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Well Test Manual 3

Section 27

Instrumentation – Ranarex
Gravitometer
Table of Contents
Introduction and Objectives……………………………………………………27-2
Specifications……………………………………………………………………27-3
General Information……..………….…………………...………………..Section 1
Installation………………………………………………………………....Section 2
Operation…………………………………………………………………..Section 3
Maintenance and Servicing………………………………………………Section 4
Calibration...………………………………………………………………..Section 5

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Introduction
The section contains information on the Ranarex Gas Gravitometer

Objectives
After completing this section, you should be able to

• Understand the Specification of the Ranarex Gas Gravitometer.

• Understand the workings of Ranarex Gas Gravitometer.
• Know how to install and maintain Ranarex Gas Gravitometer.

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Ranarex Gravitometer

SPECIFICATIONS
PORTABLE TYPE GRAVITOMETER
Case :
Portable with carrying handle
Size: 13%"W x 13h"H x 10%"D, excluding handle and gas hose connections
Weight: Approximately 38 lb
Readings :
Indicating dial
Drive Motor:
115 volt, +lo% 50 or 60 Hz, single-phase
Permanent split-capacitor (no arcing during Start, Run or Stop)
Explosion-proof motor not available
Accuracy :
Within 0.5% of actual value at any reading within range
Portable Gravitometers:
Dual-range: 0.52-1.03 and 0.97-1.90
GENERAL
Materials:
Case and Chassis: Aluminum
Impellers, Impulse Wheels: Molded phenolic
Drive: Stainless steel shafts; sealed ball bearings
Pivots: Stainless steel shafts in jewels
Internal trim: Aluminum and stainless steel
Ambient Temperature Rating:
Saturated gas and air: 40 to 120°F2 (4" - 50°C).
Normal gas and dry air: 0 to 130°F2 (-18" - 54°C).

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SECTION I
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 RANAREX GAS GRAVITOMETERS
RANAREX gravitometers measure the relative density (specific gravity) of
gases as compared to air at standard temperature and pressure (STP). For all
gases there is a definite relation between the composition of the gas mixture
and its relative density. The instrument is calibrated over two ranges to
indicate relative density.
RANAREX gravitometers excel over more complex and costly analyzers in
total performance, including simplicity, fast response, accuracy, sensitivity,
ruggedness and lowest long-term cost.

1.2 THEORY OF OPERATION

The RANAREX gravitometer uses dynamic forces to measure the relative
density of a gas. The operating principle is described below. The instrument
contains two cylindrical gas-tight measuring chambers, each having separate
inlet and outlet connections. Each chamber contains an impeller and an
impulse wheel. These wheels oppose each other on separate shafts in a way
that resembles an automotive fluid coupling or torque converter. An electric
motor and drive belt rotate both impellers at the same speed.
The impellers draw the sample gas and dry reference air into their respective
chambers. The torques created on the impulse wheels are proportional to the
densities of the gas and of the reference air. The impulse wheel shafts are
coupled using a cam and flexible tape in a way that causes the torques to
balance. The ratio of the sample impulse wheel torque to the reference
impulse wheel torque represents the relative density of the gas. A mechanism
and graduated dial are used to indicate the relative density

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Figure 1 illustrates the measuring system for two operating conditions. The
left view shows the position of the cam and reference wheel when the
reference gas is admitted into both chambers. In this case, the impeller wheel
torques will be equal. As a result of this condition and the linear profile of the
cam, the graduated dial is calibrated to indicate 1000.
The right view of Figure 1 shows the position of the cam and reference wheel
when an unknown gas is admitted to the upper chamber and reference air is
admitted into the lower chamber. The lighter gas (in the upper chamber)
creates a smaller torque than the air in the lower chamber. As a result of this
condition, the cam will rotate until the cam radii allows the opposing torques to
balance. The cam rotation is calibrated to indicate the ratio of the torques, or
relative density.
To measure relative densities above 1.000, the unknown gas is admitted to
the lower chamber and the dry reference air is admitted to the upper chamber.
The principle of operation is the same. The graduated dial has two scales.
The inner scale is used for relative densities below 1.000. The outer scale is
used for relative densities above 1.000.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Due to the nature of the design, the pressures and temperatures of the gas
and reference air are equalized. Any changes in pressure, temperature, and
motor speed affect both torques equally. Since the torques produce opposing
forces the effects of varying pressure, temperature and motor speed are
canceled.
An air drier is built into the gravitometer to dry incoming ambient air for use as
the reference gas. The gravitometer is equipped with a selector valve that is
used to direct sample gas and dry reference air to the correct chambers. The
three positions are used for checking the instrument ZERO, for measuring gas
relative densities below 1.000, or for measuring gas relative densities above
1.000.
The motor is designed for operation on 115 VAC + l o % , 60Hz. When the
gravitometer is to be used in an area where AC power is not available, a
DCAC invertor may be used to convert the DC voltage supplied by an
automobile alternator or other DC source to the correct AC voltage.

1.3 CONDITIONING THE GAS AND AIR SAMPLES

To assure accuracy, the gas sample and the reference air must be measured
at the same temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity content. The
sampling system must condition the gas and air to meet these requirements.
When these conditions are met, the analyzer and sampling system as a unit
will be self-compensating for all variations except the analysis and relative
density of the gas.
The RANAREX gravitometer measures relative density in accordance with the
definition:

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"The ratio of the density of the gas, under the observed conditions
of pressure and temperature to the density of dry air at the same
pressure and temperature."

To provide the basis for accurate measurements a sampling system must

satisfy the following conditions:

1.3.1 Dry Reference Air

Provided by the built-in air drier. The drier uses silica gel as the desiccant and
is easily replaced when the silica gel becomes exhausted.

NOTE: The silica gel desiccant i s normally blue in color. The

desiccant must be replaced when the color has changed to pink.

1.3.2 Pressure
The gas sampling system must reduce the gas to barometric pressure to
equal the pressure of the reference air. The correct gas pressure corresponds
to a sample flow rate of 10-15 scfh for the portable RANAREX gravitometer.
The flow rate is measured by a rotameter. As an operating convenience, the
flow scale is graduated in relative density units. The operator can adjust the
needle valve so that the flow meter reads the approximate relative density of
the gas. For gas pressures above 20 psig, a suitable pressure reducing
regulator must precede the rotameter.

NOTE: The flowmeter can be used with inlet pressures up to 20 Psig.

When the sample pressure is above 20 Psig it must be reduced using an
external pressure regulator.

1.3.3 Temperature
The reference air is admitted to the gravitometer at the ambient temperature
of the instrument. For the gas and air to be measured at the same
temperature, the gas must be heated or cooled to ambient temperature. This
is important if the gas pressure has been reduced more than 100 Psig, or if
the gas flows through a temperature zone more than 10'~ (lZ°C) different from
the ambient temperature of the gravitometer. If the sample gas temperature
must be adjusted, the gas may be passed through a coiled 10 ft. (30m)
section of metal tubing before entering the gravitometer.

1.3.4 Moisture Content

Gases that are "wet" (dew point above 50°F, 10°C) must be measured against
humidified air. Gases that are "dry" (dew point below 50°F, 10°C) or gases
which would be dissolved by a humidifier, such as NH,, or gases which are
corrosive when moist, such as SO2, must be measured against dry air. Dry
instrument air may be reduced to barometric pressure and used as reference
air. If instrument air is not available, ambient air can be dried and, when
specified, the gravitometer will be equipped with an integral air drier.

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1.3.5 Filtering
A commercial filter (25 micron) must be used ahead of the regulator and
flowmeter to protect the instrument. Other precautions must be used to
prevent liquids from entering the instrument. A Balston filter (or equivalent)
may be required.

NOTE: RANAREX instruments do not include the gas filter, pressure

reducing regulator or sample hose because most users have individual
preferences for these items and maintain their own stock.

1.3.6 Sampling Systems

Components for conditioning the gas and reference air may be furnished by
the purchaser. However, as a convenience and to assure correct selection, it
is recommended that they be purchased with the RANAREX gravitometer.

SECTION 2
INSTALLATION

1. Check all accessories.

A. All RANAREX gravitometers include:
1 Electric cord, 6 ft. of 18 gauge cable with male and female plugs
1 1-1/2 lb. can indicating silica gel
1 Filling funnel
1 Instruction Manual

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B. When the RANAREX gravitometer is operated from a 12 volt DC battery,

the following is also furnished, unless excluded by Purchaser:
1 RANAREX Invertor
2 Battery Cables, 16 ft. of 12 gauge wire with battery clips
1 Inverter Instruction Manual (found in Reference Material section
of Gravitometer manual)
2. Select the location for the gravitometer. The instrument should not be near
hot or cold objects. Allow at least 5" clearance on the left side and 3" on the
right side for making connections and normal operating functions. If the
instrument is to be permanently mounted in one location, it should be secured
with four 1/4-20 machine screws. These screws are used with the holes in the
gravitometer base. See Figure 2 for mounting dimensions of the gravitometer
and the location of the mounting holes. See Figure 3 for location of
connections and external controls.
3. 'Install the power inverter. Read the instructions that are packed with
the inverter.

INSTALLATION

4. Fill the air drier. The air drier must be removed from the upper left side of
the instrument by loosening the two fasteners. Remove the plastic drier
assembly from the gravitometer far enough until the rubber tube can be
removed from the elbow at the rear of the drier. Remove the rubber plug on
the front of the drier by lifting the lever at the center of the plug (but do not
turn the lever).

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Hold the drier horizontal with the front face up and pour silica gel using the
funnel into the spout. Tap or shake the drier vigorously and continue to fill the
drier to the base of the spout. Replace the rubber plug, attach the rubber tube
on the elbow at the rear of the drier, install the drier into the gravitometer.

NOTE: I f the drier assembly is damaged, the entire assembly must be

replaced.

The moisture capacity of the silica gel will vary according to the atmospheric
humidity and it must be inspected at regular intervals. When the upper half of
the narrow compartment shows a change from deep blue color to gray-pink
color, the silica gel must be replaced.
Active silica gel has a deep blue color and must be kept in a tightly closed
container. Expended silica gel has a light grayish-pink color. The silica gel
may be reactivated and used over and over again. To reactive, heat the silica
gel in an open container to approximately 250°F until the dark blue color
returns, then store in a tightly closed container. Additional silica gel may be
obtained from Chandler Engineering as Part
5. Attach the outlet hoses. If the gravitometer is operated in a confined space,
such as inside a vehicle, the gas sample must be discharged outside the
vehicle. This will prevent contaminating the operating space with noxious or
hazardous gas and air mixtures. If measuring only gas below 1.000 relative
density, attach a hose to the port LIGHT GAS OUTLET on upper right side of
gravitometer case. If measuring gases above 1.000 relative density, attach a
hose to the port HEAVY GAS OUTLET. These hoses must remain attached
when checking the instrument "zero point".
6 . Gas filter. If the gas contains suspended particles larger than 25 microns,
or if the gas is "wet", filtering is required. If a commercial filter is not available,
a suitable moisture trap may be made from 1" (2.54cm) pipe 15" (38cm) long
mounted vertically. Cap both ends and install a drain valve in the bottom cap.
Install an inlet connection from the gas line 2" (5cm) from the bottom and
place the outlet to the gravitometer 2" (5cm) from top. Fill the pipe loosely with
commercial No. 0 steel wool. Drain the trap frequently to keep the steel wool
free from condensate.
7. Gas temperature. If the gas sample is at a pressure above 100 Psig, or if
the sample flows through a temperature zone more than 10°F (-12°C)
different from the ambient temperature of the gravitometer, sample
temperature adjustment is required. Install a section of 3/8" (lcm) metal tube
10 ft (3m) long, and locate it near the gravitometer case. The tube may be
coiled or bent to suit the space available. The tube will serve as a heat
exchanger to heat or cool the sample gas.
8. Make the gas sample connection. Attach a pressure reducing regulator to
the sample tap and route the sample line to the gravitometer. The sample line
must be capable of delivering 12 SCFH gas, free of condensed liquids, at a
pressure not exceeding 15 Psig. It is recommended to use proper sample
probes and sampling techniques as defined in ASTM, GPA, and API
standards.

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SECTION 3
OPERATION

Caution: This type WAREX Gravitometer is provided with a Pointer Lock

(Figure 4), which must be locked at all times when the RANAREX motor i
s not operating. The function of the lock is to exert tension on the
flexible tape, which connects the cam and reference wheel (Figure 1) .
This tension maintains correct "tracking" of the tape when the
RANAREX is stopped. The user is cautioned to leave the lock applied
until after the RANAREX motor has been started and to apply the lock
before shutting off the motor, to avoid operating inconvenience and
prevent damage to the RANAREX .

The "LOCK" position of the pointer is at the upper right corner of the scale,
near the 0.970-1.030 graduations. The position of the locking mechanism is
shown by the arrow of the knob and the legends on the gravitometer front
cover. To check if the pointer is locked, turn the knob to "UNLOCK" and
observe if the pointer drifts downward, then turn the knob to the "LOCK"
position and observe if the pointer snaps into original position.

3.1 PROCEDURE
The correct procedure for operating the RANAREX gravitometer is described
on the instruction plate located over the center of the indicating scale and
reproduced as Figure 5 of this section. It is recommended that the user
observe the sequence of steps as listed. In this way, maximum accuracy will
be achieved.
The following comments are also helpful :

3.1.1 Zero Adjustment:

The zero adjustment screw must be turned in the direction opposite to the
correction required in the pointer reading. For example, if the pointer must be
moved clockwise to 1.000 on the scale, the screw should be turned
counterclockwise. After making adjustments, allow the pointer to stabilize.
During normal operation, the zero adjustment screw will require less than a
1/4 turn to set pointer to 1.000. If more than 1/2 turn is ever required, stop the
motor and investigate the cause.

NOTE: Never turn the zero adjustment screw to the l i m i t of the

adjustments (clockwise or counter- clockwise) with motor operating.

3.1.2 Response Time:

When measuring gas at the normal flow rate of 12 SCFH, the response time
to reach the final reading is 40-45 seconds. This time can be reduced by
operating at a higher flow rate, obtained by adjusting the flow meter valve so
the float reads higher than the actual gas relative density.

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For example, when measuring 0.6 gravity gas, a flow meter setting of about
1.2 will reduce the response time to about 30 seconds. However, the flow
must not exceed the range of the flow meter.
3.1.3 Over-Pressure Protection:
If the flowmeter valve is opened before the selector valve is turned to "LG" or
"HG" , the valve cover will lift off the body to relieve the pressure and will be
reseated by the spring.

3.1.4 Purging to 1.000 After Measuring a Gas:

The instrument must be purged to bring the pointer within the range of the
pointer lock mechanism. If the pointer starts toward 1.000 and then hesitates
and remains at an intermediate reading, turn the selector valve halfway
beyond "0" toward the next position. If the pointer then continues toward and
reaches 1.000, check for an obstruction as described in the Troubleshooting
Section.

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SECTION 4
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
4 .1 LUBRICATION
The motor bearings, impeller bearings and idler pulley bearings have long-life
lubrication to provide long service. If the impeller bearings bind or become
extremely noisy, they may be lubricated as described in the section titled
Impeller Bearings, or the complete assembly may be replaced. The idler
pulley bearing should be inspected and re-lubricated if it does not turn freely
or becomes noisy.

4 . 2 SELECTOR VALVE
If the sample selector valve is contaminated, it will require cleaning and
lubrication. Should this become repeatedly necessary, a gas filter should be
used. To clean the selector valve, remove the screw at the center of the valve
cover and withdraw the screw, 2 washers, spring and cover. Remove all old
grease and contamination from the surfaces and channels in the cover and
valve body. Lubricate the faces of the cover and body with silicone-based
grease and replace all parts. If the valve cover or valve body become scored,
it is necessary to lap/polish the mating surfaces to eliminate the scoring.
Clean both surfaces, apply fine valve grinding compound to them and
reassemble the valve. Loosen the detent spring which engages the "O”, "LG"
and "HG" notches of the cover. Repeatedly rotate the cover on the valve body
beyond its normal operating range, continuing until the scoring is removed.
After the lapping/polishing operation, thoroughly clean, lubricate and
reassemble all parts.

4.3 POINTER LOCK

If the connecting tape leaves the cam or reference wheel while the
gravitometer is in transit, the pointer lock will require adjustment in the
following sequence:
1. Remove the front cover to check if the sides of the U-hook at end of lock
spring are parallel with inner face of the cover, and if the set screw is fully
tightened in the shaft of the lock knob. Turn the spring and tighten the screw if
necessary.
2. Remove the indicating scale, track the connecting tape on the cam and
reference wheel, then set pointer approximately at the 1.000 position. Hold
front cover by hand in correct position on gravitometer casing. Turn the knob
toward the lock position to check if the U-hook straddles the radial edge of the
cam. If necessary, bend the spring in the correct direction at the knob shaft.
3. Hold the front cover to the casing by hand, turn knob toward lock position to
check if the spring takes up the slack in the connection tape before the lower
end of the spring snaps between the detent pins of the cover. If it does not,
bend the upper section of the lock spring, at the knob, toward the cam edge.
This will be toward the left when viewed from inside the cover.
4. Finally, with the cover held to the casing, check if the lower end of the lock
spring will snap between the detent pins and will be retained. If necessary,
bend the lower end of the spring toward, or away from, the front cover, as
required.

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4.4 CARE OF THE CONNECTING TAPE

4.4.1 Tracking the Tape
Release the pointer lock and remove the front cover and indicating scale. If
tape does not track on both the measuring and reference wheels, turn both
wheels clockwise. Replace the tape onto each wheel, set pointer to
approximately 1.000 and turn the reference wheel to take up slack in the tape.
If tape has fallen behind either wheel, extract it carefully by rotating the wheel
as necessary, to avoid kinking the tape.

4.4.2 Cleaning the Tape

Wipe off dust, finger marks, or oil with tissue or cloth. Do not use cleaning
fluid or solvent. At the same time clean the rims of the cam and reference
wheel.

4.4.3 Replacing the Tape

If a new tape must be installed, loosen the clip screws at the ends of the tape,
remove retaining clips from the rims of the cam and the reference wheels and
remove the old tape. Hook the new tape over the screw heads and install clips
with curved end pointing in direction of tape. Adjust tape flush with edges of
the wheels and tighten the clip screws.
If spare tape is not available, a replacement tape can be made from 3M
Company "Scotch" brand #I75 Tenzar Recording Tape, or any other 1.5 MIL
Heavy Duty Mylar Recording Tape. Cut tape to 13-9/16" long and punch 2
holes 9/64" diameter spaced 13-1/16" center to center. Check the operation of
the pointer lock and if necessary, adjust it as described in Section 4.

4.5 DRIVE BELT TENSION

The correct tension required to prevent belt slippage without overloading the
bearings is maintained by a spring loaded idler pulley. If dust or dirt
accumulates between the idler pulley arm bushing and the pivot shaft, it will
interfere with free motion and must be removed. Before disassembling,
scratch a mark on the face of the adjusting collar and end of the pivot shaft to
show the original positions. Obtain a firm grip on the collar by inserting a pin in
a hole in the rim or face and loosen set screw. Allow collar to turn clockwise
until spring tension is relieved, then draw collar and arm off shaft. After
cleaning, reassemble in original position.
The correct load of the idler pulley on the belt is 5 to 6 pounds which may be
measured with a spring scale. Remove belt and place scale hook around
pulley shaft. Pull on the scale in direction perpendicular to the normal position
of the idler pulley arm until the pulley is swung into its normal position. If
necessary to increase the load, turn the adjusting collar one quarter turn
counterclockwise to the next flat of the pivot shaft. Before loosening the set
screw, obtain a firm grip on the collar by inserting a pin in a hole in the rim of
face.

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4.6 IDLER BEARING

This bearing should be inspected and replaced if it does not turn freely or
becomes noisy.

NOTE: Bearing is lubricated as shipped. It cannot be disassembled but

can be relubricated when necessary.

1. Grip round shaft where it extends from pulley.

2. Remove adapter shaft by gripping hex section and turning for right-hand
thread. Unscrew adapter shaft completely but do not lose split lock washer.
3. Insert tip of grease tube (PN 187-14010 or equivalent) into the tapped hole
in the pulley shaft. Fill the hole with grease.
4. Replace adapter shaft in pulley shaft. Be sure split lock washer is in
position in recess around base of male thread.
5. Tightening the adapter shaft into the pulley shaft will force the grease into
the bearings. Excess grease will be forced out through the seals but do not
use more grease than needed to obtain smooth rotation of shaft in the pulley.

4.7 GRAVITOMETER DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

If the gravitometer must be disassembled, the following sequence must be
observed.
1. Front Cover: Release pointer lock and turn fully to UNLOCK position to set
lock spring below bottom of scale plate. Loosen the 8 fasteners but hold cover
from dropping downward on scale and pointer. If cover is placed flat on
bench-top, inside face must be upward to avoid damage to locking spring.
2. Rear Cover: Loosen the 8 fasteners to remove the rear cover.
3. Indicating Scale: Set pointer to about 0.950 and loosen scale fastening
screws one turn. Lift scale up so keyholes will pass over screw heads. Then
move scale downward holding it in until right side clears pointer.
4. Front Chamber Cover: Remove 8 screws around the rim of both
chambers. Grasp assembly by scale posts and zero adjust screw and pull
forward. The assembly may be set down on a bench-top against the 4 pins
which project from the rear, or it may be placed on the right edge, steadied by
the zero adjust screw. In this position exercise care that the pointer is not
bent.
5. Rear Chamber Cover: First remove the Front Chamber cover. Then
remove the belt and unscrew both impellers from front of the chambers;
impellers have right hand threads. Remove 8 screws around rim of chambers
and 2 inner screws at lower section of casting. Grasp assembly by bearing
housing and pull outward from body. Assembly may be set on right edge,
steadied by idler pulley, or may be placed on bench with pulleys downward.
6. Operating Mechanism (Front chamber cover, chamber Body and ear
Chamber Cover) : Remove front and rear covers, as previously described,
and unscrew outlet nipples from right side of casing. Remove 2 outer screws
from base of assembly accessible through rear. Remove 2 screws with
carrying handle and internal spacer plate from upper section.

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Slide assembly to rear of the instrument, supporting it by hand and guided by

pins in lower section.

4.8 IMPELLER BEARINGS

The impeller ball bearings are lubricated with sufficient grease for 2-3 years of
operation. If the bearings do not turn freely or become noisy, the bearings
should be replaced. The bearing part number is 187-17004. A design
modification has been implemented to this assembly to improve its operating
performance at low temperature as well as to simplify its service procedure.
The new design uses double seal ball bearings and additional o-rings to seal
between the bearing (Key No. 1246/PN 187-17004) and the impeller shaft
(Key No. 1247/PN 302-01889) and between the bearing and the impeller
bearing casing (Key No. 1248/PN 302-01888). Use Part Number 300-00258 if
ordering the complete bearing and shaft assembly. There is no need to fill the
void between the impeller shaft and casing with bearing grease (P/N 187-
14010).

NOTE: All portable gravitometers with serial number P-259 and later
incorporate the new design b a l l bearing assembly.

4.8.1 Impeller Disassembly

a. Remove the front chamber cover assembly, impellers and rear chamber
cover assembly from the operating mechanism per instructions 1-5 in the
section titled
Gravitometer Disassembly Procedure.
b. Temporarily reinstall front chamber cover assembly in instrument to avoid
damage while working on bearings.
c. Remove the nuts from the shaft without bending it.
d. Mark the pulleys and shafts so that they can be reinstalled in their original
positions.
e. Gently tap on the end of the shafts to push the front ball bearing out of
housing. Use small bearing puller to remove bearing from shaft.
f. Gently push or tap on threaded end of shaft to push the rear bearing out of
the housing. Use small bearing puller to remove bearing from shaft.

4.8.2 Impeller Assembly

a. Inspect and clean interior of impeller bearing casing and the shaft.
b. Insert shaft and bearing into bearing casing. Replace the nuts on the ends
of the impeller shafts. Install bearing on pulley end of shaft. Seat bearing bore
against shoulder of shaft and turn shaft by hand to check for smooth rotation.
c. Reassemble the rear chamber cover assembly, impellers, front chamber
cover assembly in reverse order of disassembly.

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4.9 TROUBLESHOOTING
To be accurate the gravitometer must satisfy the following operating
conditions:
* Sufficient flow of gas sample and reference air
* Impellers rotating at correct speed
* Pointer moves without friction
Instrument free of internal leaks
* Pointer statically balanced
* Air drier filled with active silica gel
* Instrument is properly calibrated
If there is reason to believe the gravitometer is reading incorrectly, tests and
remedies should be made in the sequence described below. If necessary to
disassemble the gravitometer, refer to the Gravitometer Disassembly
Procedure found earlier in this section.

1. Check the gas and air flow. Disconnect all inlet and outlet hoses, set
selector valve to "0" and purge the gravitometer. Verify that there is flow at the
discharge ports. If there is no evidence of flow, disconnect the hose from the
rear of the air drier and retest. If flow is established, empty the air drier, clean
the outlet elbow, fill with fresh silica gel (6-16 mesh) and retest.
If there is no evidence of flow, remove the cover of the selector valve, inspect
and clean the ports and channels of the cover and valve body and retest.
Finally, if there still is no evidence of flow, it indicates the passages within the
instrument are obstructed. Remove the rear chamber cover and check the
passages which extend from impeller bearing location to the elbows near the
bottom of the chamber cover. Also check the outlet tubes and nipples from
both chambers.
2. Check the impeller speed. Correct speed is approximately 2800 RPM as
measured with a strobe tachometer. If a tachometer is not available, remove
the drive belt and verify that the motor pulley, impeller pulleys, and the idler
pulley turn freely. If the impeller pulleys do not turn freely, lubricate the
impeller bearings as described earlier in the section titled Impeller Bearings or
replace the assembly. If the idler pulley does not turn freely, the motor should
be replaced.
3. Check for frictionless indicator response. Remove front cover and connect
the instrument to a gas sample. Record the reading. Gently move the
indicator to each side of the true reading and release. Indicator should return
to the same reading from each direction, within -001 relative density within 15
seconds. If it does not, the impulse wheel shafts and bearings should be
cleaned. Remove the front chamber cover of the operating mechanism and
hold it upright by gripping firmly in a vise, or stand it securely on right side
edge. Loosen the set screws in the hub of the cam and reference wheel and
draw the impulse wheels with shafts out of the bearings. Use care that the
cam and reference wheels and the flexible tape are not damaged while
removed from the instrument. Tag the impulse wheels to indicate the chamber
from which they were removed. Polish the shafts with crocus cloth or fine
steel wool. Do not bend the shafts.

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If the impulse wheel shafts show a bright polished groove where they rotate in
the jeweled bearings, or if the hubs of the cam and reference wheel show a
groove where they have been drawn against the ends of the impulse wheel
bearings, these grooves should be removed by lapping and polishing. If the
wear is excessive, the shafts must be replaced.
Gently blow out the impulse wheel bearings with clean air or gas and add a
drop of instrument oil to both ends of each bearing. Suitable oil is available
from Chandler Engineering.
Replace the shafts with wheels in their bearings in the correct chamber and
turn them slowly. If the protruding portion of the shaft wobbles or if the wheel
does not turn freely, the shaft should be replaced with a new one. A bent
impulse wheel shaft will cause the instrument to lose accuracy and sensitivity.
Attach the measuring and reference wheels to the impulse wheel shafts being
certain that the set screws bear on the flats of the shafts. A small amount of
shaft end play [.005" to 0.010" (.13-.25mm) maximum] must exist to prevent
binding. Verify that no parts of the indicating mechanism have been bent and
that there is no binding between parts.
4. Check for internal leaks. Operate the instrument connected to a gas sample
and obtain a relative density reading at the far end of the measuring range.
Shut off the gas flow by closing the flowmeter valve. The indicator should
remain steady or should not return toward 1.000 reading at a rate faster than
.007 on the inner scale in 3 minutes. If it does not meet this test, there is an
internal leak. To determine where the leak is located, stop the motor, remove
the front and rear covers and disconnect hose from the inlet port of the
selector valve. Individually pressurize (approximately 10 psig) the upper and
lower chambers with gas and use a gas leak detector to find the leak.
The leak is probably caused by loose screws or a gasket which has become
damaged. Verify that the Tygon7 tubes which join the internal connector to the
selector valve and to the elbows near bottom, of rear chamber cover are not
cracked or damaged.
5. Check the indicator balance. The measuring mechanism was statically
balanced by the manufacturer and does not change with wear or age. The
balancing weights behind the cam should not be disturbed. However, if
required, the balance can be verified and restored as described below.
Stop the motor and remove the front cover. Place the pointer consecutively at
the right side, bottom, and left side of the scale. In each position tap the front
of the gravitometer case to overcome static friction. The pointer should remain
stationary or very nearly so. If it drifts more than two small graduations on the
red scale, make compensating adjustments of the balancing weights on the
threaded rods. When loosening or re-tightening the balancing weights, use
care that the threaded rods, pointer and impulse wheel shaft are not bent or
damaged.
Balancing the cam and mechanism is a trial and error process. The pointer
may be considered balanced if it remains steady or drifts only two scale
divisions. After rebalancing, do not permit the weights to be moved. A drop of
low strength Loctite7, lacquer, or fingernail polish on the weights and threaded
rods will lock the adjustments is place.

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6. Check the silica gel in the air drier. If silica gel is exhausted, remove and
empty the air drier. Refill with active silica gel.
7. The gravitometer was accurately calibrated by the manufacturer and the
calibration does not change appreciably with wear or age. The adjustments
should not be changed without first checking every other possible source of
error. Calibration should proceed if all other sources of error are eliminated.
8. Sometimes during calibration, repeatability problems occur due to static
friction
Gently tapping the side of the case will eliminate the static friction.

SECTION 5
CALIBRATION
To calibrate the instrument there are three adjustments:
1. Zero Adjust. This is the only adjustment required in normal operation. The
zero adjust screw operates the chain, sprockets and lower impulse wheel
bearing which positions the lower impulse wheel longitudinally in the lower
chamber to match the torque of the upper chamber when operating on air.
Refer to the section titled Zero Adjustment in Section 3 for instructions for use
of the zero adjust.
2. Sensitivity. The longitudinal position of the upper impulse wheel in the
upper chamber governs sensitivity of the instrument. If the pointer is too
sensitive, it may be reduced by moving the upper impulse wheel closer to the
front of the chamber, by turning the upper impulse wheel bearing
counterclockwise. If the pointer lacks sensitivity (and if there is no evidence of
mechanical binding), it may be increased by moving the upper impulse wheel
closer to the rear of the chamber, by turning the upper impulse wheel bearing
clockwise. This adjustment requires loosening the 7/8" hex lock nut behind the
measuring wheel, turning the 1/2" hex head of the bearing in correct direction,
and tightening the lock nut. Turn only one flat (1/6 turn) at a time and retest.
3. Span Adjustment. The span of the gravitometer is governed by the angular
position of the pointer on the measuring wheel. To permit adjustment, the
pointer is attached to the measuring wheel by two screws which pass through
circular slots in the pointer hub. If span adjustment is necessary, the pointer
should be moved in relation to the measuring wheel in the direction of the
desired reading. For example, if the pointer reads numerically too high on the
red scale (too low on the black scale), the pointer should be moved clockwise.
Similarly, if the pointer reads numerically too low on the red scale (too high on
the black scale), the pointer should be moved counterclockwise.
Before making an adjustment, mark the position of the pointer hub on the face
of the cam, then loosen the screws just enough that the pointer can be turned
against slight friction of the washers under the screw heads, but that it will not
slip freely. Make adjustments in small increments of 2 or 3 small graduations
on the red scale at one time and retest. When either the sensitivity or span
adjustment is changed, it is necessary to reset the zero adjust to 1.000 on air.

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5.1 CALIBRATION PULLEY

A Calibration Pulley is fastened inside of every new instrument. This pulley
can be used, instead of a certified gas, to check the calibration of the
instrument. The pulley, Part No. 315-03031, is intended to make the
instrument read 0.640 theoretical relative density. Because of the tolerance on
the ,diameters of the pulleys, the following test procedure must be used to
determine the exact relative density (k.001) the pulley will produce.
1. Operate Gravitometer with new silica gel in the drier and the selector valve
on "0" . If necessary, turn ZERO ADJUST until pointer reads 1.000.
2. Turn power OFF; remove Upper Impeller Pulley and measure its maximum
diameter at the crown with a micrometer.
3. Install the Calibration Pulley on the Upper Impeller Shaft. Measure its
maximum diameter at the crown, using the micrometer.
4. Continue to operate the gravitometer without making any adjustments.
Observe and record the relative density reading.
5. Divide the diameter of the standard Upper Impeller Pulley by the diameter
of the Calibration Pulley and square the answer. This value is the correct
relative density reading.

6. If it is necessary to test the calibration at different relative density values, a

Calibration Pulley is required for each test value.
7. After completing the tests, replace the Calibration Pulley with the standard
Upper Impeller Pulley and store the Calibration Pulley for future use. The
following additional calibration pulley sizes are available:

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