Cloud-point detection using a portable thickness shear mode crystal resonator
The Thickness Shear Mode (TSM) crystal resonator monitors the crude oil by propagating a shear wave into the oil. The coupling of the shear wave and the crystal vibrations is a function of the viscosity of the oil. By driving the crystal with circuitry that incorporates feedback, it is possible to determine the change from Newtonian to non-Newtonian viscosity at the cloud point. A portable prototype TSM Cloud Point Detector (CPD) has performed flawlessly during field and lab tests proving the technique is less subjective or operator dependent than the ASTM standard. The TSM CPD, in contrast to standard viscosity techniques, makes the measurement in a closed container capable of maintaining up to 100 psi. The closed container minimizes losses of low molecular weight volatiles, allowing samples (25 ml) to be retested with the addition of chemicals. By cycling/thermal soaking the sample, the effects of thermal history can be investigated and eliminated as a source of confusion. The CPD is portable, suitable for shipping the field offices for use by personnel without special training or experience in cloud point measurements. As such, it can make cloud point data available without the delays and inconvenience of sending samples to special labs. The crystal resonator technology can be adapted to in-line monitoring of cloud point and deposition detection.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 527914
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--97-0448C; CONF-971006--3; ON: DE97007127
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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