1. n. []

A laboratory test to determine the phase envelope between lean gas and oil by equilibrating a gas sample several times with fresh samples of oil. In a forward-contact test, light and intermediate components are stripped from the oil by multiple contacts with the gas. The test also indicates how many contacts are required before the gas with added components becomes miscible with the oil. The molar ratios at each contact step are typically designed using PVT simulation software that incorporates the fluid composition at each contact.

See related terms: backward multiple-contact test,  vaporizing drive