METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CHARACTERISING A FLUID SAMPLE

A modular fluid characterisation system is provided. The modular fluid characterisation system includes a sampling unit containing optional pre-processing units to condition samples, and a valve network to distribute samples to one or more characterisation modules. Each characterisation module includes one or more instruments for characterising samples, and optional additional pre-processing units. Characterising modules can be added or removed depending on operational requirements. Sample flows are controlled in accordance with an automated characterisation program, and resulting characterisation may be obtained on the basis of a combination of results from different characterisation modules with regard to the characterisation program.