WILKS ENTERPRISE Inc.
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Frequently Asked Questions


What is the minimum detection limit of oil in water or TPH in soil for the InfraCal Model CVH?

2 ppm for a 10 to 1 extraction of oil in water (10 parts water to 1 part solvent)

10 ppm for a 2 to 1 extraction of oil in soil (2 parts soil to 1 part solvent)
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How often do I need to recalibrate the InfraCal Model CVH?

The oil and grease calibration should last for several years.  We recommend checking the calibration as often as needed to feel confident of the performance.
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Do the InfraCal Analyzers come calibrated for oil and grease analysis?

The analyzers can be calibrated for ppm or mg/L oil in water or mg/kg TPH in soil upon request.  We can provide you with a non-certified factory calibration for a fee.  Or, you can have the analyzer calibrated through an independent certified laboratory, for a fee.  We have standards available for purchase as well as and detailed instructions for preparing standards and calibration.
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Do the InfraCal Analyzers require installation, commissioning or training?

Our InfraCal Analyzers are portable, easy-to-use instruments requiring no installation or commissioning and minimal training as they are designed for use by non-technical personnel.  All of our manuals and procedures are available on our website for use prior to purchase.  On-site group training is available for a fee.
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Why do the readings not match the laboratory results?

There are several factors involved when comparing oil and grease results obtained from the InfraCal Analyzers to a laboratory method:

1.  Unless the laboratory is using an infrared method for analysis, there can be differences due to the fact that different properties of the oil & grease are measured by each type of analysis, such as gas chromatography or gravimetry.

2.  There are also acceptable errors within each method.  For example, EPA Method 1664 states in their "Ongoing precision & recovery"  (section 17.0) that for a 100 ppm sample the acceptable range is 78 -114.  If the test includes the silica gel treatment (SGT), the acceptable range is 64 - 132.

3.  Getting identical grab samples is also very difficult as oil is not equally distributed in a water sample and this can add differences.

4.  Laboratories do not always agree with one another.  This chart shows a comparison of a 5 way oil in water sample split analyzed on 2 InfraCals and at 3 labs.


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How do I clean the cuvette?

1.  Fill the cuvette halfway with solvent.
2.  Put on the stopper and shake it several times.
3.  Empty the cuvette and repeat step 2.
4.  For best results, if possible, blow out the cuvette with nitrogen.  (Do not use compressed air, as often it has traces of oil).
5.  Wipe the clear sides of the cuvette with a soft cloth.
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Does Wilks rent analyzers?

 Yes, we do have a rental program available for customers in the US or Canada.  Please send an inquiry to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in obtaining additional information on renting an InfraCal Analyzer.
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The analyzer does not go back to zero

1.  Check that the clear sides of the cuvette are clean and free from fingerprints.

2.  Verify the solvent is not contaminated.

3.  If the cuvette was not purchase from Wilks, verify it is a mid infrared transparent (Infrasil) cuvette

4.  Be sure the solvent you are using is for infrared analysis.  Tetrachloroethylene often has a hydrocarbon stabilizer that will interfere with the reading.  Wilks recommends only the tetrachloroethylene obtained from JT Baker or Bell Quality Labs.  Information for contacting either supplier can be found in our Sources for Solvents.
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Is the InfraCal Model CVH EPA Approved?

The only EPA approved method for infrared is for a Freon 113 extraction.  It took close to 15 years for the EPA to approve the hexane/gravimetric method once the Montreal Protocol determined that the use of Freon 113 would be phased out.  Funding for the approval of an infrared method with a solvent other than Freon 113 is not currently a priority for the EPA.  The correlation between the infrared method and the hexane/gravimetric method is typically very accurate, as can be substantiated by the fact there are over 2,000 InfraCal TOG/TPH Analyzers in use for oil and grease monitoring worldwide.  There is an ASTM Method D-7066 oil in water method for extraction with the solvent S-316 and use with the InfraCal Model CVH.
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What is the "cost per sample" for the analysis?

The only consumables involved in the oil in water sampling process are the solvent, sample containers and the optional silica gel and filter.  The following factors are considered in the cost per sample:

1.  The solvent that is being used for the extraction process, as some solvents are more costly than others, the increased  quantity purchased reduces the cost and the customer may obtain discounts from the vendor where they purchase the solvent.  Wilks does not sell solvent.

2.  Whether or not  the sample containers will  be reused or disposed of after each sample.

3.  Is the customer doing the silica gel treatment?

As only 15 mls of solvent is needed for oil in water analysis and clean up, the cost per sample can be as low as US$1.00.
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Does Wilks Enterprise sell the various solvents for use with the extraction process?

No, we do not sell solvent, however, we can provide you with a list of Sources for Solvents.
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Can I use a solvent other than the ones listed?

 

We do not recommend using other solvents than the ones we list, as the instrument performance may be compromised. Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have a specific solvent question.
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Which standards should I purchase for my oil & grease application?

For Oil & Grease measurements that include polar hydrocarbons (animal fats, vegetable oils, etc.) 403-1040 S-316 TOG/TPH Six Point Calibration Standard Set

For Oil & Grease measurements that are only petroleum and TPH in Soil
403-1041
TPH Six Point Calibration Standard Set

 

 

When is the Silica Gel Treatment (SGT) necessary?

 Silica Get Treatment (SGT) is for total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) measurements only.  Total oil and grease (TOG) measurements should not get the SGT as the silica gel removes the polar organics which should be part of the TOG measurement.  If a sample contains the polar organics and the customer only wants to measure TPH, it is required.  If a TPH only sample has an emulsion after extraction, SGT may help break the emulsion.
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What should be done if there is an emulsion after extraction?

The ASTM method D-7066 for oil in water monitoring gives the following suggestions for breaking emulsion:

 Note: Certain types of samples, such as those containing a large amount of detergent, may form an emulsion during the extraction.  If emulsion forms between the phases and the emulsion is greater than one-third the volume of the solvent layer, the laboratory should employ emulsion-breaking techniques to complete the phase separation.  The optimum technique depends upon the sample, but may include stirring, filtration through glass wool, use of solvent phase separation paper, centrifugation, use of an ultrasonic bath with ice, addition of NaCl, increasing the temperature, lowering the pH, or other physical methods.  Alternatively, solid-phase extraction (SPE), continuous liquid-liquid extraction, or other extraction techniques may be used to prevent emulsion formation.  If such an emulsion cannot be broken by any attempted means, the test method is not applicable to the problem sample.  Do not attempt to proceed since accurate, quantitative results for the test are not obtainable. 
To obtain the White Paper on Emulsion-Breaking Techniques to Ensure Accurate Oil in Water Measurements, click here.

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Can the InfraCal Model CVH be converted to an InfraCal Model HATR-T2?

Yes, however, the conversion must be done at the factory and the fee will be determined by the age of the analyzer and its operating condition.
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How long does the source last?

The source in an InfraCal Model CVH is a tungsten source with a lifespan of generally 5 or more years.  However,  the source falls under the warranty coverage on the InfraCal Analyzers, which  is a one year factory warranty.
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What is the warranty on the InfraCal Model CVH?

All of our InfraCal Analyzers come with a one year factory warranty.  Please contact Wilks Enterprise for a copy of the warranty if you wish to obtain it prior to purchase.  Extended warranties are available for purchase for an additional one or two years.  The extended warranties can only be purchased at the time the analyzer is purchased.
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My InfraLog Printer will not work.

1.  Check the back of the InfraCal Analyzers and be sure the "Cal Lock" switch is in the "I" position.  

2.  Check to see that the printer light is on.

3.  The printer comes with a manufacture warranty.  For additional trouble shooting questions contact the Manufacturer:  Weigh-Tronix, Fairmont, MN  Tel:  507-238-4461, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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When I press run nothing happens.

If you press and hold the run button rather than press and release, it will go into the timer-setting mode.  To reset the timer to the appropriate evaporation time, use the up and down arrows on the buttons.  Once the timer is set, press the "CAL" button and the display will return to "idle".  Please refer to section 3.4.2 in the Users Guide for a detailed description.
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Where can I obtain an additional manual for the InfraCal Model CVH?

All of our manuals are available on our website.  The User's Guide for the InfraCal Model CVH can be obtained by pasting this link into your browser bar  http://wilksir.com/pdf/user_guide_model_cvh.pdf
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Will the power supply work in any country?

The power supply for the InfraCal Model CVH is a Universal Switching Power Supply, the input is 100 - 240v, 50/60 Hz.  However, you may need to purchase an adapter plug locally.
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Can I use the External 12 v Battery Pack outside of North America?

The battery pack is supplied with a US AC adapter that requires a 115v 60 Hz input to recharge the battery.  Customers using the battery pack outside the US would need to supply their own converter with the appropriate outlet to convert their country's power to the 115v 60 Hz.
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Does Wilks sell used equipment?

No, we do not sell used equipment.  Our oil in grease analyzers are generally in use for more than 7 years and it would be more costly to refurbish an old analyzer than to build a new one.
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