1. Training Outline
Proper Use of the HMLS Auto Calcimeter
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2. Table of Contents
 Training Objectives 3
 Introduction to Calcimetry 4-7
 Overview of the HMLS Auto Calcimeter Kit 8-9
 Instrument Checklist 10-12
 Auto Calcimeter Setup 13-19
 Software Setup 20-24
 Sample Preparation and Test Setup 25-26
 Testing Procedure 27-37
 Saving and Loading Test Results 38-40
 End of Test Procedure and Maintenance 41-42
 Troubleshooting 43
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3. Training Objectives
At the completion of the training course covered in this manual, the
users should be knowledgeable regarding the following:
1. A basic introduction to calcimetry
2. How to properly setup the HMLS Auto Calcimeter for testing
3. How to properly prepare and load samples
4. How to use the software included in the HMLS Auto Calcimeter
5. How to properly run a sample test with the HMLS Auto Calcimeter
6. How to save and load test data
7. How to clean and maintain the HMLS Auto Calcimeter Kit and included
instruments
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4. Introduction to Calcimetry
 What is Calcimetry?
Calcimetry is a method used to determine
the amount of Calcium Carbonate (CACO3) and
Magnesium Carbonate (Dolomite) in a sample of
alkaline earth carbonates such as oil well cores or
drilled cuttings.
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5. Introduction to Calcimetry
 Why is Calcimetry important?
Calcite build-up in drilling fluids and in
water treatment processes causes scaling
problems.
Data collected from calcimeters can help
determine the proper chemical treatment.
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6. Introduction to Calcimetry
 ASTM Standard Testing Method for Calcimetry
1. Calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate are reacted with 10% HCl in a sealed reaction
cell to form CO2.
2. As the CO2 is released, the pressure build up is measured using either a pressure gauge or a
pressure recorder.
3. During the calibration process, a calibration curve is created by reacting HCl with pure,
reagent-grade CaCO3.
4. By using a known weight of CaCO3 reagent, you can determine the relationship between the
amount of pressure released and the weight of CaCO3 in the sample.
5. Since all reaction cells are slightly different, this relationship will be different for each cell.
Therefore, a calibration curve is required to obtain accurate results.
6. The calcium carbonate content of soil (ASTM Procedure D 4373) is determined by treating a 1g
dried soil specimen with HCl in the reactor cell.
7. The resulting pressure increase is then measured and compared to the calibration curve to
determine the total weight of CaCO3 in the test sample.
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7. Introduction to Calcimetry
 What does the HMLS Auto Calcimeter do?
1. The HMLS Auto Calcimeter provides fast, reliable
data and is simple to use.
2. The HMLS Auto Calcimeter creates the calibration
curve and automates the calculations necessary in
calcimetry.
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8. Overview of the HMLS Auto Calcimeter Kit
 The HMLS Auto Calcimeter Kit
comes with a variety of
instruments used to perform the
calcimeter tests.
 Always go through a pre-test
inventory check to make sure no
instruments have been misplaced.
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9. Overview HMLS Auto Calcimeter Kit
 Open up the Auto Calcimeter case
by unlocking the four latches
shown here.
 The top portion of the case
contains the instruments and
apparatuses required for proper
calcimeter testing.
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10. Instrument Checklist
A. 110V Power cord
B. USB wireless PC keyboard-mouse
C. Reaction chamber
D. Reaction chamber stand (sits above the magnetic
stirrer)
E. Reaction chamber screw-on top (ball valve
assembly)
F. Mortar
G. 60 mL plastic syringes
H. Magnetic stirrer
I. Weighing scale (0.01g readability)
J. Pestle
K. Magnetic stir bar
L. ¼” Poly-tubing (with pre-fitted ½” NPT
connector)
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11. 11
K

12. H
D
G
J
C
E
12
K

13. Auto Calcimeter Setup
 Located in the battery compartment of the mouse is the USB wireless adapter.
Remove and connect the adapter to any of the available USB ports located to the
right side of the screen. Turn the mouse on using the button located underneath.
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14. Auto Calcimeter Setup
 Connect the 110V power cord (instrument A) and set the switch to the “ON” or ‘I”
position.
 The display screen flips up from the unit and is unlocked by turning the locking pin
counter-clockwise.
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15. Auto Calcimeter Setup
 The HMLS Auto Calcimeter can be started by pressing the button located under
the screen on the plate.
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16. Auto Calcimeter Setup
 Connect the ¼” Poly-tubing (instrument L) to the Sensor 1 on the unit using the
pre-fitted connector. Apply Teflon tape to the threads then tighten with a wrench.
Take care not to over tighten!
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17. Auto Calcimeter Setup
 The other end of the poly-tubing connects directly onto the Reaction chamber screw-
on top (instrument E). The top comes with a pre-fitted black push-pull quick release
type connector. Take the poly-tubing and push into the fitting. The poly-tubing can be
released by pulling back on the front part of the fitting and pulling gently on the poly-
tubing.
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18. Auto Calcimeter Setup
 Place the reaction chamber (instrument C) and reaction chamber stand
(instrument D) onto the magnetic stirrer (instrument H). The reaction chamber
will sit over the center of the magnetic stirrer.
Reaction Chamber
Magnetic Stirrer
Reaction Chamber Top
Reaction Chamber Stand
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19. A Properly Configured Auto Calcimeter
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20. Software Setup
 Turn on the HMLS Auto Calcimeter by pressing the button underneath the screen
plate (as seen on slide 15).
 Once the PC has started, double click the HMLS Auto Calcimeter icon on the
desktop.
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21. Software Setup
 The first screen you see is called the Main Menu. The Menu Options (File, View,
Alarm…) can be toggled on and off by toggling the ESC key on your keyboard. Go
ahead and toggle off the Menu Options.
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22. Software Setup
 You may wish to change some of the default test parameters (although this is
optional). To do so, click the Utility Screen button while on the Main Menu.
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23. Software Setup
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24. Software Setup
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Towards the bottom of the Utility Screen the user has three options as described
below:
 Pressure Loss Alarm Limit: Allows the user to set the threshold for the pressure
loss alarm. For example, if the value is set to 0.5 (psi) and there is a loss of
pressure in the system of 0.5 psi, the user is warned. We recommend this be set
to 0.5 (psi).
 Auto End 60 sec Pressure Diff. Limit: Allows the user to set a 60 second
pressure differential to stop the test. For example, for a value of 0.5 (psi), if the
HMLS Auto Calcimeter reads a pressure increase of less than 0.5 psi in a 60
second period, it will auto end the test. The check box to the right of the input
field allows the user to enable/disable this feature.
 Auto Timed End Time Limit: Allows the user to set the total test time, in
minutes. The ASTM Standard requires a full 45 minute test, however in field
tests you may require a significantly shorter test time. The check box to the right
of the input field allows the user to enable/disable this feature.
Once the Utility Setup/Testing Parameters are set, click the
Main Menu button to return to the main menu.

25. Sample Preparation and Test Setup
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1. Obtain a sample of core, drill cuttings, or other solids that are to be
analyzed. The sample should be dry and free of contaminants. If you do
not know whether the sample has been dried, heat it in an oven at 220°F
(105°C) for 12 to 24 hours.
2. Using the mortar and pestle (instruments F and J), grind the sample fine
enough to pass through the #100 mesh sieve supplied.
3. Plug in the main power cord for the weighing scale provided (instrument I).
The scale comes with a measuring/dispensing tray. Place the measuring
tray on the scale. Turn on and zero the scale.
4. Measure out 1.00 g ± 0.05 g of testing sample.
5. Carefully place the measured sample into the reaction chamber. You may
find it easier to use a piece of paper to funnel the contents directly into the
bottom of the chamber and not along the side walls.

26. Sample Preparation and Test Setup
6. Place the magnetic stir bar
(instrument K) into the reaction
chamber.
7. Take the reaction chamber top
(instrument E) and hand tighten
onto the reaction chamber by
turning clockwise. Hand tighten
only!
8. Connect the ¼’’ Poly-tubing
(instrument L) to the black push-
and-pull connector.
9. Locate the pressure release valve on
the reaction chamber top, un-
tighten (counterclockwise) and then
retighten (clockwise). This will
release any pressure build up for
zeroing the sensors.
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Magnetic stir bar
Reaction chamber
Pressure release valve
Push-and-pull connector with poly-tubing

27. Testing Procedure
1. From the Main Menu, click the Sensor 1 Sample Test button.
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28. Testing Procedure
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29. Testing Procedure
2. The testing screen has fiver user input fields:
 Sample Depth: Allows the user to input the depth from which the testing
sample was taken. Input a number from 0 - 1,000,000 feet.
 Sample Weight: Allows the user to input the weight of the sample. This
should be 1.00 g ± 0.05 g.
 Raw Sample Test Data Log File Name: Allows the user to enter the name of
test file for the Raw Sample Test Data. (maximum of 8 characters).
 Mud Log File Name: Allows the user to enter the name of Mud Log File.
(maximum of 8 characters).
 Injection Pressure: When using the injection method, the injection of 20 ml
of Hydrochloric acid into the closed system causes an increase in pressure.
To compensate for this, the user can input the value. We recommend this be
set to 2.0 psi.
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30. Testing Procedure
3. Once the user input fields have been filled, attach the male locking leur
lock to the syringe (instrument G). The metal leur lock tightens onto the
end of the syringe.
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4. Fill the syringe with 20 ml of Hydrochloric Acid (10% v/v solution).
Ensure that there are no air bubbles in the syringe.

31. Testing Procedure
5. Carefully screw the syringe (with attached leur lock) onto the leur lock valve
found on the reaction chamber top (instrument E).
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Leur lock valve

32. Testing Procedure
6. Ensure the leur lock valve is in the OPEN position.
32
Leur lock valve Open Leur lock valve Closed

33. Testing Procedure
7. Locate the pressure release valve (on the reaction chamber top – slide # 27), un-
tighten (counterclockwise) and then retighten (clockwise). This will release any
pressure build up. The valve does not need to be completely unscrewed.
8. Click the ZERO button on the testing screen.
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34. Testing Procedure
9. Turn on the magnetic stirrer (instrument H). Leave it on a slow speed.
Reaction Chamber
Magnetic Stirrer
Reaction Chamber Top
Reaction Chamber Stand
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35. Testing Procedure
10. Click the RUN TEST button. Testing will not begin until there is a pressure
increase of 1.00 psi. This button will change to ABORT, and a green circle will
appear next to the ABORT button (indicating a test in progress).
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36. Testing Procedure
11. Push firmly down on the syringe. Once completely pressed, hold down firmly and close the
ball valve by turning it counter clockwise. This process requires the use of both hands-one to
hold down the syringe and the other to close the ball valve.
12. Increase the speed of the magnetic stirrer. We recommend it be set to the fastest speed to
ensure thorough mixing. The first 30 seconds of the test are the most important.
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The HMLS Auto Calcimeter will run the test, as set up in the Utility Screen. The test can be
aborted by clicking the ABORT button if required.
As the test proceeds, the graph will begin plotting the pressure against time (red line). Once
the test has run the full 45 minutes or to either of the user enabled testing parameters, the
software will calculate the percentage composition of calcium carbonate and dolomite.
The results can then be saved for viewing later. If the results are not saved, they will remain on
the testing screen until another test is run.

37. Warnings
Pressure Loss Warning: The Auto Calcimeter will warn the user if there is a pressure
loss in the system. The pressure loss alarm limit is set in the Utility Screen (slide 23).
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If you see the Pressure Loss Warning, check the following connections for leaks or loose
connections:
i. Reaction chamber top and reaction chamber
ii. The pressure release valve on the reaction chamber top
iii. Black push-and-pull connector located on the top of the reaction chamber top
iv. Poly-tubing connection to Sensor

38. Saving and Loading Test Results
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Once the test is completed, the test results can be saved by clicking the SAVE button.
When clicked, a Windows dialog box will open to allow the user to enter a file name and
hard drive location to save the results.
Previous test results can be viewed by clicking the LOAD button. When clicked, a
Windows dialog box will open to allow the user to select a file to view. The file saved is a
.rcp file which can be stored on the hard drive for later viewing.

39. Saving and Loading Test Results
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The Raw Sample Data Log File and Mud Log file (named before beginning the test – shown here as
t3 and ML1 respectively) are saved as text files on the hard drive. To view these files go to the
following directories on the hard drive:
C:HMLSCalcimeterBore_Sample_TestsRaw_Data
C:HMLSCalcimeterBore_Sample_TestsMud_Log

40. Saving and Loading Test Results
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The Raw Data file is saved as a TAB delimited text file. It contains the following information:
 Date
 Time
 Pressure
 Chamber Label
 Depth (sample depth)
The Mud Log file is also saved as a TAB delimited text file. It contains the following information:
 Date
 Time
 Depth
 CaCO3 %
 Dolomite %

41. End of Test Procedure and Maintenance
The end of test procedure is very important!
The reaction between the testing sample and hydrochloric acid produces carbon dioxide
gas. The pressure this gas creates as it is formed, along with the chamber containing
hydrochloric acid, can pose a safety hazard. It is also very important to note that the acid
is corrosive to metallic components. The stainless steel components will corrode and
cause pressure leakage unless the following steps are undertaken.
We recommend using Dow Corning high vacuum grease on all seals to extend product life
and ensure air tight seals for accurate testing. It is also recommended that all seals be
inspected regularly and replaced when required to ensure safe and accurate testing.
The chamber top is made of Delrin plastic. It is very important you do not over tighten
the fittings which connect to the chamber top. The top has been manufactured so that
the fittings hand tighten (with at most a one-eighth turn with a wrench if required). Over
tightening will shear the threads and the top will not hold pressure.
There is no need to remove the ball valve assembly or the black push-pull connector from
the reaction chamber top unless replacing the Delrin top itself.
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42. End of Test Procedure and Maintenance
The end of test procedure is very important!
1. Once the test is complete, slowly release the pressure in the reaction chamber by
turning the pressure release valve located on the reaction chamber top
counterclockwise.
2. Disconnect the Poly-tubing from the reaction chamber top.
3. Flush the syringe and male locking leur lock with fresh water. It is used in the
following steps to clean the ball valve-chamber top assembly
4. Unscrew the reaction chamber top with the ball valve assembly. There is no need to
remove the ball valve assembly.
5. Wash the reaction chamber top assembly with fresh water. It is very important you
flush the ball valve through with plenty of fresh water using the syringe.
6. Carefully remove the reaction chamber from the reaction chamber stand and
dispose of the contents as per Weatherford standard operating and safety
procedures.
7. Thoroughly wash and dry the reaction chamber and all components.
8. Carefully check all seals for wear and corrosion prior to testing or storage.
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43. Troubleshooting
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Pressure Loss Warning: Check the following for leaks/loose connection:
• Pressure release valve on the reaction chamber top
• Black Push and Pull connector-Reaction chamber top
• Poly-tubing connection to Sensor
Wireless USB keyboard mouse not working:
• Press the connect button located on each device
• Unplug the device(s)
• Replace the batteries
Bottom of screen is clipped:
• Toggle the ESC key on the keyboard
Program freezes/keyboard/mouse stops responding:
• Toggle the ESC key on the keyboard
For any other issues contact:
HMLS, LLC
Houston Mud Logging Supplies, LLC
14019 Southwest Freeway 301-215
Sugar Land, TX 77478
1-888-768-3564
832-594-3217