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M3500 FAQ
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1. Is the data obtained from M3500 compatible with Fann®35 or 280 data?
Yes! M3500 viscometer uses exactly the same rotor and bob dimensions as API specified, and same as that of Fann®35 viscometer. And M3500 viscometer even display the theoretical reading of a Fann®35 viscometer with F1 spring on the testing and review test screen! |
2. Which model should I pick, M3500-1 or M3500-5 model?
A M3500a-1 viscometer, when using with Rotor 1 and Bob 1 combination, the resolution is 1 dyne/cm2 (with R1B1, 1 dyne/cm2 equal to about 0.2° deflection of a Fann®35 viscometer with F1 spring installed), and full scale is 1000 dyne/cm2. M3500a-1 viscometer is good for most drill fluid under normal test conditions. User can also use other smaller bob to achieve higher viscosity measurement.
A M3500a-5 viscometer, when using with Rotor 1and Bob 1 combination, the resolution is 5
dyn/cm2, and full scale is 5000 dyne/cm2. M3500a-5 viscometer is good for very thick fluid (ex. cement) under high shear rate study. |
3. If I buy a M3500a-1 or M3500a-5 version, how do I compare it to Fann®35 or Chan35?
*For R1B1 (Rotor 1 & Bob 1) combination, the full scale of M3500a-1, which is 1 oz-in torque, represents 182.9 degree reading on an Fann®35 viscometer with F1 spring installed. 1 oz-in torque is also corresponding to a shear stress of 934.6
dyn/cm2 applied to the bob when R1B1 is used for measurement. In another words, 1 oz-in version has about Fann®35 F0.2 spring resolution and 975° F0.2 spring full scale reading.
**For R1B1 (Rotor 1 & Bob 1) combination, the full scale of M3500a-5, which is 5 oz-in torque, represents 914.5 degree reading on an F35 viscometer with F1 spring installed. 5 oz-in torque is also corresponding to a shear stress of 4673
dyn/cm2 applied to the bob when R1B1 is used for measurement. In another words, 5 oz-in version has about a Fann®35 F1 spring resolution and 975° F1 spring full scale reading. |
4. Why my M3500b can not run the real time test with Gracedaq?
Because M3500b is not meant to run real time test with Gracedaq. Only M3500a has the capability.
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5. How can I setup test steps for M3500?
For both M3500a and M3500b users:
At the main screen, press 2 will go to the setup screen. Enter current step lasting
time (in seconds), temperature (in °F), speed (in rpm). If you enter the parameters out of the range, the blinking cursor will go back to the initial input position again.
After you finished entering one parameter, go to the next parameter by pressing "Next/Enter" key.
When you finished all required parameters for one step, go the next step by pressing "Next/Enter" key.
When you finished entering all steps, pressing "Next/Enter" twice to return to the main menu.
For M3500a users, another option is:
It is very straight forward to setup M3500a test procedures with
Gracedaq. Just go to the "Setup" screen by pushing the "Setup" button on the main screen.
i. To open or select presaved test sequence setups: On the Sequence Name Table located at the upper right corner of the setup screen, click the name of the sequence name that you want to view or download. The test steps will be shown on the Test Steps Table located at the bottom of the setup screen.
ii. To delete a presaved test sequence: On the Sequence Name Table located at the upper right corner of the setup screen, click the name of the sequence name that you want to delete. Then click the "Delete" button located at the upper right side of the setup screen.
iii. To save certain test sequence as a new name: On the Sequence Name Table located at the upper right corner of the setup screen, click the name of the sequence name that to be copied. Then click the "Save As" button located at the upper right side of the setup screen. Assign the new sequence a new name, then a new sequence is generated.
iv. To Insert a step before certain step: Click the step where you want to insert a new step in the Test Steps Table located at the bottom of the setup
screen, then click the "Insert New Step" button located at the bottom of the setup screen. A small screen will come up and ask you to input the new step information.
v. To delete certain test step: On the Test Steps Table located at the bottom of the setup screen, click the step that you want to delete. Then click the "Delete" button located at the bottom of the setup screen.
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6. After 4 years of using M3500 without problem, why does my M3500 start to show wired results when I review the last test results?
First, it is very possible that you turned off your M3500, then try to get the last test results after turn power back on. For a new unit, this should not be problem. But for an old unit, because the battery in your M3500 viscometer has no power left, M3500 can not remember what it did last time. Please see the online maintenance training program to learn how to change the battery. Please also keep in mind that if you never power down M3500, it always remember what it did last time. |
7. How accurate is M3500?
±0.5% of full range |
8. Can I use 230VAC as power source for my M3500?
M3500 viscometer takes both 120V60HZ AC and 220V50HZ AC power supply.
The M3500 heater cup has two versions, 120VAC version and 230VAC version though. |
9. Can I measure chilled sample with M3500?
Yes, you can.
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10. How hot can I heat the sample to?
No more than 212°F. |
11. Where can I get Gel Strength in Fann®35 F1 spring reading?
There are three places containing gel strength information.
a). Gel strength number is displayed on LCD display lower right hand corner when you are reviewing your testing results with keypad.
b). Gel strength number is shown on PC software "Gracedaq for M3500a" main screen, after the saved test is opened. If you are using English unit, Gel strength is listed in (100lb/ft2) unit. Divide it with 1.067 to obtain Fann®35 F1 spring reading. If you are using Metric unit, Gel strength is listed in
(dyn/cm2) unit. Divide it with 5.11 to obtain Fann®35 F1 spring reading. |
12. Can I use Fann® or OFI thermal cup with M3500?
Yes, you can. M3500 viscometer faithfully record the temperature measured at the tip of its temperature sensor. However, you need to modify your existing thermal cup a little bit in order to use our temperature sensor.
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13. Can one PC run more than one M3500a viscometer?
Yes, one comport can run unlimited number of M3500a viscometers if only test results are desired. We sell comport switching box to fulfill this function. However, if you wish to run real time testing simultaneously, each M3500a viscometer requires a comport. |
14. Is the advance to next step controlled by time or temperature?
Controlled by time. For example, currently, we are at 75°F, and we set a step which last 10 seconds and target temperature of 150°F. At the end of 10 second, M3500 viscometer will advance to the next step, even though the target temperature is not reached. However, M3500 will record the true temperature which it sensed. |
15. How fast does your thermal cup heat up?
It takes 6 minutes to ramp from 75°F to 120°F with accuracy ±3°F. |
16. During a test, if I want to jump to next step as soon as the temperature reach to a pre-determined temperature, what should I do?
Only M3500a viscometer has this function. In your setup sequence, set the time in that step as 0 second, then download the sequence to the viscometer. When temperature reaches plus minus 2°F of target temperature, viscometer will jump to next step.
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* Fann® is the registered trade mark of Fann Instrument Company
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© 2008 Grace Instrument Company. All rights reserved. |
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