinity sensor on the basis of sensitive liquids with analyte-dependent viscosity which are localized within a perfusable dialysis chamber and contain colloidal constituents which are cross-linked by affinity bonds. The viscosimetric affinity sensor according to this invention is characterized by the spatial or temporal separation of analyte diffusion from the measurement of the flow resistance for such sensitive liquid flowing through a capillary, needle-like body or other liquid conductor, which integrated combination of a dialysis chamber with viscosimeter enables a researcher to make measurements under lab conditions that provide spatial separation of the dialysis process from the rheological analysis, as done under test conditions where the maximum shear rate of sensitive liquid in the viscosity sensor is at least twice that shear rate of sensitive liquid experienced in the dialysis chamber.

Abstract: A water quality meter is composed of a plurality of water quality monitoring meters including analyzing units for analyzing water samples introduced from a water distribution pipe, each analyzing unit analyzing the water samples and a measuring cell, and a liquid introducing unit integrated with the analyzing units, which is composed of a single member in which a plurality of fluid flow paths for feeding various types of liquid including the water sample into the analyzing unit are formed. Furthermore, the cells and the plurality of three-dimensional fluid flow paths formed in the single member are fabricated by a micro-fabrication technique using photo-curing resin.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus (100) for determining the constituent composition of a produced fluid is disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a vessel (106) having an interior chamber (108) that receives and contains a sample of the produced fluid. In the interior chamber (108), the sample of the produced fluid is allowed to separate into its constituents. A gauge (200) having an array of transmitter elements (E1-E17) and an array of corresponding receiver elements (R1-R17) disposed oppositely of one another on the vessel (106), is used to transmit and receive energy waves that propagate through the sample of the produced fluid. The receiver elements (R1-R17) detect changes in absorption or scattering of the energy waves transmitted from the corresponding transmitter element (E1-E17) caused by the constituent of the sample of the produced fluid through which that energy wave propagated.

Abstract: A water quality meter is composed of a plurality of analyzing units for analyzing water samples introduced from a water distribution pipe, each analyzing unit including a reagent mixing cell and a measuring cell, and a liquid introducing unit integrated with the analyzing units, which is composed of a single member in which a plurality of fluid flows paths for feeding various types of liquid including the water sample into the analyzing unit are formed. Furthermore, the cells and the plurality of three-dimensional fluid flow paths formed in the single member are fabricated by a micro-fabrication technique using photo-curing resin. In one embodiment, a photometer is situated in the flow path in at least one analyzing unit for measuring absorbency of the liquid. In another embodiment, a pair of electrodes, for measuring electric conductivity or pH, is disposed in a measurement flow path in at least one of the analyzing units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device (1) which determines the filling level by means of high-frequency measuring signals which are guided along a waveguide (5).

Abstract: A water quality meter is composed of a plurality of analyzing units for analyzing water samples introduced from a water distribution pipe, each analyzing unit including a reagent mixing cell and a measuring cell, and a liquid introducing unit integrated with the analyzing units, which is composed of a single member in which a plurality of fluid flow paths for feeding various types of liquid including the water sample into the analyzing unit are formed. Furthermore, the cells and the plurality of three-dimensional fluid flow paths formed in the single member are fabricated by a micro-fabrication technique using photo-curing resin.

Abstract: The invention is a device for separating a mixture of fluids (conducting fluid, non-conducting fluid, gas), suited to measure the volumes of the various fluids by means of a capacitive measuring process.

Abstract: A water quality management system for managing the water quality in a water supply network having water pipe lines running from the purification plant to consumers' faucets to maintain the water quality at the consumers at the terminals of the network at an appropriate level. The water quality monitors for measuring the quality of water in the pipe lines are installed in the small-pipe water distribution network branching from the water distribution main pipe network and running toward the consumers. The water distribution facility for improving the water quality is installed at the base point of the small-pipe water distribution network. The water quality in the small-pipe water distribution network is managed based on the signals from the water quality monitors.

Abstract: A sampling device for use downhole is provided comprising a hollow body (24) having a fluid inlet port (26) for fluid entry to the interior thereof, characterised by a gas extraction system (64) associated with the hollow body (24) and capable of securing as a non-volatile component at least part of a volatile component dissolved in a fluid entering the hollow body (24), the gas extraction system being removable therefrom to allow quantitative analysis of the non-volatile component to be undertaken. The gas extraction system (64) is placed in a supplementary chamber (46) having an inlet (50) and an outlet (52) which is attached to the hollow body and through which fluid passes to enter the hollow body. The gas extraction system is iron oxide to fix sulphur from volatile hydrogen sulphide for later analysis.

Abstract: A sludge blanket level is determined in a waste water treatment clarifier using sonic pulse reflections. Additionally, using similar techniques, the clarity of the waste water is determined. A sonic pulse is directed into the waste water. Echos are generated as the pulse encounters the impedance mismatches indicative of changes in the density of the water. The echos are compensated for attenuation as a function of travel time through the water, energy lost due to prior peak reflections, and are processed to remove random signals using correlation techniques. A sludge blanket is selected from the compensated echo signal as a function of the size and location of echo peaks. Additionally, the clarity is determined as a function of the area under the echo signal between two points corresponding to predefined levels in the clarifier tank.