FID Chromatograph Panel Operation & User Manual (v.01)

Operation & User Manual | DHI Technical Support Team

DHI SERVICES FID CHROMATOGRAPH PANEL

DHI SERVICES | FID Chromatograph Panel Operation & User Manual (v.01)

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Contents

1. Introduction 02

2. Operation 09

3. Calibrations 25

4. Maintenance 35

5. Troubleshooting 37

6. Technical Specifications 41


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1. Introduction

1.1 The FID Chromatograph is a compact analyzer that always delivers the information

you need. It provides optimal chromatography including peak symmetry, retention time

repeatability, and retention index accuracy, while allowing for fast GC (Cycle time for C1-C5

of 90sec). When the composition of gas mixtures is critical, it generates more data in less

time for faster and better business decisions.

Fig. 1-1 The FID Chromatograph Panel is a 19” rack mounting at 2U height

1.2 The FID Chromatograph uses the Flame Ionization Detection (FID) system. FIDs are

sensitive primarily to hydrocarbons, and are more sensitive to them than Thermal

Conductivity Detector (TCD); Fig. 1-2.


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Fig. 1-2 Flame Ionization Detection (FID)

The detection of organic compounds is most effectively done with flame ionization. FIDs are

best for detecting hydrocarbons, and other easily flammable components. They are very

sensitive to these components, and response tends to be linear across a wide range of

concentrations.

1.3 The FID Chromatograph is able to increase the monitoring frequency by using the

extremely valuable backflushing technique. Backflushing can improve the quality of the

analysis and saves both time and money on every run. By reversing column flow

immediately after the last compound of interest has eluded, we can eliminate long bake-

out times for highly retained sample components. Instead, these materials are swept

backwards through the column and out the split vent, preventing carryover, contamination,

retention time shifts and baseline drift.

1.4 DHI Services uses Clarity Lite chromatography station for the acquisition, processing

and evaluation of data from any gas with analog output. It is effective and user-friendly as

minimal data entry is required to launch methods. Immediate results can be viewed from a

laptop or desktop computer once the Chromatograph is run. Screens control is very simple

and standard or customized reports are easily managed by the operators.

Air or Oxygen for

combustion

Thermo coupler &

Filament Coil Combined Hydrogen &

Capillary Column

Thermo Coupler

Filament Coil


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Fig. 1-3 U-PAD 2 A/D Converter

The U-PAD 2 is the hardware of the Clarity Lite chromatography station. This device has the

following features:

1.4.1 2 data acquisition channels jointly isolated from USB ground.

1.4.2 2 digital inputs.

1.4.3 2 digital outputs also designed as relay contacts.

1.4.4 USB interface.

1.4.5 Excellent reliability and temperature stability.

1.5 The FID Chromatograph Panel is powered by 110 Vac, 3 amps, 50 – 60 Hz. It requires

a power supply module that supplies +/-12 Vdc and +5 Vdc to the Electrometer Board and

the Function Board respectively.


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Fig. 1-4 Internal Layout of FID Chromatograph Panel

1.6 Parts descriptions of the FID Chromatograph Panel (Fig. 1-4) are as shown:

1.6.1 Temp Display: Temperature of the oven shown in degree C.

1.6.2 Temp A/B Selector: Switch Selector to ‘A’ to read the actual temperature of the oven; Switch Selector to ‘B’ to read the set temperature of the oven.

Analog Signal

Output

INT Signal

Output

110 Vac Power

Solid State Relays

Power Supply

Module

Function Board

FID Ignition

Switch & LED

3-Way

Solenoid

Valve

SP Inlet

Vent

Sample Inlet

H2 Inlet

Air Inlet

FID Chimney

Out

Oven with R1 – R5

Flow control

FID

Electrometer Board

Temp Display

Temp A/B

Selector

On/Off Switch

& LED

Syringe Inject

Port

Sampling

Switch

Zero Knob

Range Selector

Switch

Signal Display


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1.6.3 Syringe Injection Port: The syringe port is where gas is alternatively

inputted to the chromatograph. This is normally used during the testing

phase of the well.

1.6.4 Sampling Switch: Switch to ‘Sample’ to get either a single

chromatography sample or switch to ‘Auto’ to set the chromatograph so

that it automatically takes in sample as set by the cycle time.

1.6.5 Zeroing Knob: The zero knob is used to set the baseline before sampling,

by passing through a zero-hydrocarbon-content medium such as the

compressor air.

1.6.6 Range Selector Switch: The range selector is for selecting the

amplification of the detector signal. The range is to be set in respect to

the Total Gas Reading.

At range X10: Ideal for THA reading at 0 to 2%

At range X100: Ideal for THA reading at 2% to 20%

At range X1K: Ideal for THA reading at 20% to 100%

1.6.7 Signal Display: The signal display indicates the 0-1 volt representation of

the peak detection of each type of gas being detected. It does not give

the exact value of the gas. It is useful though in letting the user identify

that a peak has been reached and detected, and that it gives a clue of

the resulting saturation for a particular range selection. This is tackled in

more detail in calibration of signal.

1.6.8 FID Ignition Switch: The ignite switch is a toggle switch. When it is

flicked and held up for approximately 2 to 4 seconds, 5 Vdc is applied to

the ignition coil on the detector, igniting the flame. The red led above

the switch indicates status of the flame.

1.6.9 FID Flame Indicator: The LED will light up when the FID is ignited.

1.6.10 FID Chimney Out: The chimney out is the exhaust for the burnt out gases.

1.6.11 Air Inlet: Serves as carrier of gas sample, and as combustion air. Setting:

30psi.


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1.6.12 H2 Inlet: H2 is serves as a “fuel” to enable the detector to sense

hydrocarbon ions. Setting: 80psi.

1.6.13 Sample Inlet: Sample is the line where gas sample is passed through for

chromatography. Setting: 15psi.

1.6.14 Vent: Vent is where unused sample, especially during back flush state, is

passed through. This should eventually be plumbed to outside the unit.

1.6.15 SP Inlet: SP (Solenoid Pressure) Similar to air, it is also derived from the

unit compressor except that it is maintained at a different pressure. It is

used to switch the commutation valve between its two positions. Setting:

60psi.

1.6.16 Analog Signal Out: This is a 0-1 Vdc signal, which serves as input to the

integrator. 1 volt denotes the maximum gas peak, depending on the

range selected. This is a two-pin terminal (+) and (-). This signal line is

terminating to the integrator (Clarity Lite).

1.6.17 INT Signal Out: This is a trigger to start the integrator whenever the

ample-auto is flicked to sample, or whenever a new cycle starts when

the chromatograph is in auto mode. Note that this two pin terminal is

bipolar – there are no polarities (+ or -) that need to be followed.

1.6.18 Function Board: Aside from controlling the oven temperature, it

also controls timing like Sample Injection State Interval and Cycle Time.

1.6.19 Power Supply: This is a PCB and a transformer mounted on an

aluminium plate. The power supply module supplies +/- 12vdc and + 5

Vdc. The +/-12vdc is required for offset setting of the integrated circuit

chips on the electrometer and temperature control board. The +5V

supply is required for ignition of fid and power for front panel displays.

(Power supply voltages check) lets you identify the power supply board

and adjust the voltages to correct levels.


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1.6.20 Solid State Relay (SSR): The SSR is to trigger the Heater in the Oven and

the Solenoid Valve.

1.6.21 Solenoid Valve: The Solenoid Valve is trigger when the Sampling Switch

is toggled. This will activate the 10 port valve.

1.6.22 Oven: The Oven is where the gas is passed through columns to separate

it into its components c1 (methane) up to nc5. To maintain the

consistency of the operation at a certain temperature of the oven, the

insulation material must be present and the cover closed tightly.


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2. Operation

2.1 In the mud-logging unit, the FID Chromatograph Panel is installed on the equipment

rack. Connections to the FID Chromatograph Panel are as follows:

2.1.1 110Vac Regulated power supply.

2.1.2 +ve, -ve and Shield Signal Output from the FID Chromatograph

connected to DET1 of the INT7 connector shown in Fig. 2-1.

2.1.3 +ve, -ve INT Output from the FID Chromatograph connected to INT1 of

the INT7 connector shown in Fig. 2-1.

Fig. 2-1 INT7 Connector

2.1.4 AIR Inlet (Green 1/8” tubing labelled ‘AIR CHR1’ or ‘AIR CHR2’ depending

on which FID Chromatograph Panel you are connecting to, CHR1=FID

Chromatograph Online, CHR2=FID Chromatograph Offline.) connected to

Manifold Panel via the Pneumatic Panel.

2.1.5 H2 Inlet (Red 1/8” tubing labelled ‘H2 CHR1’ or ‘H2 CHR2’ depending on

which FID Chromatograph Panel you are connecting to, CHR1=FID



2.1.6 SMPL Inlet (Blue 1/8” tubing labelled ‘Sample CHR1’ or ‘Sample CHR2’

depending on which FID Chromatograph Panel you are connecting to,


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CHR1=FID Chromatograph Online, CHR2=FID Chromatograph Offline.)

connected to Manifold Panel via the Pneumatic Panel.

2.1.7 VENT Outlet (Black 1/8” tubing labelled ‘Vent CHR1’ or ‘Vent CHR2’

depending on which FID Chromatograph Panel you are connecting to,

CHR1=FID Chromatograph Online, CHR2=FID Chromatograph Offline.)

connected to Manifold Panel via the Pneumatic Panel.

2.1.8 SP Inlet (Clear 1/8” tubing labelled ‘SP CHR1’ or ‘SP CHR2’ depending on

which FID Chromatograph Panel you are connecting to, CHR1=FID



Fig. 2-2 FID Chromatograph Panel - Back view

2.2 Switching on the FID Chromatograph Panel will lit-up the Red LED above the power

switch, TEMP and SIGNAL Display simultaneously. As all equipments in the mud-logging unit

are tested, therefore it is unlikely that one should find difficulty in powering up the FID

Chromatograph Panel.

2.3 Upon switching on the FID Chromatograph Panel, switch the TEMP switch on the

front of the FID Chromatograph to “B” and adjust VR2 of the Function PCB (Refer to Fig. 2-3)

until the front display is showing 62.2 immediately. (This will make the oven temperature

AIR Inlet Vent Outlet Signal Output 110Vac

Regulated Power

Signal Shield

Sample Inlet H2 Inlet SP Inlet INT Output


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stabilized at 60.0 degree Celsius.) This will also prevent the oven from burning out because

of the unknown VR2 of the Function PCB setting.

Fig. 2-3 FID Chromatograph Panel Function PCB

2.4 Allow the FID Chromatograph Panel approximately 2 hours to warm-up. After which,

refer to the Chapter 3. Calibration and carry out the FID Chromatograph Panel Electrometer

PCB Zeroing Calibration accordingly.

2.5 Next we have to set the Jumpers Settings of the FID Chromatograph Panel Function PCB. There are 5 Banks of 10 jumpers’ settings at the top part of the Function board shown in Fig 2-4.

Function PCB VR2


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Fig. 2-4 FID Chromatograph Panel Function PCB

2.5.1 The First bank of 10 jumpers sets the integrator start pulse delay from 0

to 9 tenths of a second. Set this to 3. (Put the jumper 4th pin from the left).

2.5.2 The Second and Third banks of 10 jumpers each set the Forward Flow

Time. Second bank to 5 (Put the jumper 6th pin from the left), which is about 5

seconds.

Set the Third bank to 10 (Put the jumper 2nd pin from the left), which is

about 10 seconds.

That will make it a total of 15 seconds. But with the columns we are using, this usually gets adjusted down to about 12 seconds but has to be determined for each new column.

2.5.3 The Fourth and Fifth banks of 10 jumpers each set the Auto Recycle Time.

Set the Fourth bank to 40 (Put the jumper 5th pin from the left), which is

about 40 seconds.

Set the Fifth bank to 200 (Put the jumper 3rd pin from the left), which is

about 200 seconds.

That will result in an Auto Recycle Time of 240 seconds in total.


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2.6 Set the regulator after the Air Compressor Output to 60PSI, this is also your SP for the

FID Chromatograph. And ensure that you have the following settings on your Pneumatic

Panel. Air=30 PSI (Regulated by the Air Regulator Knob), Zero=15 PSI (Regulated by the

Zero Regulator Knob) and Carrier=80 PSI (Regulated from the Hydrogen Generator).

Fig. 2-5 Pneumatic Control Panel – Front view

2.7 Set the Oven flow as per the instructions on the top oven plate (Fig. 2-6)

ZERO @

15 PSI

AIR @

30 PSI

Carrier @

80 PSI

ZERO Regulator

Knob

AIR Regulator

Knob

Select ZERO


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Fig. 2-6 Flow Setting Instructions on the Oven top plate


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2.8 After you had ignited (Hearing the faint ‘pop’ sound) the FID Chromatograph Panel,

the Ignite LED should light up. Now you need to warm up the FID Chromatograph for 24

hours before it is ready for testing.

2.9 Ensure that you have the Clarity Lite Software installed in the DrillSense Master

Computer. You must also ensure that the Clarity Lite USB Dongle and U-PAD2 Device are

already connected to the USB ports of the DrillSense Master Computer. Double-click on the

Clarity Lite Shortcut to launch the program.

2.10 Enter ‘Administrator’ and click “OK”.

2.11 Go to “File” -> “Project...”.


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2.12 Click on “New”…

2.13 Create a new project “DrillSense” and click “OK”.

2.14 Put the unit number of the respective unit under “Description” and click “OK”.


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2.15 Go to “Analysis” -> “Single”.

2.16 Key in the details as shown.

You’ll need to point the filename to the directory you want to use, and make sure you have

the %R parameter set to use the date format. Then click “OK”.


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2.17 Go to “Method” -> “Measurement”.

2.18 Fill in these parameters as shown. Any parameters you fill from here may need to be

tweaked for your chromatograph. Next, click on the “Acquisition” tab below.


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2.19 Select the Range and Sample Rate as shown. Next, click on the “Integration” tab.

2.20 Fill in the Global Peak Width=0.020 min and Global Threshold=1.000mV as shown.

Next, click on the “Calculation” tab.


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2.21 Fill in the details as shown and click “ok”. This is where you will create your first

calibration file. You won’t calibrate anything yet, you’re just setting the reference

calibration file in the directory.

2.22 At the “Clarity Lite – Method” window -> Setting -> Export Data...

CHR1x10CAL

1

PPM


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2.23 Only Select the details as shown and click “OK”. Do not put in any additional

information as it may cause the DrillSense unable to process the created text file.

2.24 At the “Clarity Lite – Method” window -> Setting -> Postrun...


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2.25 Only Select “Open Chromatograph Window” and “Export Data”. Then click “OK”. Do

not put in any additional information.

2.26 To complete the Installation and Setup of the Clarity Lite Program, perform the

following instructions.

At the “Clarity Lite – Method” window -> File -> Save Method As... and save these settings

you had set up to a Method name of your choice (i.e. CHR1x10MET). Take note of where

the file was saved to, so that you will be able to retrieve it again when required.


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2.27 Flow C1 – C5 0.1% Mixture to SPAN, On the Pneumatic Panel, switch from ZERO to

SPAN and wait for 1 minute. Trigger the Sample Switch up on the FID Chromatograph Panel.

After it completed its run, you should get a Clarity Lite – Chromatograph pop up window

shown. Click on the Clarity Lite – Calibration Window. (Indicated by the black arrow)

2.28 Go to “Open Standard”, search under “Data” folder for the results of the sample you

had just ran and click “OK”. It should be the latest file created.


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2.29 After opening the data file, click on “Add All” indicated by the black arrow. This will add all the 7 peaks of C1 to C5 to the calibration table. Rename the “Compound Name” and key in Analytical values accordingly. The names of the peaks MUST be key in as follows else DrillSense will not be able to “recognize” it. C1 (Methane): methane or C1 or c1 C2 (Ethane): ethane or C2 or c2 C3 (Propane): propane or C3 or c3 iC4 (iso-Butane): i-butane or IC4 or ic4 nC4 (n-Butane): butane or n-butane, NC4 or nc4 (Note: n-butane only works in DrillSense version November 30, 2009 and after) iC5 (iso-Pentane): i-pentane or IC5 or ic5 nC5 (n-Pentane): pentane or n-pentane or NC5 or nc5 (Note: n-pentane only works in DrillSense version November 30, 2009 and after)

Go to File -> Save Calibration As.. Save the calibration as the one you put in Step 2.21. (I.e.

CHR1x10CAL)

2.30 Now go back to the Clarity Lite – Method Window -> File -> Save the Current Method

(i.e. CHR1x10MET).


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3. Calibrations

3.1 After you had obtained your first Clarity Lite-Calibration file, the FID Chromatograph

is ready for calibration to its unique settings. (Note: Each and every FID Chromatograph is

unique equipment as it depends on the columns and FID which may have different

properties even if they are manufactured with the same specifications.)

3.2 FID Chromatograph Panel Electrometer PCB Zeroing Calibration will help you to

calibrate the FID Chromatograph Panel Electrometer PCB. You may have done this under

the operation procedure, but there will be some variation after the FID Chromatograph had

been fully warmed up. Thus you will need to do the FID Chromatograph Panel Electrometer

PCB Zeroing Calibration again.

3.3 FID Chromatograph Panel Electrometer PCB Zeroing Calibration procedure as

follows:-

3.3.1 Unplug the FID Detector connector from the Electrometer Board. (See Fig. 3-1)

3.3.2 Unplug the Zero Potentiometer connector from the Electrometer Board.

(See Fig. 3-1)

Fig. 3-1 FID Chromatograph Electrometer PCB – Top view

FID

Detector

connect

or

Zero Potentiometer connector


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3.3.3 At the front of the FID Chromatograph Panel, place the Range Switch knob at 10.

Fig. 3-2 FID Chromatograph Panel – Front view

3.3.4 Adjust VR2 on the FID Chromatograph Panel Electrometer PCB until the Signal

display on the front of the FID Chromatograph Panel reads 0.0.

Fig. 3-3 FID Chromatograph Panel Electrometer PCB – Top view

3.3.5 Plug the FID Detector and Zero Potentiometer connector back onto the FID

Chromatograph Panel Electrometer PCB. 3.3.6 Adjust the Zero knob at the front of the FID Chromatograph until the Signal

display reads 0.0. If you are unable to adjust till the Signal display reads 0.0, secure back the top cover of the FID Chromatograph Panel, and let it warm up overnight and try again.

VR2 on FID Chromatograph Panel Electrometer PCB

Zero knob at the front of the Chromatograph Panel


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3.4 By now the FID Chromatograph Panel should be ignited and warmed up for at least

24 hours. Now we need to do the Calibration of the FID Chromatograph Panel with

Integrator (Clarity Lite)

3.5 Set the Range = 10, re-adjust the Zero Knob on the front panel to show 0.0 on the

display. It should be 0.0 when the Pneumatic selector switch is at Zero position.

3.6 Flow C1 to C5 0.1% to SPAN. Switch to SPAN on the Pneumatic Panel, wait for 1

minute, and trigger the Sample / Auto Switch upwards to take a sample. Switch SPAN to

ZERO once the FID Chromatograph 10-port valve had switched back. Basically, when the 10-

port valve switched back, the FID Chromatograph had completed its sampling, and we

switch back to ZERO to save the Cal Gas.Having the setting up done in Chapter 2, you

should be able to see the C1 to C5 7 peaks on the Clarity Lite-Chromatograph Window

when the Clarity Lite program completed its run.

3.7 After the Clarity Lite Program completed its run, you should get a 7-peak graph with

reference to the Calibration File (i.e. CHRx10CAL) created in Chapter 2. Ensure that the 7

peaks’ Retention Time (RT) is captured correctly on the Clarity Lite Program, else recalibrate

the present run as your calibration file and run again. You must ensure that the Retention

Time must coincide with the ones you had calibrated.

3.8 Ensure that the 7 peaks appear in the range of the 1.5 minutes (90 Seconds) run time

set. However this Run Time can be determined by how fast or how slow they appear. The

Default Run Time setting was 1.4 minutes.

3.9 Apply the C1 to C5 0.1% mixture a few more times to determine the Run Time.

Determine the Run Time. The run time should be round to the nearest 0.1 minutes after the

last peak (nC5) had fully appeared. At the same time, observe the signals picked up by the

CHR by referring the current run Area amount with the previous run Area amount. The Area

amount should be around the same.

3.10 Change the Run Time in Clarity Lite Program in the Clarity Lite – Method window

under Method / Measurement; so that it will take effect next time you Sample Trigger the

FID Chromatograph Panel. Note down the RUN TIME.


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3.11 In the Clarity Lite – Chromatograph window where you can see the Results of that

particular run. You can try to vary the Global Threshold here under the Integration tab to

determine the value of the Global Threshold. Set the Global Threshold at a level where all

the 7 peaks are detected with minimum or no noise peaks picked up. (Default: 1.000 mV)

You can change the Global Threshold in Clarity Lite – Method window under Method /

Integration so that it will take effect next time you Sample Trigger the FID Chromatograph

Panel. Note down the Global Threshold:

3.12 Now you got to set the Forward Flow Time (sampling time). This is to prevent

unwanted heavy hydrocarbons from being introduced into the main separation column.

The default Forward Flow Time set is 15 sec. (Set by the Second and Third Bank of Jumpers

settings.)

Bring the Forward Flow Time down to 14 sec by setting the Second bank of 10 jumpers to 4

(5th pin from the left) and sample C1 to C5 0.1%.

Slowly reduce the Forward Flow Time until you see a significant drop (10% or more) in C5.

When the amount of C5 is significantly reduced, add 1 or 2 seconds back to the current

forward flow time setting. (As an example, if the last forward flow time is 11 seconds and

the C5 amount is reduced by more than 50%, set the configuration jumpers to 13 seconds.

If the last forward flow time is 11 seconds and the C5 amount is reduced by less than 50%,

set the configuration jumpers to 12 seconds.) Note down the Final Forward Flow Time.

3.13 Save the current Method again as per the file name you had saved earlier. (Note: The

General Calibration for the FID Chromatograph Panel had been completed.)

With the Clarity Lite Program calibrated at RANGE 10, apply C1 to C5 0.1% again and check

the accuracy of the resulting readings. Take note of the proximity of the readings to the

nominal values. Average reading accuracy from nominal values (e.g., 50 ppm):

If the accuracy is greater than 50 ppm, the Clarity Lite Calibration file has to be

recalibrated again else this calibration file reference is ok.

3.14 Now proceed to the Calibration of the High Level Gas. With the Current Method still

open, save it as High Level Gas file (eg. CHR1x1000MET). This is to prevent unnecessary

overwriting of the data previously saved.

(Disregard the Calibration File tentatively.)


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3.15 This is to calibrate the High Gas at Range 1k. At RANGE 1k, apply C1 to C5 0.1% and

Sample Trigger the FID Chromatograph Panel. This is to create the C1 to C5 readings at

RANGE 1k for the High Gas Calibration File in Clarity Lite.

After the run completed, at the Clarity Lite – Chromatograph window, you will notice that

some of the C1 to C5 Compounds were not shown. It is very obvious that there is a peak

there, but Clarity Lite is not recognising them as peaks. At the Clarity Lite – Chromatograph

window, click on the “Integration” tab below and reduce the Global Threshold Voltage by

steps of 0.1mV. Reduce until you are able to see all the 7 peaks. Take note of the mV

reading (i.e. 0.5mV) all the 7 peaks appear.

3.16 Go back to the Clarity Lite – Chromatograph window, Results Tab, and click to save

the Chromatograph. After which, go and change the Global Threshold to the value you had

obtained in step 3.15, by going to the Clarity Lite – Method window under Method /

Integration and saved to this High Gas Method (i.e.CHRx1000MET), so that it will take effect

next time you Sample Trigger the FID Chromatograph Panel.

3.17 Now go to the Clarity Lite – Calibration window, select a “New” calibration, then click

on “Open Standard”, and select the C1 to C5 0.1% at RANGE 1K chromatograph you had

just created.


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3.18 Click on “Add all” and key in the compound names and Analytical Values accordingly.

The names of the peaks MUST be key in as follows else DrillSense will not be able to “recognize” it. C1 (Methane): methane or C1 or c1 C2 (Ethane): ethane or C2 or c2 C3 (Propane): propane or C3 or c3 iC4 (iso-Butane): i-butane or IC4 or ic4 nC4 (n-Butane): butane or n-butane, NC4 or nc4 (Note: n-butane only works in DrillSense version November 30, 2009 and after) iC5 (iso-Pentane): i-pentane or IC5 or ic5 nC5 (n-Pentane): pentane or n-pentane or NC5 or nc5 (Note: n-pentane only works in DrillSense version November 30, 2009 and after)


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3.19 You must take note that 0.1% at RANGE 10 = 1000ppm. Therefore 0.1% at RANGE 1k

= 10ppm. But if you want DrillSense to recognise the small reading at RANGE 1k = 1000ppm,

you may key in the desired value. (i.e. At RANGE 1k, 0.1% = 1000ppm.) But you MUST

remember to change to the appropriate Method (i.e. CHRx10MET for RANGE 10 and

CHRx1000MET for RANGE 1k.) for the RANGE you had selected on the front of the FID

Chromatograph Panel. Save this calibration file as a file name you know which FID

Chromatograph Panel you are referring to. (i.e. CHR1x1000CAL)

3.20 After you had saved the calibration file, go back to the Clarity Lite – Chromatograph

window, click on “Set…” and select the calibration file (i.e. CHR1x1000CAL) in you had

entered in step 3.19. You should see the ppm results changed and correspond with the

Analytical Values you entered.

3.21 After you had set the calibration file, go to File and save the chromatograph with the

new reference calibration file you had just set.


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3.22 Then go to the Clarity Lite – Method window. Go to “Method” -> “Calculation”, , click

on “Set…” and select the calibration file (i.e. CHR1x1000CAL) in you had entered in step

3.19, and close. This is to tell the integrator to use this calibration file as reference for

future analysis.

3.23 Under the Clarity Lite – Method window, go to “File” and save this method to

“CHR1x1000MET”.

3.24 Flow the C1 50% to SPAN and switch to SPAN on the Pneumatic Panel. Adjust

SPAN=15PSI. Wait for 1 minute, ensure that your FID Chromatograph Panel is at RANGE 1K,

and sample trigger it.

3.25 After the Clarity Lite program completed its run, you should see a C1 50% peak on

the Clarity Lite – Chromatograph window. Click on the Clarity Lite –Calibration window,

open the calibration file you had saved in 3.19 (i.e. CHR1x1000CAL), disregard if the

calibration file is correct and already opened.

3.26 Click on “Open Standard”, and open the C1 50% chromatograph you had just created.


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3.27 Click on “Add All”, you should see that the calibration file created a 2nd level of

Calibration of the C1 50% result. Just enter the Analytical values of the C1 50% in the

Amount column, the rest just leave it as 0.00 and save the calibration file.

3.28 Click back to the Clarity Lite – Chromatograph window, you should see your C1 50%

amount showing the amount you had keyed in the Clarity Lite –Calibration window.


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3.29 Calibration of the FID Chromatograph is fully completed; you may try a few runs of

the C1 to C5 0.1% calibration gas or other C1 to C5 gas compound to see if the results are

close to the analytical values. You may also create a CHRx100MET method file and a

CHRx100CAL calibration file for RANGE 100.


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4. Maintenance

4.1 The FID Chromatograph Panel is easy to maintain. However due to the environment

of mud-logging activities, it requires continuous team effort to upkeep the cleanliness in the

mud-logging unit.

4.2 Periodic checks on the FID Chromatograph Panel will definitely allow the equipment

to achieve its best performance. It is important to follow the Unit Equipment Maintenance

Schedule to perform checks on the FID Chromatograph Panel.

4.3 These are some simple steps to perform in maintaining the FID Chromatograph Panel:

4.3.1 Switch off the FID Chromatograph Panel and remove the power cord

from the panel.

4.3.2 Remove 4 x securing rack screws of the FID Chromatograph panel from

the equipment rack.

4.3.3 Gently slide the FID Chromatograph Panel from the equipment rack.

Caution if there is any entanglement from the gas tubing or signal cables

at the back of the FID Chromatograph Panel.

4.3.4 There is no requirement to remove the FID Chromatograph Panel

completely from the equipment rack. Once the panel is slide out,

remove the top screws and remove the top panel cover.

4.3.5 Check for any loose wires within the FID Chromatograph Panel. Gently

dust off any dirt that may have settled inside the panel, do not attempt

to use wet-base treatment for cleaning. The use of wet cloth or tissues is

strictly prohibited.

4.3.6 Refrain from contacting the Electrometer and Function boards, as both

have already been calibrated and functioning, it is not advisable to have

any unnecessary adjustment to the PCB board settings.

4.3.7 Simply cover the panel top cover and secure the panel screws when

done. Fasten the rack screws to secure the FID Chromatograph Panel

onto the equipment rack. Insert the power cord and switch on the panel.


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4.3.8 Perform a quick check on the panel; ensure the FID Chromatograph

Panel is in operational mode after the maintenance. Verify the

calibration values.

4.3.9 The recommended maintenance mentioned above is based on weekly

checks. Leak-check, re-calibration for Electrometer and Function boards

will have to be carried out monthly.

4.3.10 The Offline FID Chromatograph Panel maintenance will be as per the

Online FID Chromatograph Panel.


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5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Q: Unable to switch on the FID Chromatograph Panel?

A: Ensure there is 110Vac regulated power.

A: Check that the power cord is serviceable.

A: Check that the fuse in the panel power entry is serviceable.

A: Check that the power supply module in the FID Chromatograph Panel is

serviceable; by measuring the power in (110Vac) / out (5Vdc & 12Vdc).

5.2 Q: FID Chromatograph Panel signal display or temperature display blanked off?

A: Check for loose connector on the display chicklet board.

A: Check that there are no loose wires to the connector.

5.3 Q: Signal display produces unstable readings?

A: Check if the range selection is set correctly.

A: Check that the Signal Shield is properly fastened; this is to eliminate signal noise.

Has the signal stabilised after checking the shield contact? Otherwise continue with

troubleshooting.

A: Check that the mud-logging unit is free from any form of gaseous in the air that

could contribute to the unstable reading.

A: Check that the mud-logging unit is operating at a stable temperature (21 – 25

degree C). This will help to stabilise the FID readings.

A: Check that the U-PAD2 device is connected to a stable power supply source (i.e

the DrillSense PC is powered by stable power source such as a regulated UPS power

source). You may remove the Signal Outputs and observe whether the reading

stabilises, if it does stabilises then it shows that the Chromatograph signal is affected


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by unstable power source that is generating noise to the signals. Please switch the

power source to provide regulated power to both the PC and the FID Chromatograph

Panel.

A: It could be that the FID has been contaminated and becomes faulty, switch to a

new FID and check again.

5.4 Q: Why the Temp display, Signal display and the power LED blanked off when the

Ignite switch is activated?

A: It is either the FID pins or filament has contact with the chimney (internal), as such

this will create short-circuit to the FID Chromatograph Panel.

Switch off the panel; simply reposition the FID in the chimney by sliding it slightly

away from any possible contact within the chimney.

Take note that the short-circuitry does not damage any of the components, thus

power up the panel and prepare to ignite the FID.

5.5 Q: Unable to ignite the FID Chromatograph Panel?

A: Ensure that the FID filament glows when the ignite switch is activated. You may go

to the back of the panel and in a safe distance of ½ meter away from the chimney

exhaust, observe that the filament glows (inside the chimney) when a helper is

activating the ignite switch.

A: If the filament is unable to glow, please proceed to check the 5Vdc supply at the

power supply module in the FID Chromatograph Panel. Ensure that the 5Vdc is

supplying to the ignite switch. You may also use the multimeter to measure the

filament pins for 5Vdc as you activate the ignite switch (Fig. 5-1). Check for possible

loose soldering joints.


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Fig. 5-1 Measuring for 5Vdc on Filament Pins

A: Measure the Conductivity across the 2 points below, it shown be a very low ohms (Less than 10 ohm). Reading that is greater than 10 ohm is most likely that the igniting coil is broken or no good. A: When you hold up the ignite switch, measure the voltage across the 2 points of the FID Connector as shown in Fig 5-2. It should be around -5V or +5V. If not, the ignite switch or 5V from the power supply may be faulty or no good.

Fig. 5-2 Measuring points for 5 volts

Filament contact

pin

Filament contact

pin


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A: With a glowing filament, inject the sample gas and reduce the Air by 50% to

approximately 15 psi. This method is to obtain higher concentration of the sample

gas for combustion; therefore a louder “pop” is expected to be heard. Please

increase the Air to 30 psi after the ignition is achieved.

A: If none of the above mentioned help to solve the problem, you may need to check

the flow settings again, please refer to Chapter 2. Operation; Fig. 2-6 .

A: It could be that the FID has been contaminated and becomes faulty, switch to a

new FID and check again.


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6. Technical Specifications


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Documents

FID Chromatograph Panel Operation & User Manual (v.01)