OfiTE MudChecker User manual

MudChecker
#365-21-ES - MudChecker v1.5 ES
Instruction Manual
Updated 2/5/2024
Ver. 2
OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.
11302 Steeplecrest Dr. · Houston, Texas · 77065 · U.S.A.
Tele: 832.320.7300 · Fax: [phone] · www.ote.com
©Copyright OFITE 2023

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Introduction.....................................................................................2
Battery .............................................................................................3
Test Setup .......................................................................................4
Device Navigation ..........................................................................6
Testing .............................................................................................7
Standalone..................................................................................7
With Software..............................................................................9
Cleaning the Probe.......................................................................10
Software ........................................................................................ 11
Introduction ............................................................................... 11
Architecture...............................................................................12
Installation.................................................................................14
Layout .......................................................................................18
Results / Analysis......................................................................19
Reports .....................................................................................23
Tips ................................................................................................24
Safety.............................................................................................25
Warranty and Return Policy ........................................................27
Table of
Contents

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The MudChecker is a portable, battery-powered device encased in a robust
IP 64 enclosure that measures the composition of drilling uids. It uses radio
frequency sensor technology to detect and track the oil, water, solids, and sa-
linity content of drilling uids. The MudChecker is a handheld probe intended
to be dipped into undiluted and diluted mud samples contained in a suitable
non-metallic container.
The MudChecker ES is designed to measure the percentage Oil/Water/
Solid content and can also detect the salinity of drilling uids during a second
measurement step. The MudChecker KS requires the user to manually input
the salinity value, before measuring the oil, water, and solids content. The KS
mode can also be selected on the ES models to expedite the measurement
process if the salinity of the sample is known.
Computer software is provided with all MudChecker models. The software
interfaces with the device via a USB cable and is required for the process-
ing of measurements for the 1.0 models of the device. The 1.5 version can
recall measurement results on the device or via the accompanying software.
The software also allows customers to setup the unit, choose the mode of
operation (KS or ES), enter parameters used in the calculation (such as mud
density, oil density), log results, view results and download previous records.
Records may be exported as spreadsheets.
Introduction

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The MudChecker is not fully charged when shipped for safety reasons. It is
recommended that the unit is charged for at least two hours before initial use.
Charge the unit using the USB cable provided. If the unit is being charged
from a computer, the USB cable must be attached directly to the computer,
NOT via a USB hub. In general, the USB interface does not work via a USB
hub. Note that USB sockets in the body of monitors are generally part of a
hub.
Checking the Battery
The battery status is shown briey when the device is powered on. You can
see the battery status at any time by powering the device o󰀨 and then on.
Recharging the Battery
The battery will charge automatically if plugged into a PC via the USB cable.
Ensure the probe is turned o󰀨 after charging from the PC by turning it on and
o󰀨 again.
Powering On/O󰀨
To turn the device on, hold and release the power button. It is recommended
that the unit should be fully charged before use. To turn o󰀨 the device press
and hold the power button for 3 seconds until the Power O󰀨 message ap-
pears then release. Please ensure the unit is turned o󰀨 after use to ensure
the battery is not drained during storage.
Battery

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Before taking a measurement, you must connect the MudChecker to the host
PC and enter the required inputs into the software. The software will then
save those settings to the MudChecker device.
1. Connect the MudChecker to the host PC and start the software.
2. Click the “New Measurement” button to start a new test.
3. Enter the required inputs:
• Test Description: comments regarding the test or any other relevant
information
• Mud ID: short description of the mud (maximum of 17 characters)
• Mud Density: density of the whole drilling uid in lb/gal
• Weighted Mud: species whether the mud contains barite. If un-
weighted mud is being tested with no barite, uncheck this selection
• HGS Density: the specic gravity of HGS or barite (if used) in SG or
gm/cc
• LGS Density: the specic gravity of low-gravity or drill solids in uid in
SG or gm/cc
• Base Fluid: the type of base uid in the drilling uid. Select the type
from the drop-down selection. Base uids can be added to this list via
the “Base Fluid Calibration” screen. See page 6 for details.
• Base Density: specic gravity of the base uid
• Oil Calibrated: for informational purposes only since all devices are
always calibrated with diesel by default or user-selected base uids
Test Setup

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• Oil Calibration Date: shows the date the base uid was calibrated
• Known Salinity: this check-box is used to determine if the test is go-
ing to be run in “Known Salinity” or “Estimated Salinity” mode.
○Known Salinity Mode: In this mode, basic information about the
salinity of the brine phase in the drilling uid is used to estimate
the oil, water, and solids fraction in the uid. Currently it is as-
sumed that the brine is only comprised of calcium chloride. The
user inputs the brine salinity based on their Silver Nitrate titration.
There are 4 choices for the salinity input:
- mg Cl-ions per liter of mud (comes directly from the volume of
Silver Nitrate used for titration)
- mg CaCl2 per kg of brine (or part per million)
- weight percent CaCl2in brine
- mg Cl-ions per liter of brine
In “Known Salinity” mode, only one stage of measurement on the
whole drilling uid is required. It is not required to perform the sec-
ond stage of measurement on the diluted mud sample.
○Estimated Salinity Mode: In this mode, the salinity data for the
brine is estimated using the data and no information on the brine
is required. In this mode, 2 stages of measurement are required:
- In the rst stage, measurement is performed on the whole drill-
ing uid sample
- In the second stage, the software will prompt to run this stage
using the diluted mud sample. This requires mixing 20 mL of
whole drilling uid with 205 mL of the DSX7 surfactant solution
(#365-20-4).

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All MudChecker units already include calibration data for Diesel as base uid.
If other base uids are used in your drilling uids, the device must be calibrat-
ed using the base uid. The Base Fluid Calibration utility can be accessed
from the main program screen using the button on the top right-hand corner.
1. Make sure the device probe and probe cover (shield) are clean. If neces-
sary clean with Iso-Propyl Alcohol.
2. Connect the MudChecker device to the host computer.
3. Start the MudChecker software. Then click the “Base Fluid Calibration”
button to display the Base Fluid Calibration screen
4. Insert the MudChecker probe into the base uid. Make sure the probe is
properly inserted into the uid such that the 4 horizontal slots in the probe
shield are fully submerged
5. Input the name of the Base Fluid and the density (g/cc or SG).
6. Click the Run button and wait for the measurement to be completed
7. Acknowledge the conrmation dialog box. Once acknowledged, the base
uid calibration data is saved to the local database on the host PC and is
now available for selection in the “New Measurement” window. The win-
dow will automatically close once “OK” is clicked.
Calibration

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The MudCecker device has four navigation buttons:
Device
Navigation Power / Scroll / Hold to Cancel or Power O󰀨
Navigate Down One Level in Menu / Enter
Increase or Decrease Parameter Value / Hold Both to
Go Back One Level

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In standalone mode, the test input data can be downloaded to the device to
perform o󰀨-line testing. After the input data is downloaded to the device, it
can be disconnected from the host PC and measurements can be performed
o󰀨-line. Once the measurement is completed, the device can be plugged
back into the PC and all test data will be downloaded from the device into the
PC and results analyzed automatically. The image below shows the conrma-
tion dialog for settings updated on the device and also instructions on next
steps. Once the OK button is clicked, the software returns to the main screen.
In standalone mode, no analysis is performed on the device. All analyses are
performed on the PC. Multiple tests (100 max) can be performed in this mode
before results are downloaded to the host PC.
If multiple tests are performed, the same set of input data will be used for
all tests. If di󰀨erent input data are required for each test, the device must be
connected to the PC to update input data before each test.
1. Ensure the mud sample is homogenous. Mix the sample thoroughly using
a blender if necessary. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the sample be-
fore inserting the probe. Immerse the probe so that the slots in the probe
shield are submerged.
2. Power on the device using the power button.
3. Navigate to the “Measure” menu option using the navigation keys and use
the Enter key to select it.
4. The device will present the input parameters selected during set up.
Ensure these are correct and use the enter key to continue. Mud Density
can be adjusted on the device using the navigation and +/- keys.
Testing
Standalone

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5. Attach the probe to the MudChecker device. Then press the enter key
and insert the probe into your drilling uid sample.
6. Once the probe is fully submerged in your drilling uid sample, press the
enter key to initiate the measurement process. The device will make an
audible tone once measuring is complete.
7. If you are testing in Known Salinity mode, your test is complete. If you are
testing in Estimated Salinity mode, continue with the next steps.
8. Open a packaged container of DSX7 (#365-20-4) dilution solution. Pour
the contents of the DSX7 container into a blending cup. Using a syringe,
measure out 20 mL of undiluted drilling mud and inject the mud into the
DSX7 solution. Blend the contents. It is recommended:
○ Use a quality blender.
○To avoid splashing, blend at the slowest speed and gradually increase
to the highest speed.
○ Ensure the vortex is half the height of the uid level in the cup while
blending.
○Blend for two minutes to ensure the emulsion has been thoroughly
broken.
9. Attach the probe to the MudChecker device. Then press the enter key
and insert the probe into the diluted drilling uid sample.
10. The device will make an audible tone once the measurement process is
complete.
11. If operating the MudChecker v1.5, press the enter key to calculate and
recall your measurement results. MudChecker v1.0 models require the
device to be connected to the software to recall results.

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In software mode, the test is run with the device connected to the PC.
1. Ensure the mud sample is homogenous. Mix the sample thoroughly using
a blender if necessary. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the sample be-
fore inserting the probe. Immerse the probe so that the slots in the probe
shield are submerged.
2. Power on the device using the power button.
3. Attach the probe to the MudChecker device. Then insert the probe into
your drilling uid sample.
4. Click the “Run” button to initiate testing.
5. The software will prompt you to insert the device probe into the drilling
uid and then click “OK” to start the test. Click “Cancel” to start over.
6. Once testing is completed, the software displays a conrmation message.
The user then has the option to discard the test results or save the test
results into the Test Archive.
Testing
With Software

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For best results, clean the probe thoroughly between tests.
1. Remove the probe shield.
2. Wipe the outside of the probe shaft with a soft cotton cloth or paper towel.
3. Use the cloth to wipe the exposed inner and outer probe shield surfaces.
4. Always t a probe shield to the unit after cleaning to prevent accidental
damage to the inner probe.
Do not use cloths made from articial bers such as nylon as this increases
the risk of electrostatic discharge to the unit.
When cleaning the inner part of the probe, hold the unit using the stainless-
steel collar at the top of the probe to reduce the chance of any electrostatic
discharge damage to your MudChecker.
Care should be taken when screwing or unscrewing the outer probe shield of
the probe to prevent cross threading. If the shield does become cross thread-
ed, please contact OFITE for service.
If the shield is di󰀩cult to remove from the probe extra torque can be obtained
by putting an Allen key through the two holes at the bottom end of the shield
and applying force gently.
Do not over tighten the probe shield.
Cleaning the
Probe

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The MudCheckerApp software is designed to communicate with and control
the hand-held MudChecker drilling uid analyzer unit.
Main Functions of the Software
• Communicate with the MudChecker to control the device and access data
and measurements from the device
• Display test data and analysis and data interpretation
• Report test results and basic drilling uid properties
• Archive test data for further analysis
• Store device calibration data
Software
Introduction

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The MudCheckerApp is a conventional Windows®-based software application
based on the Microsoft .NET Core framework. The minimum hardware and
software requirements are:
• Minimum 1 GHz processor
• Minimum 8GB RAM
• Minimum Windows 7 (x64) Operating System
• Microsoft O󰀩ce (minimum version 2020)
• 1 USB port – minimum USB 2.0
• Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime (x64 Architecture, Version 6.0.16)
The software is installed on the host PC using software installation les pro-
vided with the device. At least one USB port (minimum USB 2.0) is required
on the host PC to install the software as well as communicating with the
device. While the software can run on Windows 7, it is recommended to run
on Windows 10 or higher.
The software requires Microsoft O󰀩ce (O󰀩ce 365 or earlier) installed on the
host PC for reporting capabilities.
The software is comprised of several modules that automatically interact with
each other to share data; communicate with the hand-held device (via USB
port); analyze experimental data to calculate oil, water (and brine), and solids
fractions in Non-Aqueous Fluids (NAF); and for reporting and data analysis
purposes.
The device can be operated while connected to the software or in stand-
alone mode. In connected mode, the software allows the user to input key
information on the drilling uid (inputs) and perform the measurement on the
uid. Once testing is complete, the software automatically collects measured
data from the device, processes the data using sophisticated engineering
analyses, displays results, generates Microsoft Excel-based reports, and
archives test data and results for further analyses.
In stand-alone mode, the software communicates with the device to transmit
drilling uid input data. Once the device is updated, it can be disconnected
from the host PC and perform measurements on the drilling uid. Once test-
ing is completed and the device is plugged back into the host PC, test data
is automatically downloaded from the device and analyzed in the software.
Analysis results and Excel-based reports can then be generated from the
software.
Software
Architecture

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The MudChecker communicates with the software via USB communication.
USB 2.0 (or higher) must be available on the host PC as well as one open
USB slot.
Notes
• It is important to note that only one device can be connected to the soft-
ware at a time.
• Multiple devices can be used with the software. However, only one device
can be connected at a time
• Avoid plugging in or unplugging any other USB device (such as thumb
drives) while the test or the software is running. This is particularly im-
portant while the test is running (Mode 1 connected to the software) as
Windows normal feature of automatic USB detection will interfere with the
communication between the software and the device, which may cause
the test to be prematurely terminated.
• MudChecker devices can be switched in the PC while the software is run-
ning. Do not switch devices or unplug a device while the test is running (In
Mode 1 with the software) as this may interfere with the normal operation
of the device.
• The micro USB cable supplied with the device should be used to connect
the device to the PC. Other cables may be used but not recommended.
• The drivers for the device USB should automatically be installed the rst
time it is connected to the host PC. In case the device communication is
not working properly, it may be necessary to go to the manufacturer web-
site (for example FTDI) to download the required USB drivers for the PC.

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Installation les are provided on a USB thumb drive with the device. To install
the software:
1. Insert the thumb drive into a USB port.
2. Double-click “setup.exe” to start the installation.
3. Click Next to select the installation location. Make sure the “Everyone”
checkbox is checked. This ensures any users of the host PC will be able
to access the software.
Software
Installation

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4. Click Next to start copying les to the host PC.
5. Click Next to complete the installation.
6. Click Close to dismiss the installation window.
7. If the .NET Desktop Runtime (version 6.0.16 or higher) is not available on
the host PC, then the software will automatically prompt the user to install
it. Please note that an Internet connection is required to download the re-
quired installation les automatically from Microsoft. Click Yes to continue
the installation process.
The .NET Desktop Runtime software installation le is included on the
thumb drive that is shipped with the MudChecker. If you prefer to use that
le, skip to step 11.

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8. Conrm that the download process was able to download the installation
le from Microsoft. The installation le is called “windowsdesktop-runtime-
6.0.20-win-x64.exe”. Please note that while the installation le from Micro-
soft may change based on the minimum requirement from Microsoft, the
system will automatically detect and install the minimum required frame-
work version.
9. The location of the installation le depends on the web browser on the
host PC. The image above shows how the le appears in Microsoft Edge.
In Google Chrome, the downloaded les are usually shown on the lower
left-hand corner of screen as shown below.

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10. In Mozilla Firefox, the download les can be located in the top toolbar as
shown below.
11. Run the “windowsdesktop-runtime-6.0.20-win-x64.exe” installation le to
install the .NET Framework. Ensure that the software was installed cor-
rectly.
12. Run the MudCheckerApp to verify that all necessary components are
installed correctly. Double-click the MudCheckerApp icon on the desktop
to run the software.
13. If the software is installed correctly, the main screen should display.

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The main screen of the software is shown below. Various areas of the main
screen are grouped according to their functionality and are highlighted and
described in the section below.
Action Bar
The Action Bar allows the user to Run a New Measurement (Test), or to print
an Excel-based report for any archived test.
New Measurement
Click the “New Measurement” button to initiate a new measurement (or test).
Software
Layout