Apparatus and method for measuring phase behavior

An apparatus for measuring phase behavior of a reservoir fluid, comprising:

• a microfluidic device defining an entrance passageway, an exit passageway, and a microchannel in fluid communication with the entrance passageway and the exit passageway;
• a first sample container;
• a first pump operably associated with the first sample container;
• a second sample container;
• a second pump operably associated with the second sample container;
• an outlet valve fluidly coupled between the exit passageway of the microfluidic device and the second sample container;
• a bypass line in fluid communication with the second sample container;
• and
• an input switching valve fluidly coupled to the first sample container, the bypass line and the entrance passageway of the microfluidic device, wherein the input switching valve has a first configuration where reservoir fluid disposed in the first sample container is introduced from the first sample container into the entrance passageway of the microfluidic device while inhibiting the flow of the reservoir fluid through the bypass line, and wherein the input switching valve has a second configuration where reservoir fluid flows through the bypass line to the entrance passageway of the microfluidic device while reservoir fluid disposed in the first sample container does not flow into the entrance passageway of the microfluidic device;
• wherein the first pump and the first configuration of the input switching valve are used to urge reservoir fluid disposed in the first sample container into the entrance passageway of the microfluidic device;
• and
• wherein the second pump and the second configuration of the input switching valve are used to maintain a desired pressure within the microchannel of the microfluidic device.