Microfluidic Chip Optical Detection for Asphaltene Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring asphaltene content in hydrocarbon reservoir fluids require large sample quantities, solvents, and laboratory settings, making them time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip system with an optical cell is used to indirectly determine asphaltene content by precipitating and filtering asphaltenes from crude oil samples, allowing for continuous optical density measurements and calculation of asphaltene content through correlation models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional extraction methods are used to measure asphaltene content, then accurate quantification can be achieved, but large quantities of sample and solvent are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical extraction and weighing methods with optical detection. An optical sensor measures the optical properties of the crude oil sample, and a correlation model converts these optical measurements into asphaltene content values. This substitution eliminates the need for large-scale physical extraction while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mass-based (weighing extracted asphaltenes) to optical-property-based. By measuring optical properties such as absorbance or refractive index and using correlation models, the system determines asphaltene content without physical extraction, thereby reducing sample and solvent requirements.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory extraction methods are used, then complete asphaltene separation can be achieved, but significant time is required to complete the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical extraction and filtration processes with rapid optical measurement. The optical sensor quickly characterizes the sample, and the correlation model immediately provides asphaltene content results, reducing measurement time from hours to minutes while maintaining separation effectiveness through the optical characterization method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-established correlation models that relate optical properties to asphaltene content. These models are developed beforehand through calibration, allowing rapid determination of asphaltene content from optical measurements without requiring time-consuming extraction and weighing procedures during actual measurement.
3Measurement precision
If conventional extraction equipment is used, then proper asphaltene isolation can be achieved, but complex laboratory instruments and glass vessels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical extraction equipment, glass vessels, and filtration systems with a simplified optical detection system. The optical sensor and correlation model provide asphaltene content measurement without requiring sophisticated extraction apparatus, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement effectiveness.
4Measurement precision
If conventional weighing methods are used for quantification, then accurate asphaltene content can be determined, but the process must be performed in a laboratory environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laboratory-based weighing equipment with portable optical detection devices. The optical sensor can be deployed in various locations including field settings, and the correlation model provides accurate asphaltene content determination without requiring controlled laboratory environments or specialized weighing equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables rapid and precise measurement of asphaltene content in crude oil samples, reducing the need for large quantities of samples and solvents, and allowing for on-site analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an optical cell in fluid communication with the product port, the optical cell operable to determine an optical density of fluid emerging from the product port
Implementation Method 2
a filter in fluid communication with the mixer and reactor section, the filter having an inlet side and an outlet side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~9
AI summary
A system for measuring asphaltene content of crude oil, includes a microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip having a crude oil sample inlet port, a solvent port, a mixer and reactor section in fluid communication with the crude oil sample inlet port and the solvent port, and a filter in fluid communication with the mixer and reactor section, the filter having an inlet side and an outlet side, a waste port in fluid communication with the inlet side of the filter, and a product port in fluid communication with the outlet side of the filter. The system further includes an optical cell in fluid communication with the product port.