Definition:
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (see comment)
Subject Area 1:
Reservoir Engineering & Reservoir Management
Remarks:
A method for measuring the WAT of crude oil. DSC measures the heat flow from or to the sample when the sample is heated or cooled. Since crystallization will give out heat, it will show up in the DSC curve as an exothermic peak during cooling. Only a small amount of sample oil is needed for DSC analysis. Since it utilizes heat to detect the onset of wax crystallization the sample doesn't need to be transparent, it can even be dark. With an autosampler, many samples can be run automatically without operator’s interaction.