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08/14/08 - USPTO Class 73 | 1 views | #20080190178 | Prev - Next | About this Page

Apparatus and methods for sample handling and rheology analysis

Title: Apparatus and methods for sample handling and rheology analysis

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Claims

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080190178, Apparatus and methods for sample handling and rheology analysis.

1. An apparatus for measuring interfacial rheology of particles in a primary sample at non-ambient conditions comprising: (a) a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the containment vessel having walls comprising materials capable of maintaining temperatures and pressures in the primary chamber at least different than ambient conditions, the container having a primary sample inlet and outlet; and (b) first and second sample probes each comprising a distal end able to manipulate one or more secondary samples in the primary chamber, the sample probes fluidly connected to the primary chamber via respective seals between the containment vessel and the sample probes allowing 3-dimensional movement of at least the distal end of at least one of the sample probes within the primary chamber in three dimensions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the primary sample containment vessel comprises at least one viewing port, wherein the at least one viewing port comprises materials selected from natural and synthetic materials having optical and mechanical properties suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature applications.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a camera or other charge couple device positioned to visually access the primary chamber through one viewing port, and a light source visually connected to a second viewing port and allowing light from the light source to enter the primary chamber.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the respective seals between the sample probes and the primary containment vessel each comprise a joint having a substantially central passage therethrough, wherein the sample probes are positioned and sealed in their respective central passages, wherein the joints are integral components of first and second pressurized sample probe containers defining sample probe chambers, and wherein the joints allow 3-dimensional movement of at least the distal end of the sample probes inside of the primary chamber, and translational movement of the sample probes in the primary chamber.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the sample probes are each micropipettes, and the micropipettes and sample probe chambers are fluidly connected to a system allowing two-way flow of a solvent to effect suction and pressurization of the micropipettes.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the distal ends of the micropipettes are able to manipulate particles having a largest length dimension of no larger than about

100 micrometer.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the primary containment vessel walls comprise materials capable of maintaining temperatures and pressures in the primary chamber representative of a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir.

8. A method comprising: (a) loading a primary sample into a containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the containment vessel having walls comprising materials capable of maintaining temperatures and pressures in the primary chamber at least different than ambient conditions; (b) isolating a secondary sample in the primary chamber using one or more sample probes; and (c) transferring the secondary sample to a collection chamber fluidly connected to the containment vessel using the one or more sample probes.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the isolating and transferring steps comprise manipulating the sample probe fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel through a joint.

10. The method of claim 9 comprising moving at least a distal end of the sample probe in 3-dimensional movements within the primary chamber.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the sample probe comprises a micropipette, and the isolating and transferring steps comprise manipulating the micropipette.

12. The method of claim 11 comprising moving the micropipette within the sample chamber into position able to isolate the secondary sample, suctioning the micropipette to isolate the secondary sample, moving the distal end of the micropipette into the collection chamber, and forcing the secondary sample out of the micropipette and into the collection chamber.

13. The method of claim 12 comprising forcing the distal end of the micropipette through a barrier that separates fluids in the primary chamber and the collection chamber.

14. The method of claim 9 comprising adjusting temperature and/or pressure of the primary chamber prior to and/or during one or both of the isolation and transferring steps.

15. A method comprising: (a) loading a primary sample comprising particles into a containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the containment vessel having walls comprising materials capable of maintaining temperatures and pressures in the primary chamber at least different than ambient conditions, and in certain embodiments representative of a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir; and (b) manipulating one or more particles in the primary chamber using one or more sample probes.

16. The method of claim 15 comprising measuring one or more interfacial rheological parameters of the one or more particles.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the one or more interfacial rheological parameters are selected from interfacial tension, interfacial viscosity, interfacial elasticity, rupture strength for solid floes (aggregates), and the like.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the manipulating of one or more particles may be performed using two opposed micropipettes.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein the manipulating of one or more particles comprises manipulating the one or more sample probes fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel through a joint.

20. The method of claim 19 comprising moving at least a distal end of each sample probe in 3-dimensional movements within the primary chamber.

21. The method of claim 15 comprising adjusting temperature and/or pressure of the primary chamber prior to and/or during the manipulating step.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Claims

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