Other Quartz Crystal Microbalance Rigs

Constant Volume Low Pressure Quartz Crystal Microbalance Rig

Main applications:

1. Measuring wax appearance and disappearance temperatures for stabilised fluid systems.
2. Studying the effects of coatings and surface properties on solids deposition (wax, scale, and asphaltenes) inside pipelines.
3. Evaluating the performance of wax inhibitors and cloud point depressants.

Operating conditions:

Pressure: Atmospheric pressure
Temperature: from –30 to 80 ºC

Description:

The Rig comprises of a small volume (15cc) vessel surrounded by a coolant jacket connected to a circulating heater/cooler bath for temperature contol. This Rig is used for non-visual measurements at atmospheric pressure. The cell is equipped with a magnetic stirrer for mixing. The resonant frequency of the QCM is monitored using an impedance/gain-phase analyser.

Variable Volume High Pressure Quartz Crystal Microbalance Rig

Main applications:

1. Measuring the dew and bubble points of hydrocarbon systems by pressure search methods.
2. Investigating water-hydrocarbon phase equilibria.

Operating conditions:

Pressure: up to 6,000 psia (40 MPa)
Temperature:-20 ºC to 80 ºC

Description:

The rig comprises of a variable volume (maximum 150cc) high pressure piston cell, surrounded by a coolant jacket. Cell pressure is measured by a Quartzdyne pressure transducer and temperature by a PRT. The accuracy of the pressure measurement is 0.007MPa and the temperature measurement 0.1 ºC. The cell is fitted with high-pressure electric feed-throughs which are connected to a QCM mounted inside the cell. The resonant frequency of the QCM is monitored using an impedance/gain-phase analyser. The pressure, temperature and resonant frequency of the QCM are recorded by a PC.