Systems and methods for the controlled release of a guest composition that is sequestered within a host composition made up of an anisotropic fluid are disclosed. The guest composition is immiscible in the host composition, thus forming an interface between the compositions upon which elastic repulsion forces act to prevent the release of the guest composition from the host composition. The disclosed systems and methods work by changing the elastic repulsion forces and/or introducing one or more counter forces such that the elastic repulsion forces are no longer sufficient to prevent release of the guest composition. Exemplary methods include mechanically changing the host material (e.g., changing its temperature) or inducing a chemical (e.g., electrostatic) attraction sufficient to overcome the elastic repulsion forces. The disclosed systems and methods can be used for a variety of applications requiring “on-demand” delivery of a chemical composition.

Systems and methods for the controlled release of a guest composition that is sequestered within a host composition made up of an anisotropic fluid are disclosed. The guest composition is immiscible in the host composition, thus forming an interface between the compositions upon which elastic repulsion forces act to prevent the release of the guest composition from the host composition. The disclosed systems and methods work by changing the elastic repulsion forces and/or introducing one or more counter forces such that the elastic repulsion forces are no longer sufficient to prevent release of the guest composition. Exemplary methods include mechanically changing the host material (e.g., changing its temperature) or inducing a chemical (e.g., electrostatic) attraction sufficient to overcome the elastic repulsion forces. The disclosed systems and methods can be used for a variety of applications requiring “on-demand” delivery of a chemical composition.

Upstream process equipment transmits a predetermined fluid to downstream process equipment. A valve fluidly couples the upstream process equipment to the downstream process equipment. A first pressure sensor and a first temperature sensor are coupled to the upstream process equipment and upstream from the valve. A second pressure sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the downstream process equipment and downstream from the valve. A control system is coupled to the first pressure sensor, the first temperature sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the second temperature sensor. The control system determines a first fluid flowrate of the predetermined fluid using a fluid flow model based on pressure data from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, temperature data from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, a size of the valve, at least one fluid parameter regarding the predetermined fluid, and a valve flow coefficient of the valve.

Upstream process equipment transmits a predetermined fluid to downstream process equipment. A valve fluidly couples the upstream process equipment to the downstream process equipment. A first pressure sensor and a first temperature sensor are coupled to the upstream process equipment and upstream from the valve. A second pressure sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the downstream process equipment and downstream from the valve. A control system is coupled to the first pressure sensor, the first temperature sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the second temperature sensor. The control system determines a first fluid flowrate of the predetermined fluid using a fluid flow model based on pressure data from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, temperature data from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, a size of the valve, at least one fluid parameter regarding the predetermined fluid, and a valve flow coefficient of the valve.

The present invention relates to a phase separation sensor which can easily change its direction due to its flexible feature without using a corner connector even at a position limited in space or at a narrow space, and can separate and sense water and chemical solution so as to be easily used in outdoor environment exposed to rain, snow, hail or others. The phase separation sensor includes: a detection part (100) having a pair of detection lines (110, 120) spaced apart from each other in a width direction to be arranged side by side; and an insulation part (200) having insulation films (210, 220), which have detection holes (210a, 220a) formed at equal intervals in a longitudinal direction to be opposed to the detection part (100) and adhesive layers (211, 221) formed at areas of the insulation films (210, 220), which touch the detection lines (110, 120).

Automated fluid handling system comprising a housing and two or more fluid handling units arranged as interchangeable modular components with an external fluidics section and an internal non fluidics section, and wherein the housing comprises a liquid handling panel with two or more of component positions for receiving said interchangeable modular components such that the external fluidics section is separated from the non fluidics section by the liquid handling panel.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for regulating flow from a geological formation, and associated components thereof. In one implementation, an apparatus for regulating a multi-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geological formation includes a conduit. The conduit includes an outer wall, a primary flow path for a fluid stream, and a first restriction having a throat portion. A first return path includes a return channel, and the return channel is fluidly connected to the primary flow path through a return inlet and a return outlet. The apparatus includes a gas siphon port formed in the outer wall of the conduit, and a gas siphon path extending from the conduit. The gas siphon path is fluidly connected to the gas siphon port.

A method for counter-current liquid-liquid extraction in a sub-millimeter conduit is implemented from an initial liquid drop stream. The stream has alternating drops of a first liquid, and a second liquid less wetting than the first liquid and immiscible with the first liquid. One of the liquids includes a component to extract towards the other liquid. A first pressure gradient applied along the conduit generates a visco-inertial flow displacing a first drop stream volume according to the first gradient and generating a film of first liquid displaced along the opposite orientation, the film being located between the drops of second liquid and the conduit. The application of the first pressure gradient is stopped. A second pressure gradient is applied along the conduit, in the opposite orientation to generate a viscous-capillary flow displacing a second volume of according to the second gradient and application of the second pressure gradient stops.

A method for counter-current liquid-liquid extraction in a sub-millimeter conduit is implemented from an initial liquid drop stream. The stream has alternating drops of a first liquid, and a second liquid less wetting than the first liquid and immiscible with the first liquid. One of the liquids includes a component to extract towards the other liquid. A first pressure gradient applied along the conduit generates a visco-inertial flow displacing a first drop stream volume according to the first gradient and generating a film of first liquid displaced along the opposite orientation, the film being located between the drops of second liquid and the conduit. The application of the first pressure gradient is stopped. A second pressure gradient is applied along the conduit, in the opposite orientation to generate a viscous-capillary flow displacing a second volume of according to the second gradient and application of the second pressure gradient stops.

A crude oil demulsification system includes a vessel. A cyclonic separator is disposed outside the vessel. The cyclonic separator is configured to receive and separate phases of a multi-phase fluid stream into a gaseous stream and a liquid stream that includes a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase by inducing cyclonic flow. A heat exchanger is fluidically connected to the cyclonic separator. The heat exchanger is disposed outside the vessel, and is configured to receive the liquid stream and to heat the liquid stream by exchanging heat with a heating medium flowed through the heat exchanger. An electrostatic coalescer is fluidically connected to the heat exchanger and is disposed inside the vessel. The electrostatic coalescer is configured to receive the liquid stream heated by the heat exchanger and to demulsify the liquid stream by causing coalescence of liquid droplets of one of the first or second liquid phases.