Application of microfluidic technology in oil industry—A new quick test method of fluid viscosity

In the process of oil and gas exploitation, various working fluids such as fracture fluid and flooding fluid are used. The rheological behaviours are key parameters for their application. In this work, we introduce a new method to make a quick rheological measurement for these work fluid on a microfluidic chip. The measurement is based on the volume flow rate ratio and interface location between two co-flowing streams in a micro-fabricated Y-channel in a rectangular channel. Using the microfluidic rheometer, it lets fast and precise analysis with just a few millilitres of sample consumption and visual control of the sample behaviour in the chip. Furthermore, it can also perform viscosity test at high temperatures and wide range of shear rate. This method makes it possible to measurement of almost all kinds of fluids and make viscosity analysis time and sample saving.