Analytical & Characterization Instruments

​The Multiple Gas #3 is a SRI 8610C Gas Chromatograph system. It is used for the analysis of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon mono/dioxide, and other non hydrocarbons or hydrocarbons, or simple mixtures. Two packed columns are in use: a 2 meter Haysep-D column and a 2 meter MoleSieve 13X column. 

Features:

• Detector: combined TCD/FID

• Temperature control: Programmable

• Gas flow control: Electronic pressure control

The Simulated Distillation (SimDist) Analyzer (Bruker Chemical Analysis) is a highly automated 450 GC, controlled by CompassCDS software integrated SimDist software. It is capable of reproducing the physical distillation of petroleum materials and products such as distillates, blends, fuels, residues and crude oil, ranging from carbon number C1 to C120 by determining boiling point distribution up to 750°C, delivers fast, accurate standard test method results. The CompassCDS SimDist software incorporates all of the ASTM, DIN, IP and ISO methods associated with Simulated Distillation analysis, which provides a quantitative percent mass yield as a function of boiling point of the hydrocarbons of the sample.​

Features:

• Dual high temperature FID detector, temperature programmable up to 450°C

• Dual injector, 1079 PVT injector for light gas oil and 1093 COC injector for high temperature boiling point distribution

• CP-8400 autosampler accommodates up to 100 samples using 2ml vials

​The Brookfield Programmable LVDV-II+ Viscometer is capable of making a rapid measurement of absolute viscosity of fluid in small sample volume. It continuously senses and displays viscosity, temperature, % torque and speed (rpm).

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Features:

• Cone spindle: CPE-40 and CPE-51

• Measurement range: At 0.1-200 rpm, CPE-40 (0.15-3056 cp); CPE-51 (2.4-47990 cp)

• Sample volume: 0.5 ml

• Working temperature: 0-100°C

The Brookfield Programmable DV 2T viscometer has similar capability for fast measurement of fluid viscosity but wider measurement range.

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Features:

• Cone spindle: CPE-40 and CPE-52

• Measurement range: at 0.1-200 rpm, CPE-40 (0-32700 cP); CPE-52 (0-992200 cP)

• Sample volume: 0.5 ml

J257Digital Refractometer (Rudolph Research Analytical) is a fully Automatic Digital Refractometer, featuring electronic cooling and heating with an extended refractive index (RI) measurement range. This instrument is capable of measuring many materials.

Features:

• Measurement Range: 1.26 – 1.70 RI; 0 – 100 BRIX

• Resolution: 0.0001 RI; 0.01 BRIX

• Optical wavelength: 589.3 nm

• Temperature control range: 15-70°C

The lab-scale Rotavapor R-210 (BUCHI) can be used for separating solvent from product. It comes with vacuum controller, vacuum pump and recirculating chiller allows you to evaporate your solvents in the most efficient and gentle way. The heating bath, for water or oil, covers a wide temperature range from 20 – 180°C. A large, clear graphic display continuously shows the actual temperature and the temperature setpoint.

Features:

• Vacuum Controller V-850 for vacuum regulation to a specified setpoint

• Flask size: 50 – 4000 ml

• Rotation speed: 20 - 280 rpm

The DDM 2910 Density Meter (RUDOLPH Research Analytical), with high precision Peltier, has the features to meet the needs of many industries such as petroleum, chemical, pharmaceutical and beverage for the measurement of density, specific gravity and concentration for liquids and gases.

Features:

• Measurement range: Density: 0 to 3 g/cm3 Temperature: 0°C to 95°C

• Measurement Modes: Continuous, Single, Multiple

• Resolution: Density: 0.00001 g/cm3; Temperature: 0.01°C

• Minimum Sample Volume: Less than 1mL

The J457 Digital Refractometer can be used for:

• Refractive index measurement for oil samples

• Refractive index measurement for oil and solvent mixtures

• Correlating thermophysical properties of hydrocarbons to their refractive index

Features:

• Measurement range: 1.26-1.72

• Accuracy: ±0.00002

• Temperature control range: 10 C-110°C

• Temperature control reproducibility: ±0.01°C

AxioStar Plus Upright Microscope (Carl Zeiss) is equipped with a fluorescence module for reflected-light illumination. A filter slider permits up to three fluorescence cubes to be used simultaneously. Fluorescence excitation is provided by the proven HBO 50 mercury lamp. Magnification range of it is 5x, 10x, 20x, 40x, and 100x.

AxioStar Plus Upright Microscope (Carl Zeiss) has a magnification range of 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x.

Stemi 2000-C stereo Microscope (Carl Zeiss) produces three-dimensional, laterally correct and upright images. The objects examined are reproduced in a true-to-life way with an outstanding impression of depth. Its major benefits include large object fields and large working distances. Magnification range: 0.65x - 5.0x

This compact pH meter gives rapid and reliable results. It is suitable for a wide range of applications in various areas, such as water and environmental analysis, as well as the food and beverage industry.

Features:

• Measurement range: pH 0.00-14.00, 0-100 °C 

• Resolution: 0.01 pH

Description:
 

Dynamic sandpack experiments can be conducted to simulate steam injection for heavy oil recovery with chemical additives. This setup can be used for both gravity drainage (SAGD) and steamflooding type processes. The system consists of a steam generation unit, a sandpacked core holder, a production unit and a data acquisition unit.

Related publications:

Bruns, F. and Babadagli, T.: “Initial Screening of New Generation Chemicals Using Sandpac Flooding Tests for Recovery Improvement of Gravity Driven Steam Applications,” J. Petr. Sci. and Eng., vol. 194, 107462, 2020. 
Bruns, F. and Babadagli, T.: “Recovery Improvement of Gravity Driven Steam Applications Using New Generation Chemical Additives,” SPE 185714, 2017 SPE Western Reg. Meet., Bakersfield, CA, USA, 23-27 Apr.
Bruns, F. and Babadagli, T.: “Recovery Improvement of Gravity Driven Steam Applications Using New Generation Chemical Additives,” SPE 190083, 2018 SPE Western Reg. Meet., Garden Grove, CA, USA, 22-17 Apr.

Description:

Performance of chemical additives to steam can be tested through visualization experiments. A visual Hele-Shaw model was designed to identify the physical characteristics of the steam-condensate-oil interface and the role played by added chemicals. 
 

Related publications:

Bruns, F. and Babadagli, T.: “Heavy-Oil Recovery Improvement by Additives to Steam Injection:  Identifying Underlying Mechanisms and Chemical Selection through Visual Experiments,” J. Petr. Sci. and Eng., vol. 188, 106897, 2020.
Huang, J. and Babadagli, T.: Efficiency Improvement of Heavy-Oil Recovery by Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage Injection Using New Generation Chemicals. Energy Fuels, vol. 34(4): 4433–4447.
Huang, J. and Babadagli, T.:Mechanics of SAGD Efficiency Improvement Using Combination of Chemicals: An Experimental Analysis through 2D Visual Models. SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering, preprint, SPE-199940-MS.
Huang, J. and Babadagli, T.: SAGD Efficiency Improvement Using Chemicals:  A Visual Analysis for Proper Chemical Formulation and Optimal Injection Strategies. SPE Canada Virtual Heavy Oil Conference, 28 Sep - 2 Oct. SPE-199940.

Description:

This setup is used to simulate the Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) process. Steam is generated and injected into the oil saturated sandpack model. Production will be commenced after a period of soaking time. Nanoparticles, such as nickel can be used to promote aquathermolysis reaction during CSS.

Related publications:

Farooqui, J., Babadagli, T. and Li, H.: Improvement of the Recovery Factor Using Nano-Metal Particles at the Late Stages of Cyclic Steam Stimulation. SPE Canada Heavy Oil Technical Conference, 9-11 June, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2015.

Yi, S., Babadagli, T. and Li, H.: Use of Nickel Nanoparticles for Promoting Aquathermolysis Reaction During Cyclic Steam Stimulation. International Petroleum Technology Conference, 14-16 November, Bangkok, Thailand, 2016.
Yi, S., Babadagli, T. and Li, H.: Catalytic-Effect Comparison Between Nickel and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles During Aquathermolysis-Aided Cyclic Steam Stimulation. SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering, vol. 23, 2020.