Frequently Asked Questions Demcon convergence SDI/MFI

1. Maintenance related questions
1.1. In what specific cases should the user clean the SDI Inspector with a cleaning agent?
There are three triggers that can indicate fouling of the system.
1. Too many Flow errors.
2. MFI is above 1.5 with clean water.
3. Visible fouling in the collected water.

1.2. How often cleaning without cleaning agent is recommended to be performed?
Each time fouled water has been used it is advised to run this cycle with clean water when the tests have finished.
1.3. How do we know if the cleaning was effectively performed?
If the user was triggered to perform a cleaning cycle with agent, they should check the following points:
1. Are the flow errors gone?
2. Has the MFI value dropped to normal values with clean water. (between 0.5-1.5)?
3. Do they still see visible fouling come out of the instrument?

1.4. How should I prepare my system for longer storage?
1. At first a cleaning with agent must be performed. When finished, remove the tubing from the IN-inlet.
2. Start a Cleaning cycle without agent, when no water comes out the outlet, abort the cycle.
3. Remove the tubing from the IN/OUT ports and place the RED/Black stop plugs instead.
4. Remove the Fuse and store it in a safe place, close to the system.

1.5. Why should I remove the fuse when the instrument is not in use?
The battery discharges more quickly when the fuse is in the instrument.
1.6. What kind of clean water should be used when flushing the system?
Tap water can be used, but preferably filtered distilled water with a lower conductivity should be used.

2. Instrument related questions

2.1. How can I calibrate my SDI?
You can use a reference liquid to be used use as a Calibrator. We suggest distilled water and repeat 5 SDI tests (with each time a new filter) and collect the values. This will give you a good reference for future tests.

2.2. What type of tubing is used for the IN/OUT lines?
We use PE (PolyEthyleen) (6mm x 4mm). It should be hard material, to be used in Push-ins.

2.3. How long can the tubing to the Feed can be extended.
Not more than 2 meters. The inner diameter of the tube is 4mm which needs some time to fill. It should be made sure that during the deaeration process (30 s long) the water can reach the membrane filter.

2.4. Can I connect my charger during the actual test?
Yes, this is no problem. It will not affect the test that is running.

3. Test related questions

3.1. What sample volume is needed for a single test?
One test usually requires 2,0 L – 2,5 L of feed solution.

3.2. Can I use a filter after a quick test abort?
Depending on at which stage the test was aborted. If it was in the very beginning, you can still use it. If the test has already been running for longer, you need to use a new filter. Otherwise the experiments will not be accurate since fouling has already occurred on the filter.

3.3. What information is shown on the Graph during the test?
During the test next Flow Graphs are shown
1. Green: Pressure
2. Blue: Flow
3. Red: Measured Volume
Further we see the following screen indicators:
4. Time: Elapsed time (Nominal test time is 20 minutes)
5. Sigma V: Total volume is calculated and in the final results
6. Temp: Actual temperature of the Feed water
7. MFI: Actual calculated MFI value
8. SDIx: Calculated values

3.4. What should I do when I have Pressure errors?
1. Check if the tubing is correctly positioned in the Feed
2. Check if your SDI filter is correctly positioned.
3. Check if the tubing underneath the filter is positioned correctly.
4. Replace the filter
5. Contact our Helpdesk for help.

3.5. What problems can should I do when I have Flow errors?
1. Check if no air is aspirated from the flow
2. Repeat the test with the same filter
3. Check during this test if water is coming out from the Output.
4. If still the same, replace the filter and repeat the test
5. If there are still flow errors, clean the system.
6. Contact our Helpdesk for help.

4. Results related questions

4.1. What conclusion can I draw from my SDI results?
Next table give the following indications for particulate fouling:
SDI < 1.5 Very Clean
SDI 1.5 – 3.0 Good and acceptable
SDI 3.0 – 5.0 Fouling indication
SDI > 5.0 Excessive fouling

4.2. What MFI I would expect with clean tap water of distilled water?
If the SDI unit has been maintained properly, value between 0.5 and 1.5 are values to be expected.

4.3. How many results can be stored in the SDI?
The system can store up to a 1000 measurements

Our Service & Support team aims to answer your question within one working day.

The Demcon convergence Helpdesk is available from Monday to Friday from 8:30 – 17:00 (CE(S)T)

E: helpdesk@con-vergence.com
P: +31 (0)53 461 55 57
M:+31 (0)6 8296 6614 (also WhatsApp)

In order to provide you with the best Service & Support possible, we will need the following information:

1. Contact details
2. Serial number
3. Detailed problem description:
– Is it a software or hardware problem?
– In case of software, please explain your problem in detail.
– In case of hardware, which specific part is affected (e.g., strange sounds, leakage)?
4. If possible, please send us screenshots, pictures or video’s of the problem/parts.
5. If the question is program related, please include the program.

The helpdesk uses Teamviewer software to remotely assist you with your system. Lots of tutorials on this tool are available online

A session will be scheduled whenever remote assistance is necessary. Instructions will be send to you by e-mail. For a smooth session, please make sure that:

• TeamViewer is installed and updated on the computer.
• The computer is connected to the system.
• The computer has internet access.
• Your TeamViewer ID and password are availble to the helpdesk.

Every session is maximized to 30 minutes per session.

The Bronkhorst flowmeters are equipped with lights that indicates their status. First, the red light can indicate an error. But it could also indicate communication activity. Whenever the software is running, communication is taking place. Hence, the red light will ligt up. This is normal behaviour.

Errors will be shown in the software under Program Information and Warnings.

Flushing/cleaning

Depending on fluids/gases or particles used during the experiments, the Demcon convergence Inspector may be subjected to fouling. To properly clean the fouling, the user can perform occasional flushes or cleaning cycles to negate the fouling effects. Below you will find a table of cleaning methods.

A small batch of cleaning solution can be prepared and then recirculated throughout the system. Check the flowsheet, open all necessary valves and let the pump(s) run on a gentle speed. Make sure the outlet returns in the cleaning solution and let the system run for as long as necessary. When finished, flush out the cleaned areas to remove the cleaning solution again.

Replacing O-rings

Some components or connectors rely on rubber or plastic O-rings. Some of them are heavily subjected to wear and tear. Check the (visible) O-rings periodically for wear and tear and replace them when necessary.

Checking and refilling of oil levels

Some of the larger pumps have oil reservoirs to lubricate and cool moving parts. It is essential for these to have a sufficient oil level in the reservoir. Usually, these have a cap where the oil can be filled and the oil level can be checked. For more information about the type of oil or instructions, please contact the Demcon convergence Helpdesk or refer to the pump manual.

Storing your Demcon convergence Inspector for longer periods of time is possible. Please make sure that the fluids are mostly out of the system. First, clean the system. Second, flush it with clean water and finally empty out the fluids from the system. In most cases, the pumps can empty out most fluid on their own when not connecting the input tubing with fluid. But if this is not deemed sufficient, pressurized air could be used to clean out the remains.

Flowmeters that rely on the coriolis measurement principle, have what is called a zero stability error. When there is no flow, ideally, the meter should display around zero flow. The zero point can start to deviate over time when fouling has occurred. In that case the zero procedure must be carried out. The auto-zero procedure determines the resonance frequency of the measuring tube in the flowmeter and it will set the flow back to zero again.

The auto-zero procedure must be performed under the correct circumstances and must not be overused.

Aim for these conditions when auto-zeroing:

• Make sure the flowmeter is completely filled with the medium intended to be measured
• Make sure the flowmeter has been powered on for at least 30 minutes, so the instrument has warmed up to operating temperature
• Ensure that there is, and will be, no flow during the procedure
• Ensure that there are no vibrations during the procedure

Fouling, a change of medium or a change in temperature might affect the zero-point. If that is the case, please start the auto-zeroing procedure. This procedure should not be overused and might be of no need.

Because of the nature of testing certain DUT’s with fluids containing possible fouling components, it is not unlikely for a blockage to occur. Blockages can often be foung in components with small orifices. If a blockages is ascertained, try the following:

• Rule out that problems occur due to – for example – membrane resistance, an excess of flow, etc.
• Try to ascertain where the blockage is located
• Try to flow a cleaning agent or a deflocculant through the system
• If no flow is possible, try a flow reversal over the affected area, or apply air pressure on the other side. In these cases, refer to the manual for the maximum system pressure, and do not exceed that value.

An instruction manual will be provided with your system. A copy of the manual is available at the helpdesk.

The latest version of the software manual is included on the PC delivered with the Demcon convergence Inspector. It can be accessed by clicking the ‘User Manual’ button in the software or it can be found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Demcon convergence Inspector\Config.

A hardcopy of the software manual is included with the delivery of the Demcon convergence Inspector system. On request, the manual is available at the Demcon convergence Helpdesk.

When you use the Demcon convergence Inspector for the first time, the password is osmo. If this password was changed by you or your colleagues, there is nothing much we can do.

The guest user is always used for first time use and will have administrator right. It has no password.

In case a password for a specific user account got lost, it can be accesed by making a copy of the user account folder. Rename that folder to a new username and make a new username with the same name as the folder and a new password. Now you should be able to log in again!

Inc ase of a verification connect error, there are two possibilities:

• There is no communcation between your computer and the system
  • Solution: please restart both the computer and the system
• Your license has expired.
  • Solution: send a license request to our helpdesk. Please provide the helpdesk with the serial number and your contact details. First, we would like to receive your PO for the license renewal. After which you will receive an invoice and finally, a new license will by send by e-mail including instructions.

The location of you license.lic file depends on the software version. You can find you license file in the next directories in your computer:

Software versions V6 and below:
/OSMO/Users/

Software versions V7 up to V7.x.x.x.:
/Inspector/Users/

Software V7.x.x.x. and up:
/Inspector/Users/

Once you received a new license, you need to overwrite the old license in the corresponding directory.

Please refer to QA-M0003v4 – software and programming manual.

The systems creates a folder under User/Documents/ with the name OSMO or under Public/Documents with the name Inspector by default. Every user will have access to this folder with several subfolders:

• Users: this folder holds config files for registered users
• Temp: this folder holds temporary files for report generation
• Config: this folder holds configuration and language files
• Quick Programs: this folders holds programs that can be select from a quick-selection menu
• Data: this folder will log data by default
• Reports: this folder holds generated PDF reports
• Programs: this folder holds custom built programs

The user can also select his own default folder location for data, reports, programs and quick-programs in the software settings.

It might also be a good idea to back-up the software installation. The appointed folder can be found under:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Demcon convergence Inspector, or C:\Program Files (x86)\OSMO Inspector.