Solid Detection System

The Solid Detection System finds the pressure and temperature at which organic solids, asphaltenes or wax, begin to precipitate from a live oil sample. PVT and flow assurance laboratories use it to locate the precipitation onset conditions of reservoir fluids, an input to production and pipeline design where deposition must be avoided.

How it works

The live oil is held in the high-pressure cell in the path of a near-infrared laser with 250 mW output. A detector records the transmitted light with 1 pW sensitivity over a 100 dB dynamic range. Sample pressure and temperature are the controlled variables. As pressure is reduced or temperature is changed along the planned path, transmittance is logged against both. When solid particles form they scatter the beam and transmittance drops; the point where the trend breaks is reported as the onset condition.

The sample stays at pressure and temperature for the whole experiment, so the fluid is not flashed or disturbed between readings. The standard operating range is up to 20,000 psi and from ambient to 200 °C (400 °F). Cell or loop geometry, pressure and temperature ratings, wetted materials and instrumentation are set for each project.

What is included

• High-pressure sample cell for operation to 20,000 psi and 200 °C
• Near-infrared laser source, 250 mW
• Transmitted-light detector, 1 pW sensitivity, 100 dB dynamic range
• Pressure and temperature control of the sample

Specify for your project

• Maximum working pressure and temperature of the fluids to be tested
• Wetted materials required for the sample fluids
• Cell or loop geometry, stated in the project datasheet
• Instrumentation and data acquisition to be supplied
• Companion instruments from the asphaltenes range, such as a high-pressure microscope, organic solid filter or flocculation titrimeter

This description defines the product family. Guaranteed performance, included hardware, exclusions, interfaces and acceptance criteria are stated only in the project-specific technical proposal and approved datasheet.

Features

• Pressure: up to 20,000 psi
• Temperature range: ambient to 200°C (400°F)
• Laser power: 250 mwatts
• Wavelength: Near infrared
• Detector sensitivity: 1 pWatt
• Dynamic range: 100 dB

Benefits

• Extreme accuracy at high pressure and temperature
• Sample is always at pressure and temperature during the experiment