A full lab in your hand –
At fluidXlab, we offer a comprehensive all-in-one fluid testing technology that brings the full laboratory experience right to your fingertips. Our microfluidic systems enable the miniaturisation of various devices and lab applications. Our system operates up to extreme conditions of up to 20.000 psi (1370 bar) and 480 °F (250°C).
Our range of specialised micromodels – including flow assurance, flow through porous media, wax and asphaltene precipitation, minimum miscibility pressure, improved oil recovery screening, fluid compatibility foam stability chips and many more – are complemented by unique workflows that support or even replace traditional testing processes. With fewer chemicals and less time required compared to conventional methods, we not only provide a differentiated solution but also ensure minimal environmental impact.
for IOR/EOR, CCS/CCUS, H2 storage and geothermal applications
The fast and economical visualisation of fluid dynamic flow and processes helps reduce costs and accelerates investigations. This makes microfluidics an ideal solution for energy companies, IOR/EOR & PVT departments, people working in energy storage and fluid analytics (researchers, engineers), as well as researchers in the field of low carbon/environmental gases applications.
Good to know: Accurate and efficient fluid analysis performed at extreme conditions and under tight deadlines can also accelerate the implementation of net-zero projects. This ultimately results in faster decarbonisation. Additionally, employing microfluidic testing methods minimises the laboratory's environmental impact, as fewer chemicals are used in the experiments.
Key benefits of InspIOR®
In the past decade, we have innovated and commercialised InspIOR®, an all-in-one microfluidic fluid testing technology platform that brings the fluidics laboratory to your fingertips. It operates at extreme conditions and is fully automated, enabling safe and efficient use with minimal human interaction.
Fast and accurate fluid testing
Fast and accurate fluid testing
Innovative Process Visualisation
Innovative Process Visualisation
All-in-one technology platform
All-in-one technology platform
Example Applications
With InspIOR®, you can gain profound insights into fluid dynamics and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques – thus paving the way for recovery strategies that are efficient, effective, and environmentally conscious. Explore examples of the wide range of applications of our InspIOR® microfluidic systems micromodels:
MOBILITY CONTROL (POLYMERS)
With our micromodels, we can assess mobility control in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and improved oil recovery (IOR) processes, such as polymer flooding. By utilising high-resolution visualisations, we can analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of mobility control techniques. This allows for a detailed examination of the fluid flow dynamics and the impact of polymer injection on enhancing oil recovery.
STREAMLINES & PARTICLE TRACING
InspIOR® also enables the investigation of viscoelastic turbulence effects. By studying critical parameters such as brine salinity, polymer concentration, pressure and temperature, we can explore the impact of these factors on fluid flow dynamics. This facilitates a thorough examination of how the viscoelastic properties impact turbulence and, consequently, the effectiveness of oil recovery methods.
Microbial
From visualising the gas produced by bacteria to observing bacterial growth, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between microbes and oil reservoirs. This information helps in developing effective strategies for microbial-enhanced oil recovery.
Gas injection
By studying the effects of immiscible gas injection on oil recovery, we gain valuable insights into the intricate dynamics at play. Immiscible gas injection often induces strong viscous fingering effects, leading to low oil recovery. Our microfluidic systems allow for detailed investigations, enabling a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between the injected gas and the oil reservoir.
Foam
Foam is commonly used to improve the effectiveness of gas floods in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Through the use of micromodels, we can investigate various foam-related EOR processes, including the analysis of bubble sizes, bubble count, lamella distribution, foam quality (liquid saturation), and stability. These studies are conducted under reservoir conditions, providing valuable insights into foam behaviour.
Low interfacial tension (surfactants, alkalines)
Through surfactant injection, our microfluidic systems simplify the formation of emulsions and enhance the efficiency of oil displacement. By triggering miscibility between the oil and aqueous phases, we promote the blending of these components, leading to improved fluid flow.
Good to know: Testing a multitude of chemicals is essential to determine the optimal chemical formula for a particular reservoir. In conjunction with phase behaviour tests and core floods, microfluidics serve as a valuable supplementary screening tool, effectively reducing both time and the associated costs.
InspIOR® VISION Process Control & Data Management Software
Process Control Capabilities
- Real-Time Monitoring: Keep a vigilant eye on parameters like pressures, flow rates, temperatures, and imagery to ensure optimal experiment conditions.
- Closed-Loop Control Algorithms: Utilise advanced control methods such as PID to maintain precise experimental conditions, adjusting automatically for maximum accuracy and reliability.
- Alarm Management & Event Notification: Swiftly respond to anomalies with real-time alerts, minimising disruptions and safeguarding experiment integrity.
- Batch Process Management: Streamline your workflows with efficient scheduling for repeatable and varied experimental setups. Easily create, store, and retrieve protocols for different laboratory runs, ensuring consistency and reproducibility.
Data Management Functions
- Historical Data Collection & Storage: Securely archive experimental data for future analysis and compliance requirements.
- Data Visualisation: Harness the power of visualisation with trend analysis, intuitive dashboards, and comprehensive reports to track performance over time.
- Data Analytics & Performance Metrics: Leverage advanced analytics (with InspIOR® VISION Pro) to derive actionable insights and optimise laboratory processes.
- Integration with Enterprise Systems: Ensure seamless compatibility with ERP and MES systems, aligning laboratory data with business operations.
- Compliance Data Recording: Meet regulatory standards with automated, error-resistant record-keeping.
BENEFITS OF INTEGRATED PROCESS CONTROL & DATA MANAGEMENT
Optimise your experiments for superior output and reliability, leading to improved product quality.
Implement predictive maintenance to pre-emptively address potential issues, extending equipment lifespan and maintaining uptime.
Empower your team with access to real-time insights and historical data, fostering informed decisions and strategic planning.
Implementation Considerations
Flexible Deployment Options
Flexible Deployment Options
Comprehensive Solutions
Comprehensive Solutions
Scalability & Future-Readiness
Scalability & Future-Readiness
Robust Cybersecurity
Robust Cybersecurity
Targeted Training
Targeted Training
State-of-the-Art Hardware
State-of-the-Art Hardware
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Discover what others say about fluidXlab
Publications
Our most recent work was featured in the following publications:
Selecting EOR Polymers through Combined Approaches—A Case for Flooding in a Heterogenous Reservoir
ANTE B., HINCAPIE R., CLEMENS T., HOFFMANN E. & WEGNER J. (2022)
Polymers. 2022; 14(24):5514.
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245514
Real structure micromodels based on reservoir rocks for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications
GAOL C. L., WEGNER J. & GANZER L. (2020)
Lab on a Chip, 2020, 20. Jg., Nr. 12, S. 2197-2208.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32426764/
Coupling Microfluidics Data with Core Flooding Experiments to Understand Sulfonated/Polymer Water Injection
MUHAMMAD T., HINCAPIE R., LANGANKE N., GANZER L. & JAEGER P. (2020)
Polymers 12, no. 6: 1227.
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12061227
The Next Generation Lab
InspIOR® - Microfluidic Technology Platform
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