Membrane Filter Tester

Instruction Manual

Part No. 396460 Rev. B

 Copyright 2009
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

NOTE
Fann reserves the right to make improvements in
design, construction and appearance of our products
without prior notice.


FANN is a registered trademark of Fann Instrument Company.

Fann Instrument Company

P O Box 4350
HOUSTON, TEXAS USA 77210
TELEPHONE: 281- 871-4482
TOLL FREE: 800- 347-0450
FAX: 281- 871-4358
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1 Description ....... ................................................................ 1

2 Safety ..... ........ ................................................................ 3

3 Pressurization Systems ..................................................... 5

4 Operation ........ ................................................................ 7

5 Results.... ........ ................................................................ 10

6 Cleaning and Maintenance ................................................ 11

7 Parts List . ........ ................................................................ 15

Figure Page

1 Membrane Filter Tester Reservoir Assembly..................... 4

2 Carbon Dioxide Pressurizing Unit ...................................... 6

3 Nitrogen Pressurizing Unit ................................................. 6

4 Membrane Filter Assembly................................................ 9

 SECTION 1
DESCRIPTION
Much information about an injection water can be determined from
membrane filtration tests. These tests are most valuable when
investigating to determine plugging tendencies of an injection sample
and in the identification of the solids on the filter which causes plugging
of the formation.

Membrane filter tests can be used to pinpoint the exact sources of

trouble within a system.

Once the problem has been alleviated, a membrane filter can be used
for verification purposes.

If the problem cannot be resolved by mechanical means, chemical

treatment will be necessary. The membrane filter can be used to
determine the effectiveness of the chemical treatment employed.

Routine filtration tests can be performed to avert a problem in an

injection system which might go undetected until the problem became so
severe that it would become necessary to shut down the injection
program.

Membrane filtration tests are of use in determining impurities and un-

dissolved salts in Brine solutions.

1
2
 SECTION 2
SAFETY
Safe operation of the Membrane Filter Tester requires that the personnel
doing the tests be familiar with the proper operation and potential
hazards associated with pressurized equipment. Pressurizing the water
reservoir poses the potential hazards of the reservoir or associated
pressurization equipment leaking and releasing sample or pressurizing
gas which could cause serious injury. Several precautions that should
be observed are listed below:

1. Always use Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide, or compressed air. Never

connect the Membrane Filter Tester to Oxygen, Natural Gas, or
any other non-recommended or flammable gas.

Carbon Dioxide is supplied in small cartridges which contain about

900 psig (6206 kPa) pressure. They are primarily used for field
operations. Do not allow these cartridges to be heated or exposed
to fire. They can explode if overheated.

Nitrogen is supplied from various sizes cylinders usually at high

pressure. It must be supplied in an approved Nitrogen gas cylinder
using a Nitrogen regulator. Nitrogen Cylinders must be secured
and meet all safely standards.

If compressed air is used, its maximum pressure should not

exceed 150 psig (1035 kPa). A regulator equipped with an inlet
trash filter must be used to reduce the pressure to 20 psig (139
kPa) maximum.

2. Maintain pressure regulators in good condition. Never use oil on

pressure regulators. Leaking pressurization systems should be
repaired or replaced. Refer to REGULATOR REPAIR Section 6-C.

Periodically test the safety relief valve mounted on the top cover of
the reservoir to verify it will relieve if 25 psig (173 kPa) or higher
pressure should occur. Never plug or bypass this safety valve.

3. When preparing to pressurize the Reservoir always make sure the

regulator is closed (Tee screw backed all the way out,
counterclockwise). Do not attempt to pressurize higher than 20
psig (139 kPa).

3
 Fig.1

Membrane Filter Tester

Reservoir Assembly

4
 SECTION 3
PRESSURIZATION SYSTEMS
A. CO2 System (Refer to Fig. 2)

A CO2 pressurizing system is normally used with the

Membrane Filter Tester for field tests. It attaches to the top
of the reservoir with a Quick Coupler, and consists of a the
following:
* .......pressure regulator
* .......two CO2 cartridge holders
* .......two shut off valves
* .......bleeder valve
* .......manifold with couplers

B. Nitrogen System (Refer to Fig. 3)

A Nitrogen system may be more suited for pressurizing the

Membrane Filter Tester when running the tests at a more
permanent location. This assembly can be connected to
either a small, or a standard Nitrogen cylinder. It consists of
the following:

* .......Nitrogen pressure regulator

* .......Pressure gauges
* .......bleeder valve
* .......hose
* .......coupler.

C. The reservoir can be pressurized from any air source that can
provide 20 psig (139 kPa) pressure. Connection can be
made by using a quick coupler as supplied in systems A and
B above, or by removing the male quick coupler in the
reservoir top and replacing it with a suitable fitting having a
1/4 inch pipe thread on one end.

5
 Fig. 2

Carbon Dioxide Pressurizing Unit

Fig. 3

Nitrogen Pressurizing Unit

6
 SECTION 4
OPERATION
A. Check the reservoir to make sure it is clean. If the top has been
removed, re-assemble it onto the reservoir and tighten the wing
nuts.

B. 1. Unscrew the lower portion of the Membrane filter holder [2,

Fig.1] and attach the 1/4 inch Tygon tubing [20, Fig.1] to the
stem of it.

2. Make sure the filter "O" Ring [12 in Fig. 4] is in place then
insert the membrane filter, [23 in Fig. 4],

3. Re-assemble the lower portion of the filter holder [2, Fig.4].

Make sure "O" Ring [13 in Fig.4], is in place on the lower
portion of the filter, [2 of Fig. 4],

4. Tighten the filter holder lower portion 1/4 turn.

C. Fill the reservoir with the sample to be tested.

1. To fill the reservoir from the system to be sampled, connect

the 3/8 inch Tygon tubing fitting [8, Fig.1] and attached to
toggle valve [17, Fig. 1] under the reservoir to the system to
be sampled, then open this toggle valve. Fill the reservoir to
within 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) of the top.

2. To fill the reservoir without connection to a system, loosen the

three wing nuts then disengage the retainer rods and remove
the top.
Close both toggle valves [17] on the bottom of the reservoir.
Pour the test sample into the reservoir to within 1/2 inch
(1.27 cm) of the top. Re-assemble the top onto the reservoir
and tighten the wing nuts.

D. Purge the membrane filter system of air

1. Lay the reservoir on its side with the membrane filter holder
as high as possible.

7
 2. Open the toggle valve [17, Fig. 1] between the membrane
filter holder [2, Fig. 1] and the bottom of the reservoir to bleed
all the air possible from the filter holder.

3. Close valve [17], right the reservoir and tighten the filter
holder [2] until snug.

4. Open the toggle valve [17] again and allow the 1/4 inch
(6mm) Tygon tubing [20, Fig 1] connected to the bottom of
the membrane filter holder to fill with sample, then close the
valve.

5. Position the free end of this tubing in the top of the 1000 ml
graduate [14, Fig. 1].

E. Connect the pressurizing source to be used to the top of the

reservoir.

1. If the carbon dioxide pressurizing system is being used (Refer

to Fig.2), make sure both of the shut off valves [6] on the
manifold are closed, and that the regulator [8] adjustment Tee
screw is backed off, (turned counterclockwise) until it turns
freely. Insert one CO2 cartridge [1] into each barrel [2] on the
regulator assembly and tighten sufficiently to puncture the
cartridges.

2. If the Nitrogen pressurizing system is being used (Refer to

Fig. 3). Make sure the regulator assembly [4] is properly
connected to the Nitrogen cylinder [3] and that the regulator
adjustment Tee screw is backed off, (turned
counterclockwise) until it turns freely.

F. Apply 20 psig (139 kPa) of pressure to the reservoir.

1. If the CO2 pressure manifold is being used (Fig.2), open both

shut off valves [6] slowly, then adjust the pressure regulator
[8] by turning the Tee screw clockwise until the pressure on
the reservoir reaches 20 psig (139 kPa). This pressure
should be maintained during filtration. If the pressure
exceeds 20 psig (139 kPa), momentarily open the bleeder
valve until the pressure drops to 20 psig 139 kPa). Readjust
the pressure regulator.

8
2. If the Nitrogen pressure manifold is being used (Fig. 3),
connect hose [1] to the bleed valve [5] on one end and onto
the adapters [2] and [6] on the other end. Connect quick
coupler [6] onto the male quick coupler fitting on the top of
the cylinder. Open the cylinder valve slowly until cylinder
pressure is observed on the high pressure (Right hand)
gauge. Adjust the pressure regulator by turning the Tee
screw clockwise until the pressure on the low pressure gauge
(Left hand gauge) and on the reservoir gauge reaches 20 psig
(139 kPa). This pressure should be maintained during
filtration. If the pressure exceeds 20 psig (139 kPa),
momentarily open the bleeder valve on the Nitrogen manifold
until the pressure drops to 20 psig (139 kPa). Readjust the
pressure regulator.

Fig. 4

Membrane Filter Assembly

9
10
SECTION 5
TEST AND RESULTS
A Verify the 1/4 inch Tygon tubing [20, Fig. 1] is in the 1000 ml
graduated cylinder [14 Fig. 1], and is filled with fluid. Open the
toggle valve [17] above the filter holder [2] and at the same time
start the stop watch.

B. Time and record the number of seconds for a given volume of

through-put (for example 100 ml). Do not stop the Stop Watch at
this time. Continue to time and record like volumes of through-put.
In the example the second number of seconds recorded would be
for a total of 200 ml. Continue as desired or until the 1000 ml
graduated Cylinder is full.

C. An example of a data sheet is shown below:

{PRIVATE }MEMBRANE FILTER DATA SHEET 1000 ml

Cumulative 100 200 300 400 500

Volume, ml (X) ml ml ml ml ml
Cumulative
Time,Seconds
Flow Rate,
ml/second (Y)

Cumulative 600 700 800 900 1000

Volume, ml (X) ml ml ml ml ml
Cumulative
Time,Seconds
Flow Rate,
ml/second (Y)

D. The data accumulated from a membrane filtration test can be

plotted to compare the plugging tendency of one source water with
another or when comparing co-mingled source water and formation
water. This is done by plotting the flow rate, ml/sec, on the (Y) axis
vs. the cumulative volume, ml, on the (X) axis.

11
12
 SECTION 6
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
A. Disassembly

1. Close the toggle valve [17, Fig. 1] above the filter holder [2,
Fig.1].

2. If the CO2 pressurization system is being used, close the two

needle valves [6, Fig. 2]. This will retain the CO2 charge left
in the Cartridges for the next test.

3. Back off (turn counterclockwise until free) the adjustment

screw on the CO2 regulator [8, Fig. 2] or for the Nitrogen
regulator, [4, Fig. 3].

4. If air pressure is being used, back off (turn counterclockwise

until free) the adjustment screw on the air regulator.

5. Open the bleeder valve [5, Fig. 2 or Fig.3] on the

pressurization manifold being used or the bleeder valve on
the air system, (if used) and bleed off the pressure in the
reservoir.

6. Disconnect the quick disconnect [7, Fig. 2 or 6, Fig.3], or the

connection to the air system (if used), then remove the
pressurizing assembly.

7. Open Valve [17, Fig.1] attached to [9 Fig. 1]. and drain any
sample left in the cylinder.

8. Unscrew the lower portion of the Membrane filter holder [2,

Fig. 4] with the 1/4 inch Tygon tubing attached to it.

9. Carefully remove the membrane filter [23, Fig. 4] from the

filter holder. The filter disc may be examined for the type and
amount of foreign matter.

10. Remove the reservoir top by loosening the three wing nuts
then disengaging the retainer rods.

13
B. Cleaning

After each test carefully clean the reservoir, top and bottom with
soap and water. Rinse with distilled water and dry before re-
assembly. Dis-assemble, inspect and clean the filter holder, and
its "O" rings, [12, 13, Fig. 4.] Replace the "O" rings if found
defective.

CAUTION

DO NOT USE ACETONE, ALCOHOL, CHLORINATED OR

AROMATIC SOLVENTS FOR CLEANING THE
RESERVOIR.

C. Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve on top of the reservoir is set to relieve at

25 psig (173 kPa). It must relieve full volume at this pressure.

CAUTION

THIS IS A SAFETY DEVICE AND SHOULD BE TESTED

ANY TIME THE MEMBRANE HAS BEEN IN STORAGE
AND FREQUENTLY DURING USE.

Pressure test by applying 25 psig (173 kPa) pressure to the valve

NOT TO THE CYLINDER, to verify the valve will reliably open.

D. Pressure Regulator Maintenance and Repair

Most regulator troubles are caused by leaking fittings or faulty pins

and seats. Rarely does a diaphragm rupture.

If regulator will not hold pressure, check the fittings which are
screwed into it. This is done by applying pressure to the system
and looking for escaping gas in the form of bubbles. There are two
methods of doing this. One method is to apply soap suds to the
fitting areas, the other is to carefully immerse all but the pressure
gauge in a container of water. If leaks are apparent, disassemble
and apply tape thread sealant to the threads.
CAUTION
DO NOT USE OIL BASED THREAD DOPE
OR OIL WHEN ASSEMBLING ANY REGULATOR.

14
If regulator connections do not leak, the seat and pin may need
replacement. Use the following procedure:

1. Using a wrench on the hex of the spring case, unscrew the

spring case. All parts down to and including the diaphragm
will remain in the spring case.

2. Remove the thrust plate.

3. Unscrew the retainer and remove the seat with the pin.

4. Clean and inspect the regulator for evidence of dirt in the

regulator body. An outlet filter (208626) is available to
prevent this problem.

5. Replace the pin and seat.

6. Re-assemble the regulator.

15
16
 SECTION 7
PARTS LIST
A. 209664 Membrane Filter Tester (Membrane)
Refer to Fig. 1 and 4

ITEM PART DESCRIPTION

NO. NO.

* 206898 Stopwatch, Digital, Electronic

1 209393 Speed Coupler, Male

2 209668 Holder, Filter

3 209669 Lid, Reservoir

4 209670 Cap, Bottom Reservoir

5 209671 Rod (3)

6 209672 Leg (3)

7 203974 Pipe Plug 1/4" Stainless Steel

8 203975 Coupling, Male, 1/4 pipe x 3/8 tube SS

9 203976 Ell, Female, 1/4 pipe x 3/8 tube SS

10 203977 Insert, SS for 3/8 OD TYGON Tubing

11 204182 Tank, Reservoir

* 396460 Instruction Manual

14 205233 Graduated Cylinder, 1000 ml

15 205587 Coupling, 1/4 pipe Chrome Plated

16 205588 Bushing, 1/4 pipe x 1/8 pipe

17 205604 Toggle Valve, 1/4 NPT, Stainless Steel (2)

18 205605 Pressure Relief Valve, 1/4 NPT, 25 PSIG (173 kPa)

19 205606 Gauge, 30 PSIG, 1-1/2 in Face, 1/8 NPT bottom conn.

20 205622 Tygon Tubing, 3/16" x 1/16 wall

21 205623 Tygon Tubing, 1/4" x 1/16 wall

22 205664 "O" Ring, 5-1/2 x 1/8 Nit. B-46 Reservoir (2)

17
 ITEM PART DESCRIPTION
NO. NO.
23 206053 Filters, .45 Micron, 47mm (Pkg. of 25)

* Items not shown in figures.

B. 209666 Pressurizing Unit CO2 for Membrane Filter Tester

Refer to Fig. 2
ITEM PART DESCRIPTION
NO. NO.

1 208608 CO2 Cartridges, Box of 10

2 208612 Barrel for CO2 Cartridges (2)

3 208614 Adapter Head for CO2 Cartridges (2)

4 208626 Felt Filter for Regulator (4)

5 208653 Bleeder Valve

6 208655 Valve, Needle, 1/4 mnpt x 1/4 mnpt (2)

7 209390 Speed Coupler, Female

8 204893 Regulator, for CO2 Pressurizing Unit

9 205587 Coupling, 1/4 pipe Chrome Plated (2)

10 205590 Plug, Pipe 1/8 NPT

18
C. 209667 Pressurizing Unit, Nitrogen, for Membrane Filter Tester
Refer to Fig. 3.

ITEM PART DESCRIPTION

NO. NO.

1 207929 Air Hose, 3 foot

2 208059 Nipple, 1/4 NPT x Eastman

3 208649 Cylinder Nitrogen Size D, Filled

4 208652 Nitrogen Regulator Assembly with gauges

5 208653 Bleeder Valve

6 209390 Speed Coupler, Female

D. 209665 Case for Membrane Filter Tester

19
 Warranty

Please refer to the accompanying warranty statement enclosed with your

product.

Return of Items

For your protection, items being returned must be carefully packed to prevent
damage in shipment and insured against possible damage or loss. Fann will
not be responsible for damage resulting from careless or insufficient packing.

Before returning items for any reason, authorization must be obtained from
Fann Instrument Company. When applying for authorization, please include
information regarding the reason the items are to be returned.

The correspondence address is:

Fann Instrument Company
P O Box 4350
Houston, Texas 77210
USA.
Telephone: 281- 871-4482
Toll Free: 800- 347-0450
Fax: 281- 871-4358

The shipping address is:

Fann Instrument Company

15112 Morales Road
Receiving 110
Houston, Texas 77032
USA