Understanding DMAT Density Measurements

DMAT
Table of Contents
I. Theory, Operations and Importance of DMat
system
II. Components of the Dmat
III. Calibrating the Dmat
IV. Troubleshooting
V. Software Navigation
VI. Pinouts
I. Theory, Operations and Importance of DMAT system
DMAT stands for Density Meter And

Transmitter. It reads a signal from a sensor
that is made with a Cesium 137 radioactive
source. It is used for measuring sand
concentrations in fracturing operations.
I. Theory, Operations and Importance of DMat system
There are two of these sensors on our well pad:
A. One is hard mounted on the Blender (shuttered) and interfaced into our
network (IP address 10.1.1.14). It is sometimes referred to as upstream.
B. The second is portable, transported in the Datavan, and is rigged in line
after the missile and before the wellhead. It is also interfaced into our
network(IP address 10.55.4.14). It is sometimes referred to as
downstream.
I. Understanding Operations and Importance of DMat System
The radioactive cesium sources produces gamma rays which

are directed in a 12 degree beam across the flow pipe.
The Gamma is received by the sensor on the opposite side of
the flow pipe. The amount received is interpreted as a voltage
by the sensor couple electronics. The more dense the
material, the more gamma is blocked or absorbed.
More Radioactive Measurement = More Voltage

Less Radioactive Measurement = Less Voltage
With this operation we are able to plot and record these values.
When these are applied into a algorithm we can formulate a

density curve
To get the correct readings we need 3 points

in our curve
1. Empty pipe value we call Empty Pipe Cal
2. Full pipe value we call Standardize to H2O Cal
3. Base Fluid we call Standardize to Carrier Fluid Cal
Here is an example explanation in a

density form
Air is 0lbs/gal = 9 volts DC 9
Voltage
Water is 8.33lbs/gal = 3 volts DC
(It is preferred to try and obtain a 3:1 ratio 5 3

Between Air and Water Cal but you will not 2.5
always have these)
0 2.1
Air
Carrier Fluid is 9.12lbs/gal = 2.5vDC Water
Carrier
Sand
Once plots are set, sand begins to count Density Lbs/Gal
over carrier fluid density
1lbs/gal sand would equate to about

10.12lbs/gal total mixture density and
would be a voltage of around 2.1vDC
This is the basic operation of the DMat

Compaction and pressure are completely ruled out
when using Gamma strength measurements
II. Components of the DMat
GUI: Graphical User Interface (Computer)
Cables
Electronics
Cesium 137 pill (Sensor)
Flow pipe
Shutter on Blender
III. Calibration
There are three calibrations that must be
performed before the DMAT will measure
sand content properly:
1. Empty Pipe Calibration
2. H2O Calibration
3. Carrier Fluid Calibration
III. Calibration(Empty Pipe)
Empty Pipe Calibration
This sets our ambient air density as our zero point

This is most often done in the yard or on the bench
This needs to be done anytime that:
1. A large change is elevation is made
2. Cesium source is replaced
3. Sensor is replaced
4. Accuracy is being questioned
Or Approximately once a year if none of the above three conditions have

occurred in the past year
Step 1: Set your pipe
Size.
This is done by
clicking or pointing to
the Pipe Size box on
the lower right corner
of the Calibration
Tab.
Indicated by the Hand
icon on the Print
screen.
Step 2: Set your
calibration point.
This is done by
clicking or pointing to
the Calibration
point box on the
lower center right
corner of the
Calibration Tab.
Indicated by the
Hand icon on the
Print Screen.
Step 3: Verify
pipe is empty.
Verify that you have an Empty Pipe
by isolating it from any other lines
III. Calibration (Empty Pipe)
Step 4: Read/Adjust
Detector Voltage:
On the left side of the Calibration tab
you will see a scale labeled
Detector. It is desirable to have this
voltage as close to 9.6 volts as
possible(within -.3 volts). If it is
reading properly proceed to step 5. If
it is not reading close to this value
then proceed to step 4a. The
Detector Voltage is indicated by the
Hand icon on the Print Screen.
Step 4a: Detector
Adjustment
To bring the Detector Voltage to

approximately 9.6V adjust the R35
potentiometer located inside the top cover
of the sensor. Remove the four hex(allen)
screws on the sensor. Handle with care as
there are delicate components inside. Once
the cover is removed the amplifier board
and the R35 pot is visible, and is indicated by
the Yellow Arrow.
Step 5: Calibration.
With your detector voltage at

9.6 volts you are now ready
to press the Cal to empty
pipe button located on the
top center of the screen. At
this point the Detector scale
and the VEmpty Slider
values should be identical. The
Cal to Empty Pipe button is
Indicated by the Hand icon on
the Print Screen.
By completing the Cal to Empty Pipe
Calibration you have set the first of
three set points for calculating density.
With this calibration set you have a
fixed Voltage for as close to 100% of
Gamma Ray detection as we can reliably
and consistently measure
III. Calibration(Water)
This calibration sets the detection voltage for the density of
water(or water density above our calibrated empty/air density)
Step 1: Tech needs to fill the Flow pipe with water. With the pipe still
isolated, insert a water tight bag (trash bag) into the pipe and fill
the pipe with Clean Fresh water.
Pipe must be full and Water must be at an idle (no movement)

for precise measurement
Water must be clean and uncontaminated not rig\produced
water.
III. Calibration(water)
Step 2: Check
Detector Reading
With the pipe full of water look at your

Detector Voltage on the detector
scale on the left side of the
calibration tab screen. The detector
scale and the Vwater slider scale
should be approximately equal. You
want to see this Voltage level out and
become fairly constant. (typical
voltages should range between 3 and 6
volts. Pipe size causes variations.)
Step 3:
Calibration
When you have a stable Detector
Voltage click the Standardize to H20
button located in the top right center of
the calibration tab screen as indicated
by the Hand icon on the Print Screen.
You should now see a similar Detector
and VWater Slider Voltage. If so the
water calibration is complete. Now you
have set the second of three set points to
calculate Density. With this calibration set
you have a fixed Voltage for the amount
of the Gamma Rays are blocked,
absorbed, and filtered by the
water. SAVE AND EXIT THE PROGRAM TO
SAVE THE SETTINGS BEFORE
CONTINUING
III. Calibration(Carrier Fluid)
Carrier Fluid Cal

To be done in field by the operator once the base fluid
has entered the pipe.
Base fluid is defined as a mixture of chemicals and
location water that is designed to be pumped downhole
with the sand.
This graphs our last calibration point
Step 1:
Fill the pipe with

carrier fluid only
(NO SAND).
Step 2: Check
Detector
Voltage
With the pipe full of carrier fluid. You
should see your Detector scale voltage
drop below your VWater slider scale
Voltage as indicated by the Hand icon on
the Print Screen.
Step 3:
Calibration
On the main tab screen click the
Standardize to Carrier Fluid button on
the right side of the screen. Indicated by
the Hand icon on the Print Screen.
III. Calibration
After you have set the Carrier Fluid

Lbs/Gal you can now accurately read the
density on the main tab screen.
III. Calibration
Carrier Fluid Cal cont.

This Carrier Fluid Cal is very important
A. It becomes the starting point at which sand is density is measured
B. If this calibration is not completed or completed incorrectly then
sand density will count incorrectly and give a incorrect blend
C. Because the sand density is measured off three point rather than
one the sand count will be exponentially inaccurate
IV. Troubleshooting
Initial Steps:
1. Verify the fault
2. Be certain it is not a calibration issue. Many
times it is found that the Carrier Fluid Cal is not
correct
3. Attempt to isolate the component where the
problem is taking place based on the symptom
The slides to come will provide you with some steps
that are available to assist with getting to root cause
of the Failure
IV. Troubleshooting(Screen Failure)
Symptom: Screen will not illuminate

1. Check the power cable for proper installation and
tightness.
2. Remove the power cable(5 pin) from the DMat
screen and inspect the pins for damage or
misalignment.
3. With the cable removed test for power going into
the screen. Using a DMM carefully probe pins D,
(The ground pin) and pin E, (12DCV pin). You should
get a supply voltage of 12 Volts, (You may see a
variance of +/- .5 Volts)
IV. Troubleshooting(Screen Failure)
If you have power going into your screen and the cable pins
are not misaligned or damaged you have a bad screen.
Replace Screen
If you do not have 12VDC going into your screen then you
need to trace your wires back to your power supply.
1. Isolate each component all the way back to your power
source and test for high impedance or an open.
2. Remove the other end of the power cable and test that cable
for an open or high impedance with a DMM and/or a Mega
OHM tester.
IV. Troubleshooting(No or Default readings)
Symptom: Your screen looks normal however you are

receiving negative or default readings.
1. Step 1. If this is a shuttered unit be sure shutter is
open and able to pass radiation
2. Step 2. Verify that your cable is connected correctly
and the pins are not misaligned or damaged.
3. Step 3. If the cable is on properly, isolate the cable by
disconnecting both ends and check the cable for an
open or high impedance. If you found a problem with
the cable replace it then verify the repair otherwise
proceed onto step 4
IV. Troubleshooting(No or Default readings)
Step 4. Check Pins on Dmat Screen. The screen

has the following bulkheads:
A. 10 pin sensor output/input port
B. RJ45 Network Port
C. USB Port
D. 5 pin power in Port
E. 6 pin
F. 6 pin
IV. Troubleshooting(No or Default
readings)
Step 4. 10 pin connector
Pinout
A: +15VOLTS DC
B: -15VOLTS DC
I: GROUND
F: GROUND
D: Signal GROUND
E: 9201 CARD CONNECTION PIN O
(YELLOW WIRE)
readings)
Step 4A:Taking +15vdc
Measurement
Across Pins A and F
Any of the Grounds are
ok to use
readings)
Step 4B:Taking -15vdc
Measurement
Across Pins B and F
ok to use
IV. Troubleshooting(Default readings)
The readings are good on the ten pin
connector, skip step 5 and move continue on
to step 6.
If the readings are bad continue onto step 5.
Step 5: Checking power within the box
Remove the D-Mat screen from the screen case.
Once open use the two small screws on the outside of
the case to remove the 9265 card bracket you will
then be able to access two power supplies.
Taking -15vdc
Measurement
Across Pins 7 and 8
ok to use
readings)
Taking -15vdc
Measurement
Across Pins 6 and 8
ok to use
readings)
Taking 12vdc
Measurement
Across Pins 3 and 4
ok to use
Taking 5vdc
Measurement
Across 5v supply and
any ground are ok to
use
Step 6: Checking connection to electronics inside
sensor
A. With the cable removed from the ten pin bulkhead carefully remove the four
bolts that hold the top on the radioactive source electronics compartment.
*Caution this will be heavy*
B. With the top plate removed check to see if the little harness that connects
the bulkhead to the electronic board has not come loose or has been
damaged
C. If the harness has come loose reattach and then reassemble the cap and the
cable, then test for proper readings.
D. If the harness is connected properly and free of damage then replace the
electronics.
E. Whenever you replace the DMat electronics you need to reset the
standardize to empty pipe cal, and your standardize to H2O cal.
V. DMat Software Navigation
Should look like
Where to go
C: Program files/NI/MAX
Go to: Device and interface
Device 1+9201/ Device 2
9265
Go to: Self-test
Wait for it to say pass or fail
If pass
Move on to test panel
Should look like
Where to go
On the main screen double
click just left of the Density
reading, indicated by the
hand icon on the Print
Screen.
Should look like
Where to go
When the Admin tool opens
you need to click on the
Windows Explorer indicated
by the Arrow icon.
Should look like
Where to go
Then you need to open the
Protected (C:) drive
indicated by the Arrow icon.
Should look like
Where to go
file labeled Program Files
Should look like
Where to go
file labeled National
Instruments indicated by
the Arrow icon.
Should look like
Where to go
file labeled Max indicated
by the Arrow icon.
Should look like
Where to go
Then you need to scroll
down and double click on
the icon labeled NIMax.exe
Should look like
Where to go
Then you need to double
click on the icon labeled
Devices and Interfaces,
Should look like
Where to go
click on the icon labeled NI
USB-9201 Dev1, indicated
by the Arrow icon.
Should look like
Where to go
click on the Self Test,
Should look like
Where to go
When the test finishes it will
bring up an information box
telling you if your card is
good or not.
Should look like
Where to go
click the icon that is labeled
Test Panels, indicated by the
Arrow icon.
Should look like
Where to go
Then you need to change
the Channel Name to
Dev1/ai1, indicated by the
cursor icon.
Should look like
Where to go
Then you need to click the
Start button, indicated by
the cursor icon.
Should look like
Where to go
Now you will be looking
and recording a graph
Measuring the Amplitude
of your input signal.
Should look like
Where to go
When you hit stop,
indicated by the Hand
icon. You will be able to
review your saved results.
With it you can pinpoint
irregularities and a
fluctuating signal.
Should look like
Where to go
When you have finished
with NI USB-9201 Dev1
you repeat the Self Test
and the Graphing on NI
USB-9265 DEV2.
Input 4-20ma scaling on yellow wire
Picture inside
of DMat Computer
If all is good
Go to device 2 card 9265
Change channel name to
2
Set signal
Measure signal
Detector shows an
inaccuracy of about 1volt
dc
Components and pin outs
MAIN POWER CONNECTION
E: 12VDC
D: GROUND
6 PIN
C: SIGNAL WIRE (GREEN) GOES
TO 9265
E: GROUND
2ND 6 PIN
C:SIGNAL (ORANGE) GOES TO (O)
E: GROUND
Usb adapter Backlight rwGB
Off of lower left Power Pin out PRST
up VN: runs straight to
Display power supply
uses 12vdc on VL+ and connection 3 and
V- for display ground
Video: Pins 8 and 2
Red-Red/Blu-Blu/Grn- to are jumped to
Grn ground
Electronics Diagram
THE END

Understanding DMAT Density Measurements

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DMAT

DMAT stands for Density Meter And

There are two of these sensors on our well pad:

The radioactive cesium sources produces gamma rays which

More Radioactive Measurement = More Voltage

When these are applied into a algorithm we can formulate a

To get the correct readings we need 3 points

Here is an example explanation in a

(It is preferred to try and obtain a 3:1 ratio 5 3

1lbs/gal sand would equate to about

This is the basic operation of the DMat

This sets our ambient air density as our zero point

Or Approximately once a year if none of the above three conditions have

To bring the Detector Voltage to

With your detector voltage at

Pipe must be full and Water must be at an idle (no movement)

With the pipe full of water look at your

Carrier Fluid Cal

Fill the pipe with

After you have set the Carrier Fluid

Carrier Fluid Cal cont.

Symptom: Screen will not illuminate

Symptom: Your screen looks normal however you are

Step 4. Check Pins on Dmat Screen. The screen

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