Rice University Researchers (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Rice postdoctoral researcher Peng He, left, and graduate student Yu-Jiun Lin run a sample of crude oil through a microfluidic device that allows them to see the buildup of asphaltenes in real time. The transparent devices were used to characterize how chemical dispersants break up asphaltene deposits that hinder the flow of crude in wellheads and pipelines. Credit Jeff Fitlow/Rice University Usage Restrictions For news reporting purposes only. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.