Device and method for measuring material volume changes

A method of determining expansion or contraction of a sample in a test cell with a displacement sensor system comprising:

• a sample placement step comprising placing a sample in a test cell proximate a transfer stand, said transfer stand connected to a reflective surface;
• an initial determination step comprising determining the distance between the displacement sensor system and said reflective surface;
• said initial determination step further comprising transmitting directed electromagnetic radiation from a transmitter in said displacement sensor system toward said reflective surface through a lens provided in said test cell;
• said initial determination step further comprising sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation from said reflective surface by a sensor of said displacement sensor system;
• at least one subsequent determination step comprising determining the distance between the displacement sensor system and said reflective surface;
• said at least one subsequent determination step further comprising transmitting directed electromagnetic radiation from a transmitter in said displacement sensor system toward said reflective surface through a lens provided in said test cell;
• and
• said at least one subsequent determination step further comprising sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation from said reflective surface by a sensor of said displacement sensor system;
• wherein each said subsequent determination step utilizes said sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation from said reflective surface to sense and quantify movement of said reflective surface and thereby sense and quantify expansion and/or contraction of said sample.

A test cell for determining expansion or contraction of a fluid sample, said test cell comprising:

• a test cell body;
• a reflective surface within said test cell body;
• said reflective surface moveable within said test cell body;
• a displacement sensor system;
• said displacement sensor system comprising a directed electromagnetic radiation transmitter and an electromagnetic radiation sensor;
• and
• said transmitter, said reflective surface and said sensor constructed and positioned to allow directed electromagnetic radiation from said transmitter to be transmitted toward said reflective surface and to allow electromagnetic radiation to be reflected from said reflective surface toward said sensor;
• wherein said displacement sensor system is adapted to utilize transmitted and reflected electromagnetic radiation to sense and quantify movement of said reflective surface and thereby sense and quantify expansion and/or contraction of said fluid sample.