Patent ID: 8340913
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: B01L,E21B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A system for analyzing phase properties in a microfluidic device comprising: a microchannel adapted to carry a fluid and having an entrance passageway and an exit passageway; a fluid introduction system in fluid communication with the entrance passageway, and adapted to introduce the fluid under pressure via the entrance passageway; and a first optical sensing system adapted and positioned to detect phase states of the fluid at a first plurality of locations along the microchannel, wherein the first optical sensing system generates a plurality of digital images of the fluid in the microchannel and includes a processing system adapted and programmed to distinguish gas from liquid phases of the fluid in the microchannel at the first plurality of locations based on a plurality of binary images generated from the plurality of digital images, and wherein the processing system is further programmed to estimate values relating to a volume fraction of liquid or gas in the fluid for a plurality of pressures based at least in part on the plurality of binary images.