Operating Instructions

Calcimeter Software

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Calcimeter Software

Status: 07.10.2003
Table of Contents

1.

System Requirements...............................................................................................................................2

2.

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................2

3.

Information Dialogue Box ......................................................................................................................2

4.

Connecting the Hardware .......................................................................................................................2

5.

Starting the Programm and Adding Data...............................................................................................2

Standard Settings ...........................................................................................................................................................2
Well and Sampling data ................................................................................................................................................3

Well Data ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Sampling Data..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

6.

Calcite Data Files ....................................................................................................................................3

7.

Calibration Data Files .............................................................................................................................3

8.

9.

Log Data Files .........................................................................................................................................4

Log Table Files ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Log Diagram Files .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Operating the Programm ........................................................................................................................5

Calibration......................................................................................................................................................................5
Sample Analysis..............................................................................................................................................................6
Data Evaluation..............................................................................................................................................................7

10.

Carbonate Log Diagramm .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Carbonate Log Table .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Main Menu Options ................................................................................................................................8

Files..................................................................................................................................................................................8

Load File ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Save as................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Print ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Carbonate Log Diagram...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Carbonate Log Table .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Print the Carbonate Log File............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Load a Carbonate Log File ................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Close the Programme.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Configuration .................................................................................................................................................................9

Com Port ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Defining the Maximum Processing Time.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Information Dialogue Box .................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Language............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
New Calibration .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Last Calibration................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Directory File .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Information...................................................................................................................................................................10

Instructions................................................................................................................................................. Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert.

Information........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Icons ..............................................................................................................................................................................10

11.

1 Corresponding Command: Load File ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

2 C orresponding Command: Save File......................................................................................................................................................... 10
3 C orresponding Command: Print (Current Analysis Data) ........................................................................................................................ 10
4 C orresponding Command: Com Port Settings .......................................................................................................................................... 10
5 C orresponding Command: Maximum Process Time Definition .............................................................................................................. 10

Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................11

Invalid Results ..............................................................................................................................................................11

Loss of Pressure............................................................................................................................................................11
Illogical Analysis Results .............................................................................................................................................11
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Calcimeter Software

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System Requirements
Pentium PC with 150 MHz or better
Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP
1 MB Hard Disk Resources*
*plus Hard Disk Resources for the analysis files
64 MB RAM Main Memory
SVGA-Colour monitor/TFT (min. Resolution: 800 x 600 Pixel)

1.

Introduction

This software allows the user to analyse the Calcite, Dolomite and total Carbonate content of a sample, using
the following analysis principles. As a result of pressure changes through reaction of the sample with
hydrochloric acid in a pressure chamber, the Software calculates the Calcite, Dolomite and total Carbonate
content within the sample. The results are given in pro cent. The results are automatically saved and are
therefore available for subsequent analysis or hard copy printing. Additionally, the user has the possibility to
create a graphical or table report for a complete series of analysis results. This handbook describes how to
use the software. If the user requires information about the processes or how to use the Calcimeter, then the
Calcimeter handbook should be consulted.

2.

Information Window

After initiating the programme, a window appears showing information about the current programme.
This includes tips about using the programme as well as instructions about carrying out analyses with the
Calcimeter. When the user is competent enough, then this window can be deactivated.

3.

Connecting the Hardware

Connect the pressure sensor head using the supplied cable with the Calcimeter AD Converter box. Connect
the Calcimeter AD Converter box to the PC using the serial Com Port cable. Now connect the mains supply
(220 V) and turn on the instrument.
The user can also use a serial USB adapter to connect the calcimeter box to the PC. The Com Port settings must be
changed in the programme using the option: USB Serial Adapter

N.B.:

4.

Initiating the Programme and Adding Data

Standard Settings
After staring the programme for the first time, the user is requested by the computer by means of a dialogue
box to configure the standard programme settings. The settings are saved and are automatically retrieved
when the programme is restarted. If subsequent changes are made, such as changing the Com Port, then
the appropriate settings must be changed manually in the Main Menu item Configurations.

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Well and Sampling Data

It is necessary to enter the Well and Sampling Data after each programme start

Well Data
Operator:
Well Name:
Short Name:

Name of the Logger/Technician carrying out the analyses.

Name of the Well or project from which the samples to be analysed originate.
Short name of the project.

If the user needs to change this data, this can be achieved by activating the icon Change Well Data. If the user has
already opened a new well and requires a separate file for the analysis data then refer to the information found under
8. Log Files!

N.B.:

Sampling Data
Depth:

The depth at which the sample was taken.

N.B.: The user has the choice of using either feet or metres

Comments:

The user can change or edit the settings by activating the icon: Change Sampling Data. This is only possible
before the analysis has begun

N.B.:

5.

In this field it is possible to make comments about the current sample.

Calcite Data Files

If an analysis has been successfully completed and a result has been calculated, the programme
automatically creates a calcite data file, which contains the analysis results. These files are located in the
sub directory Text/Geology/Analyses.
The file name is created in the following fashion: Teufe_0_Datum.cal. (Depth_0_Date.cal)
Example: Depth: 20 Metres, Date: 27.02.2003 creates the following file name: 0020_270203.cal!
If the user wishes to view or print a saved calcite analysis, then this can be carried out by loading the required
file from the main menu item: Load File
If more than one analysis has been carried out for the same depth, then the depth value is suffixed with a progressing
letter starting with A e.g.: 0020A0_270203.cal, 0020B0_270203.cal, 0020C0_270203.cal etc.

N.B.:

6.

Calibration Files

If a calibration has been successfully completed, then the programme automatically creates a calibration file.
This contains the calibrated parameter data.
These files are located in the sub directory
Text/Geology/Analyses.
The file name is created in the following fashion: eich+Uhrzeit_Datum.cal. (Cal+Time_Date.cal)
Example:

Version 1.0

A calibration carried out at 09:12 on the 27.02.2003 creates the following file name:
eich0912_270203.cal

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7.

Status: 07.10.2003

Log Files

The programme records the series of analyses for the current day. Two log files are created: one in tabular
form, for the creation of table and a second, for the creation of a graphical display. These files are located in
the sub directory Text/Geology/Analyses.

Table Log File

The name of the file for the tabular report is automatically created according to the following format:
Datum.log. (Date.log)
Example: A series of analyses from the 27.02.2003 creates the following file: 270203.log
N.B.:

The user can open these files in any word processing (e.g. Editor, Word, etc.) application. It is then possible to edit the
contents or print the data without using the calcimeter software.

Diagram Log File

The name of the file for the graphical report is automatically created according to the following format:
carbonatlog_Datum.log. (carbonatlog_Date.log)
Example: A series of analyses from the 27.02.2003 creates the following file: carbonatlog_270203.log

Please Note:
N.B.:

If the user has made several analysis series during one day and these data series are not to be
incorporated into a Carbonate Log, then the user has two possibilities to save the data:
1) Before the new analysis series is started, then the user should change the current user file.
The log files are automatically created in the sub directory Text/Geology/Analyses of the newly
selected directory
2) Copy the selected log files (*.log) out of the sub directory Text/Geology/Analyses to another
directory chosen by the user or delete the files. The programme then creates new log files. We
recommend the usage of Method 1), since this avoids the unnecessary loss of data.
It is important to remember that the selected sub directory in Text/Geology/Analyses should not
contain any log files with the current date, when a new series of analyses is to be created.

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Calcimeter Software

8.

Status: 07.10.2003

Operating the Programme

Calibration
Before a series of analyses is made, the Calcimeter must be calibrated using pure (99.99% CaCO3)
Calcium Carbonate. Additionally the user should re-calibrate the instrument after a maximum of 15 analyses
has been made. The programme automatically reminds the user to re-calibrate the instrument to ensure the
accuracy of the analyses being made.
Preparation:
Measure 0.5 g of Calcium Carbonate using the scales provided and place the sample in the glass pressure
cylinder. The acid bomb should be filled to the marking with a 10% Hydrochloric Acid solution. The pressure
sensor head should then be screwed carefully onto the pressure cylinder. Important! The acid solution
must not be allowed to come into contact with the Calcium Carbonate!

1
2
3

Calibration
Before a new calibration is started, it is necessary to enter the following data into the numbered fields:
Operator [1], Well name [2] and Well short name [3]. This ensures that the measured values can be
properly assigned and saved. Left click the Field [4] (Calibration) to start the calibration modus. Please
follow the instructions shown in the dialogue box. When the preparations for the calibration have been
completed according to the instructions and the Calcimeter is correctly connected to the PC, then the
calibration process can be started. Click the Field [4] (Start Calibration). Tip the acid bomb such that the
acid is poured onto the Calcium Carbonate. Agitate the sample cylinder gently to start the Calcite reaction
until the animated bottle symbol, which is shown in display area [5] becomes stationary (approx. 15
seconds). Place the pressure cylinder on a flat surface and wait until the calibration and the seal check
measurement have been completed. Important! Wait until the PC indicates that the calibration has been
completed before the pressure cylinder is opened. Failure to do so will result in an abortion of the calibration
or give poor results.
N.B.:

Version 1.0

If the calibration has been aborted, no constant pressure, or an insufficient number of measurements has been recorded,
then the user must repeat the calibration process after the source of error has been found. Sample analyses cannot be
made until a correct calibration has been carried out.

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Sample Analysis
Preparation:
The prepared sample should be placed in the glass pressure cylinder (Sample volume 0.5g; grain size
< 0.2 mm). The acid bomb should be filled to the marking with a 10% Hydrochloric Acid solution. The
pressure sensor head should then be screwed carefully onto the pressure cylinder. Important! The acid
solution must not be allowed to come into contact with the sample until the software processing has been
started.

1
2
3

6
4

Making an Analysis:
After the user has successfully completed a calibration or the last calibration value has been loaded, the
sample analysis can be started to find the Calcite, Dolomite and the total Carbonate content of the sample.
To do so, click the button [4] (New Analysis). An input window is opened for the sample data. The adding of
comments is optional and does not need to be completed. When the data has been successfully entered,
then the button [4] title is changed to Start Analysis. The sample should then be prepared for analysis as
described above. Once the preparations have been completed and the Calcimeter is connected to the PC
correctly, then the analysis can be started. The process is activated by using button [4]: (Start Analysis).
Thereafter the title of the button changes to Stop. Agitate the sample bottle to start the reaction and continue
agitation until the animated bottle symbol, which is shown in display area [5] becomes stationary (approx. 10
seconds). Place the pressure cylinder on a flat surface and wait until the measurement and processing time
limit (Standard: 20 minutes) has been reached or the user decides to complete the process by activating
button [4]. The remaining processing time is displayed in display area [6]. The measured values are
displayed graphically in display area [7] while the processing is being completed. After the process has
been completed the values (in addition to the graphical display) for Calcite [1], Dolomite [2] and total
Carbonate [3] are displayed on the screen. Display area [8] shows the measured reaction time for Calcite.
N.B.:

Version 1.0

After the processing has been completed, the results from the sample are automatically saved. The results for this
sample can be found in the sub directory Analyses. More information can be found under Capital 6: Calcite Files. When
the data is to be saved under a user defined name or directory, then this can be carried out by using the main menu item
Save as....

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Data Evaluation
The programme controls the series of evaluations in a Carbonate log automatically. ALL analyses, which
have been processed during the course of one day, are archived in a Log file. The analysis series can be
viewed either as a graphical display or in table form.
N.B.:

The archive contains all analyses processed in one day! If analysis series from more than one well have been processed
in one day and they are required to be saved in separate directories, then the user should refer to Capital 8: Log Files.

To open the Carbonate Log, then the user should select the relevant menu item from the pull-down menu
[A] in the main menu bar. This can be used to display or print the current Carbonate log. Previously saved
logs can also be loaded from this pull-down menu. Alternatively, click the relevant button in display area [B]
to display (or print) the current log diagram or table

Carbonate Log Diagram

1
3

6
5

A series of analysis results from a number of samples is displayed as a graph in display area [1]. The
results are displayed according to depth on the Y-axis, increasing from left to right. The legend [2] indicates
which curve represents the Calcite, Dolomite and the total Carbonate values. The green annotation line [3]
marks the selected sample, whereby the analysis results for this sample are displayed in display area [4].
To scroll through the results use the relevant arrow keys [5]. Button [6] prints the graphical data display.
To leave the display then click button [7] Close
N.B.:

Version 1.0

In addition to the Arrow keys it is possible to scroll the results using the key combinations Alt + or Alt +

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Carbonate Log Table

1

The Analysis series and results are displayed in the central area [1] in the table shown above. The results
are displayed in the same order as the series of analyses were made. To print the file to paper left click the
button Print [2]. If the user wishes to leave the display then the button Close [3] should be left clicked

9.

Main Menu Options

File
Load File
To load previously saved analysis data then the user should select this command and choose the required
file from the dialogue box. To complete the process left-click the option: Open.

Save As
Select this command when the analysis results are to be saved using a user defined file name or location

Print
This command allows the user to print the current data on the printer according to the instructions given in the
dialogue box.

Carbonate Log Diagram

Select this command to call a graphic display of the current analysis series.

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Carbonate Log Table

When the user selects this command, a tabular display of the current analysis series is shown.

Print the Carbonate Log File

By selecting this command, the user can print the current analysis series on the printer. The user can define
the depths from x to y for which he wants the data printed.

Load a Carbonate Log File

This menu item command permits the user to load and display a previously saved Carbonate log as a
diagram.

Close the Programme

Closes the Programme.

Configuration
Com Port
Select this option to choose the Com-Port from which the calcimeter is connected to the PC
N.B.:

Additionally, the user can active the USB serial port when the Calcimeter is connected to the PC by means of an USB
serial adapter!

Defining the Maximum Processing Time

The maximum processing time (in minutes) required for a single analysis to determine the Calcite or Dolomite
content of the sample can be defined using this menu command.
N.B.:

Standard Processing Time:: 20 Minutes. If the processing time is reduced, this can lead to inaccurate results. The
greater the reduction in processing times, the greater the error for the Dolomite or total Carbonates!

Information Dialogue Box

If the information dialogue box for the preparation of the processing has been deactivated, then it can be
reactivated here, or vice versa.

Language
Select the language displayed from ether English or German

New Calibration
Call this command to start the calibration process
N.B.:

Version 1.0

When the user starts a new calibration process, then the previously stored calibration data is deleted!

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Previous Calibration
Load the data from the previous calibration using this command. Not only the calibration data is loaded, but
also the corresponding well data. If the well data does not correspond to the current well data then this
should be duly edited. Left-click the button Edit Well Data to change the well data.
The previous calibration data should only be loaded when the user is certain that this data is still valid. If the user is
uncertain as to the validity of this data then we recommend making a new calibration to avoid the falsification of the
analysis results.

N.B.:

Directory Files
Select the directory file using the dialogue box, in which the sub directory for the analysis files should be
located.
The following sub directories are created in the directory file selected by the user. These are: Text/Geology/Analyses.
The Calcite, calibration and log files are saved in the Analyses sub directory.

N.B.:

Information
Instructions
A dialogue box is shown with general information about using the programme or processing methods

Information
The current Programme version is displayed here.

Symbol Bar

1 Corresponding Command: Load File

2 Corresponding Command: Save Data

3 Corresponding Command: Print (Current Analysis)

4 - Corresponding Command: Com-Port Settings

5 - Corresponding Command: Maximum Processing Time Definition.

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10. Troubleshooting
Invalid Results
If, during the course of sample processing, invalid or incorrect values are given, then this may be a result of a
poor connection or wrong settings for the Calcimeter AD Converter box. This may have been caused by the
following reasons:
-

The box has no power or the mains cable is not connected. Turn on the power or connect the mains
supply cable to the box or a suitable 220V socket.
The connecting cable between the Box and PC or the sensor head are not correctly connected.
Check all cable connections.
The Com-Port settings are wrong. Change the settings in the configuration menu.
The box is connected to the PC using an USB-Serial-Adapter and the USB settings have not been
activated in the Com-Port settings. Change the settings in the configuration menu.
The box is not connected to the PC using an USB-Serial-Adapter and the USB settings have been
activated in the Com-Port settings. Change the settings in the configuration menu.
The pressure is not constant. Examine the seal on the sensor head and ensure that the sensor head
is tightly screwed onto the glass cylinder.
The calibration data is no longer valid. Re-calibrate the Calcimeter

Loss of Pressure
If, during the processing of a sample, a loss in pressure is observed or the curve falls off after reaching a
maximum value, then the seal between the sensor head and the glass cylinder is probably not correctly
seated and leaking. In most cases this can be for the following reasons:
-

Pressure cylinder and sensor head are not properly connected.

The seal of the sensor head is eitehr damaged or a foreign body is located between the glass
cylinder and the seal.

Illogical Analysis Results

If illogical analysis results are observed, for example the total Carbonate content is greater than 100% or
does not correspond to the sum of the Calcite and Dolomite values, then this is probably due to the following
reason:
-

The current calibration values have become invalid. Re-calibrate the Calcimeter.

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Ausgabe.pas Zeile: 536

ATTENTION: UNABLE TO FIND THE *.INI-FILE
Please use the standard configuration
Ausgabe.pas Zeile: 638
The external device has not been found
Please verify the hardware or COM-Port configuration
Ausgabe.pas Zeile: 742
ATTENTION: A temporary calibration file has been found!
This is probably because the Programme was not correctly closed after the last series of analyses!
Do you want to use the old calibration data from xy?
Ausgabe.pas Zeile: 1626
You must first complete a calibration
Please activate the key marked: Calibration
Ausgabe.pas Zeile: 1792
Are you sure you want to quit?
Ausgabe.pas Zeile: 2955
Not a valid file format
Ausgabe.pas Zeile: 3261
No valid number present
Eichung.pas Zeile: 373
You have started the calibration reaction process before activating: Start Calibration
The curve displayed does not represent the standard calibration curve.
This will have no influence on any further recorded analysis results
ExLogDrucken.pas Zeile: 84
Cant find the Carbonate Log File.
ExLogDrucken.pas Zeile: 188
The results lie outside the valid pressure range
ExLogDruckenForm.pas
Invalid character!
Invalid result!
Inistartwert.pas Zeile: 60
You have started the programme for the first time.
Please select the directory in which all future analysis results should be saved to and choose the COM-Port
interface to which the measuring device should be connected.

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Kopfdaten.pas
To carry out an analysis series you must enter the Well ID.
To carry out an analysis series you must enter the depth data.
To carry out an analysis series you must enter the name of the Well.
To carry out an analysis series you must enter the name of the Operator.
Lasteichfile.pas
No previously saved calibration data found.
LogTable.pas
Cant find Carbonate Log File!
Messung.pas
You have completed xx analyses or more using the same calibration data
A new calibration should be completed.
ProbenDaten.pas
Please enter the name of the Operator!
Please enter the depth!
Please enter the Well ID!
StartEingaben.pas
Invalid character!
ZeigeExtraLogDatei.pas
Cant find Carbonate Log File!
Zeit.pas
Only entries from 1 to 180 are valid

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