fann 300 Series User manual

Series 300 LPLT Filter Press
Instruction Manual
Manual No. 207128, Revision G

207128 Revision G, September 2012 2
LPLT Filter Press Instruction Manual
©2012 Fann Instrument Company
Houston, Texas, USA
All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or
copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical) without first receiving the
written permission of Fann Instrument Company, Houston, Texas, USA.
Printed in USA.
The information contained in this document includes concepts, methods, and apparatus which may be
covered by U.S. Patents. Fann Instrument Company reserves the right to make improvements in
design, construction, and appearance of our products without prior notice.
FANN®and the FANN logo are registered trademarks of Fann Instrument Company in the United
States and/or other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in the operating instructions are the
exclusive property of the respective manufacturers.
Contact FANN
Phone
TELEPHONE: [phone]
TOLL FREE: 800-347-0450
FAX: [phone]
Mail
Fann Instrument Company
P.O. Box 4350
Houston, Texas, 77210 USA
Location
Fann Instrument Company
15112 Morales Rd Gate 7
Houston, Texas, 77032, USA
Online
www.fann.com
[e-mail]

LPLT Filter Press Instruction Manual
207128 Revision G, September 2012 3
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................6
1.1 Document Conventions....................................................................................7
2 Safety.......................................................................................................................8
2.1 Safe Pressurization..........................................................................................8
3 Features and Specifications ...................................................................................10
4 Pressure Sources...................................................................................................11
4.1 Carbon Dioxide Pressure Source................................................................... 11
4.2 Nitrogen Cylinder Pressure Source................................................................13
4.3 Dead-Weight Hydraulic Pressure Source.......................................................14
4.4 External Pressure Source ..............................................................................15
5 Installation..............................................................................................................16
6 Standard Filter Press Test Procedures...................................................................17
7 Test Analysis.........................................................................................................20
7.1 References.....................................................................................................20
7.2 Results........................................................................................................... 20
8 Troubleshooting and Maintenance .........................................................................21
8.1 Cleaning.........................................................................................................21
8.2 Pressure Regulator Maintenance and Repair................................................. 21
8.3 Dead Weight Hydraulic Unit Maintenance...................................................... 25
9 Accessories............................................................................................................26
10 Parts List................................................................................................................27
11 Warranty and Returns............................................................................................ 38
11.1 Warranty ........................................................................................................38
11.2 Returns ..........................................................................................................38

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List of Figures
Figure 3-1 Basic Filter Press Assembly ........................................................................10
Figure 4-1 CO2Cartridge Holder Assembly...................................................................12
Figure 6-1 Cell Assembly..............................................................................................19
Figure 8-1 CO2Pressure Assembly Drawing, P/N 208647............................................23
Figure 8-2 Nitrogen Regulator Assembly Drawing, P/N 208652.................................... 24
Figure 10-1 Series 300 LPLT Filter Press, Basic Assembly..........................................27
Figure 10-2 Filter Press with Air Hose...........................................................................28
Figure 10-3 Filter Press w/Regulator.............................................................................29
Figure 10-4 Filter Press w/ Nitrogen Regulator .............................................................30
Figure 10-5 Filter Press w/ Carbon Dioxide Pressure Assembly...................................31
Figure 10-6 Dead-Weight Hydraulic Assembly..............................................................32
Figure 10-7 Wall Mount Filter Press w/CO2Pressure Assembly ...................................33
Figure 10-8 Four Unit Filter Press w/Manifold...............................................................34
Figure 10-9 Six Unit Filter Press w/Manifold ................................................................. 35

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List of Tables
Table 3-1 Basic Filter Press Assembly Specifications...................................................10
Table 9-1 Optional Equipment ......................................................................................26
Table 10-1 Filter Press, Basic Assembly, P/N 207127..................................................27
Table 10-2 Filter Press Assembly w/Air Hose, P/N 207173........................................... 28
Table 10-3 Filter Press Assembly w/Regulator, P/N 207174.........................................29
Table 10-4 Filter Press Assembly w/ Nitrogen Regulator, P/N 207223.......................... 30
Table 10-5 Filter Press w/ Carbon Dioxide Pressure Assembly, P/N 207224................31
Table 10-6 Dead-Weight Hydraulic Filter Press, P/N 207290........................................32
Table 10-7 Wall Mount Filter Press w/CO2Pressure Assembly, P/N 207503................33
Table 10-8 Four Unit Filter Press with Manifold, P/N 207785........................................ 34
Table 10-9 Six Unit Filter Press with Manifold, P/N 207673..........................................35
Table 10-10 CO2 Pressure Assembly, P/N 208647.......................................................36
Table 10-11 CO2Pressure Assembly w/ Top Cap, P/N 208648....................................36
Table 10-12 Accessories for CO2Pressure Assembly ..................................................36
Table 10-13 Pressure Regulator, P/N 208615 ..............................................................36
Table 10-14 Nitrogen Pressure Regulator, P/N 208652................................................37
Table 10-15 Accessories for Nitrogen Pressure Assembly, P/N 102177554 .................37

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1 Introduction
Fann’s Series 300 LPLT Filter Press is used for measuring filtration and wall-
building properties of drilling fluids and cement slurries. The filtration rate is the
fluid loss measured in milliliters at ambient temperature and 100 psi (690 kPa)
through a special filter paper for 30 minutes. Wall-building characteristics are
demonstrated by the thickness and consistency of the filter cake (the residue)
deposited on the filter paper after 30 minutes. The filter cake is measured to the
closest 1/32 in. or the nearest millimeter.
The low pressure filter press assemblies described in this manual consist of the
following items:
filter cell mounted in a frame
pressure assembly and regulator
filter paper, the filtering medium
25 ml graduated cylinder, the filtrate receiver
The filter press cell body, top cap, and base cap are constructed of 303 stainless
steel.
The filtering medium is filter paper that has been especially hardened for filtrate
testing.
Pressure sources deliver the required pressure, 100 ± 5 psi (690 ± 35 kPa) and can
be any of the following:
compressed nitrogen or air in cylinders,
carbon dioxide gas cartridges,
high pressure air or water systems,
dead-weight hydraulic pressure assembly
Compressed oxygen should not be used as a pressure source.
Fire and explosion hazards exist when using oxygen.

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1.1 Document Conventions
The following icons are used in this manual.
NOTE. Notes emphasize additional information that may be
useful to the reader.
CAUTION. Describes a situation or practice that requires operator
awareness or action in order to avoid undesirable consequences.
MANDATORY ACTION. Gives directions that, if not observed,
could result in loss of data or in damage to equipment.
WARNING! Describes an unsafe condition or practice that if not
corrected, could result in personal injury or threat to health.
ELECTRICITY WARNING! Alerts the operator that there is risk of
electric shock.
HOT SURFACE! Alerts the operator that there is a hot surface and
that there is risk of getting burned if the surface is touched.

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2 Safety
Safe operation of filter presses requires that the laboratory technician or drilling
fluids engineer be familiar with the proper operation and potential hazards
associated with this equipment. For instance, if the filter cell or pressurization
equipment has a leak, then sample or pressurizing fluid could be released and cause
serious injury.
Several precautions that should be observed are described in this section.
2.1 Safe Pressurization
2.1.1 Gases
Always use nitrogen, carbon dioxide (CO2), or compressed air. Never connect
the LPLT Filter Press to oxygen, natural gas, or any other non-recommended
gas.
Compressed oxygen should not be used as a pressure source.
Fire and explosion hazards exist when using oxygen.
Nitrogen must be supplied from an approved nitrogen gas cylinder. Nitrogen
cylinders must be secured and meet all safety standards.
Carbon dioxide is normally supplied in small cartridges, which contain about
900 psi (6205 kPa) pressure. They are primarily used for field operations.
Do NOT allow carbon dioxide cartridges to be heated or exposed
to fire. They can explode if overheated.
If compressed air is used, its maximum pressure should not exceed 150 psi
(1035 kPa) at the regulator inlet.

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2.1.2 Pressure Regulators
Maintain pressure regulators in good condition. Never use oil on pressure
regulators.
Pressurization systems that leak should be repaired or replaced.
Gauges, fittings and hoses should be kept in good condition and leaks should be
corrected.
Periodically test the safety relief valves on the pressurization manifolds to
verify they will relieve if excessive pressure should occur. Never plug or bypass
these safety valves.
When pressurizing the cell, always make sure that the regulator is closed (i.e.,
Tee screw backed all the way out, counterclockwise). Then open the supply
pressure, and adjust the regulator.
Do NOT attempt to pressurize higher than 100 psi (694 kPa).
Follow the pressurizing procedures in Section 4.
When depressurizing, first shut off the supply pressure. Then bleed the system
of pressure, and back out the regulator Tee screw (turn counterclockwise),
following the procedures in Section 4.

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3 Features and Specifications
This filter press is used in a static filtration test to measure fluid loss and filter cake
characteristics of drilling fluids.
The basic filter press assembly consists of the filter press unit and accessories,
listed in Section 10. See Figure 3-1.
The specifications for the LPLT Filter Press are listed in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1 Basic Filter Press Assembly Specifications
Category
Specification
Working Pressure
100 psi (690 kPa)
Filtering Area
7.1 in2 (45.8 cm2)
Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height)
9 x 9 x 20 inches
22.86 x 22.86 x 50.8 centimeters
Weight
15 lb (6.8 kg)
Figure 3-1 Basic Filter Press Assembly
T-screw
Support Rod
Thumb Screw
Cell Body
Pressure Inlet
Support for graduated
cylinder
Frame
Top Cap
Base Cap

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4 Pressure Sources
The pressure sources for this filter press are carbon dioxide (cartridges or cylinder),
nitrogen, compressed air, and dead-weight hydraulics (water source).
4.1 Carbon Dioxide Pressure Source
Follow this procedure to pressurize the filter press with a CO2cartridge. See Figure
4-1 and 10-5. Carbon dioxide cartridges are not included.
1. Remove the barrel from the CO2pressure assembly and insert a fresh CO2
cartridge.
2. Make sure the safety bleeder valve is closed, and the regulator adjusting screw
is backed out to the closed position (maximum outward). Then turn the barrel
loosely until first contact with the puncturing pin is felt.
3. Turn the holder again, approximately a 1/4 turn. The puncture pin, shown in
Figure 4-1, seals when the cartridge sits securely in the holder.
4. Turn the adjusting screw into the regulator to apply 100 psi ± 5 psi (690 kPa ±
35 kPa) pressure to the filter cell, as indicated by the pressure gauge. Start
timing for 30 minutes.
An inlet pressure gauge or valve is not used with CO2cartridges .
Use care when replacing spent CO2cartridges. There could be
some pressure left in the cartridge. Keep the CO2cartridges away
from extreme heat.
Fann Instrument Company offers an extended CO2cartridge barrel kit (P/N
101758212). This kit consists of an extended barrel and a polyurethane ball. This
extended barrel can accept CO2cartridges that are longer than the standard
cartridge, as well as standard cartridges. The ball can be placed into the barrel so
that standard cartridges can fit.

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Figure 4-1 CO2Cartridge Holder Assembly

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4.2 Nitrogen Cylinder Pressure Source
Follow this procedure to pressurize the filter press with a nitrogen cylinder. Refer
to the assembly in Figure 10-4 which shows a filter press with a nitrogen regulator.
1. With the regulator adjusting screw backed out to the closed position (maximum
outward), slowly open the pressure valve on the cylinder. The inlet pressure
gauge shows the cylinder pressure. Be sure the inlet pressure is greater than 100
psi, (690 kPa).
2. Be sure the hose between the cylinder regulator and the cell is secure and all
fittings are tight, and the safety-bleeder valve is closed.
3. Turn the regulator adjusting screw into the regulator to apply 100 psi ± 5 psi
(690 kPa ± 35 kPa) pressure to the filter cell, as indicated by the pressure
gauge. Start timing for 30 minutes.
Always turn the regulator adjusting screw to its maximum outward
position before opening the release valve on the pressure source.
If full pressure is released to an open regulator, the regulator is put
under a severe strain. If this causes the regulator to fail, the full
tank pressure is released to the filter press and it may be
damaged. As an added precaution, a safety bleeder valve that
releases at approximately 170 psi is placed between the regulator
and the filter press.

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4.3 Dead-Weight Hydraulic Pressure Source
The Dead-Weight Hydraulic Filter Press is a Series 300 Filter Press equipped with
a dead-weight hydraulic assembly. See Figure 10-6.
Follow this procedure to pressurize the filter press with the dead-weight hydraulic
pressure source.
1. Fill the water reservoir and cylinder of the dead-weight assembly to the top
with clean fresh water.
2. Open the bleed-off valve and place the piston, with the weight attached, in the
cylinder. Allow the piston to travel full stroke. Refill the reservoir with clean,
fresh water and close the bleed-off valve.
3. Set the unit in place on the filter press frame, and tighten the attaching set
screws.
4. Connect the hose from the dead-weight assembly to the top cap pressure inlet.
5. Raise the weight to the top of its stroke and allow it to settle. In about two-
thirds of the stroke, the delivery pressure gauge will indicate 100 psi.
6. Lift the dead weight back to the top of the stroke. Start timing the test when the
weight is released. One stroke of the piston will allow a maximum filtration
loss of approximately 30 ml.

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4.4 External Pressure Source
A compressed air source that supplies more than 100 psi (690 kPa) is suitable to
pressurize this filter press.
A regulator is required. You can attach any regulator that meets the specific
requirements for compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

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5 Installation
The filter press can generally be arranged to suit the available space and the desires
of the lab personnel, consistent with any established work processes.
Consideration should be given to the location where samples are prepared and the
cell is cleaned following test completion. There should be sufficient storage area
nearby for commonly used tools, as well as consumables, such as filter paper and
pressurizing cartridges.
Place the graduated cylinder underneath the cell end cap on the filter press.

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6 Standard Filter Press Test Procedures
Follow this procedure to operate the filter press with a compressed gas or dead-
weight hydraulic pressure source.
1. Assemble the clean, dry parts of the filter cell (Figure 6-1) in the following
order:
a) base cap
b) rubber gasket
c) screen
d) a sheet of filter paper
e) rubber gasket
f) cell body
2. Secure the cell to the base cap by rotating it clockwise.
3. Fill the cell with the test sample to within approximately 1/4 in. (6 mm) of the
top.
Filling the cell to 1/4 inch (6 mm) of the top lessens the volume of
pressurizing gas required from the pressure source.
4. Set the filter press cell assembly in place within the frame.
5. Check the top cap to make sure the rubber gasket is in place. Place the top cap,
already connected to the pressure source, onto the filter cell and secure the cell
in place with the T-screw.
6. Place a dry graduated cylinder under the filtrate tube, either on the support or in
the clip.
7. Apply pressure to the cell following the appropriate pressure source procedure
as outlined in Section 4.
8. After 30 minutes close the pressure source valve and back off the regulator.
Then, open the safety-bleeder valve to release the pressure on the entire system.

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9. Measure the volume of filtrate collected in the graduated cylinder. Record the
volume in milliliters as the API 30 minute filtrate loss of the drilling fluid.
10. Loosen the T-screw, remove the cell top, and then remove the cell from the
frame.
11. Discard the drilling fluid.
12. Disassemble the filter cell and carefully remove the filter cake and filter paper
from the base cap.
13. With a gentle stream of water, carefully wash excess drilling fluid from the
cake. For oil-based drilling fluids, use a clean base oil to wash the filter cake.
14. Measure and record the thickness of the filter cake to the nearest 1/32 in. to the
nearest millimeter.
15. Record properties of the filter cake such as texture, hardness, flexibility, etc.
You can record the filtrate volume collected after 7 ½ minutes.
Multiply this value by two to obtain a rough estimate of filtrate
volume that will be collected in 30 minutes. This estimated value
is usually one or more milliliters less than the actual volume. This
estimation procedure should not be used for drilling fluids that
have a filtrate loss of less than 5 ml in 7 ½ minutes.

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Figure 6-1 Cell Assembly
Top Cap
(382949)
Rubber Gasket
(208255)
Cell Body
(382948)
Rubber Gasket
(208255)
Filter Paper
(206051)
Screen
(208310)
Rubber Gasket
(208255)
Base Cap with Filtrate Tube
(382950)
Stop Mud Felt
(208626)

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7 Test Analysis
7.1 References
API Recommended Practice for Field Testing Water Based Drilling Fluids,
API RP 13B-1
API Recommended Practice for Field Testing Oil Based Drilling Fluids, API
RP 13B-2
7.2 Results
The fundamental filtration measurements include the filtrate volume and filter cake
thickness.
The volume of liquid filtrate collected after 30 minutes is reported in milliliters
(ml), to the nearest 0.1 ml.
For a 7 ½ minute test, multiply the filtrate volume by 2.
The thickness of the resulting filter cake is measured at its center, and reported to
the nearest 1/32 inch or to the nearest millimeter.