Acoustic testing of a hydrocarbon sample

摘要

An acoustic analyser system 15 for testing a fluid (eg hydrocarbon) comprises a sample container 5 (eg bottomhole sampler) and at least one set of acoustic sensors 25 secured to a sheath 20 which surrounds the sample container 5. The velocity of an acoustic signal through the sample is measured to indicate information about the sample (eg presence of single or multiple phases, whether the container 5 contains water, liquid hydrocarbon, rich gas or dry gas, the constituents of the hydrocarbon sample). The system may include means to heat the sample. The system may be used to determine PVT information such as CCE (constant composition expansion) and/or solids onset (such as wax, asphlatene). Saturation pressures may be determined and used for equation of state (EOS) simulation.