A cutting tool with a cutting region and a connecting support region where the support region is designed to connect to an external motor assembly. The cutting tool is also has a porous region that is integrated within a portion of the tool such that as the tool cuts material the porous region can allow samples of the cut material to permeate into an internal chamber of the tool. Once in the internal chamber material samples can be analyzed in-situ for direct composition analysis.

A cutting tool with a cutting region and a connecting support region where the support region is designed to connect to an external motor assembly. The cutting tool is also has a porous region that is integrated within a portion of the tool such that as the tool cuts material the porous region can allow samples of the cut material to permeate into an internal chamber of the tool. Once in the internal chamber material samples can be analyzed in-situ for direct composition analysis.

A device for measuring a chemical potential of a fluid in a plant tissue includes a cavity disposed within a sensor body as a liquid reservoir. The cavity is configured for containing therein a liquid, and the cavity including at least one opening. At least two porous membrane layers are positioned at least in part over the at least one opening of the cavity for selectively allowing water transfer between the plant fluid and the liquid in the cavity. At least one pressure sensor is configured for detecting changes in pressure of the liquid in the cavity. The changes are related to a chemical potential of the fluid in the plant tissue.

This disclosure presents a streamer filler material that is a low density gel formed from a two-part, mix-curable polymer, and methods of making streamers using such materials. One embodiment of the filler material features a two-part silicone gel mixed with a paraffinic oil. The two-part silicone gel can make up 15% to 25%, by weight or volume, of the mixture. Methods of making such materials include forming a first unreactive mixture having a first reactant, promoter, and/or catalyst and a second unreactive mixture having a second reactant, promoter, and/or catalyst and mixing the first and second mixtures in a paraffinic oil system to make a gel. The streamer can be loaded with the filler by pumping or extruding the mixture.

This disclosure presents a streamer filler material that is a low density gel formed from a two-part, mix-curable polymer, and methods of making streamers using such materials. One embodiment of the filler material features a two-part silicone gel mixed with a paraffinic oil. The two-part silicone gel can make up 15% to 25%, by weight or volume, of the mixture. Methods of making such materials include forming a first unreactive mixture having a first reactant, promoter, and/or catalyst and a second unreactive mixture having a second reactant, promoter, and/or catalyst and mixing the first and second mixtures in a paraffinic oil system to make a gel. The streamer can be loaded with the filler by pumping or extruding the mixture.

A method of identifying hydrocarbon seeps that are connected to hydrocarbon reservoirs and for identifying in situ conditions of hydrocarbon reservoirs is disclosed. The method comprises, obtaining a sample from an area of interest, such as a sediment sample or water column sample near a hydrocarbon seep; analyzing the sample to detect microbial signatures that are specific to families associated with hydrocarbon reservoirs; and using the signature to determine whether the hydrocarbon seep is connected to a hydrocarbon reservoir and to identify properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir.

A method of identifying hydrocarbon seeps that are connected to hydrocarbon reservoirs and for identifying in situ conditions of hydrocarbon reservoirs is disclosed. The method comprises, obtaining a sample from an area of interest, such as a sediment sample or water column sample near a hydrocarbon seep; analyzing the sample to detect microbial signatures that are specific to families associated with hydrocarbon reservoirs; and using the signature to determine whether the hydrocarbon seep is connected to a hydrocarbon reservoir and to identify properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir.

A system and method for centrifuge fluid production and measurement using resistive cells is provided. The method comprises separating an electrically conducting first fluid and a second fluid within a collection cell having a first and second section, wherein the collection cell has an electrically conductive outer wall and an inner wall having an insulating material disposed thereon. The method provides that the first and second fluids are separated from a solid disposed in the first section into the second section, the second fluid having a specific mass greater than the first fluid. The method further provides measuring, using one or more wires disposed in the second fluid and electrically connected to a resistance measuring unit within the second section, a resistivity change of the second fluid relative to the displacement of the first fluid, and communicating the resistivity change.

A system and method for centrifuge fluid production and measurement using resistive cells is provided. The method comprises separating an electrically conducting first fluid and a second fluid within a collection cell having a first and second section, wherein the collection cell has an electrically conductive outer wall and an inner wall having an insulating material disposed thereon. The method provides that the first and second fluids are separated from a solid disposed in the first section into the second section, the second fluid having a specific mass greater than the first fluid. The method further provides measuring, using one or more wires disposed in the second fluid and electrically connected to a resistance measuring unit within the second section, a resistivity change of the second fluid relative to the displacement of the first fluid, and communicating the resistivity change.

A testing apparatus for testing a fluid and a loss control material (LCM) is provided. The testing apparatus includes a testing chamber having an upstream end, a downstream end, a device central axis, and a general flow direction. The testing chamber includes a chamber body having an upstream cap, a downstream cap, a first chamber wall, and a second chamber wall. The first chamber wall has a first diameter and in part defines a first chamber interior, the second chamber wall has a second diameter, the first diameter is less than the second diameter, and both the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall are positioned relative to one another such that an annulus is defined in part in between. The traversal of the fluid and the LCM along the fluid flow path is restricted by a flow restriction.