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How do I clean the cuvette (for use with the InfraCal Model CVH)?
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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How do I clean the sample plate on the InfraCal Model HATR-T2?
1. Squirt enough hexane (it works best to use a Teflon wash bottle) to cover the crystal and wipe clean with a soft cloth/wipe.
2. Wipe the crystal in one direction (not back and forth) then fold the wipe over and wipe again with a different (clean) side of the wipe.
3. Wait a few seconds before checking the zero to make sure all of the solvent has evaporated.
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How do I clean the reusable IR sample plate (for use with the InfraCal Model CH)?
1. Hold the card vertically and wash the sapphire window with a small amount of hexane (it works best to use a Teflon wash bottle).
2. Gently wipe the window with a soft cloth/wipe.
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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
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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.
If you are using an InfraCal Model CVH:
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 hydrocarbon stabilizer that will interfere with the reading. Wilks only recommends the tetrachloroethylene obtained from JT Baker or Bell Quality Labs. Information for contacting either supplier can be found in our Sources for Solvents.
If you are using an InfraCal Model HATR-T2:
1. Check that the sample plate is clean.
2. Verify the solvent is not contaminated. 3. If you initially get a positive reading and over time (a few minutes to a couple of hours) the reading goes back to zero, occasionally there is a pocket of solder that connects the crystal to the sample plate that the solvent may get caught in, if this is the case, please contact our service department at 203-855-9136 or
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.
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Are the InfraCal Analyzers 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 worldwide. There is an ASTM Method D-7066 for extraction with the solvent S-316 and there isn't an evaporation stage so volatile hydrocarbons will remain in the sample and will be measured. This may cause a difference in readings when compared to a gravimetric method.
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What is the "cost per sample" for the analysis?
The only consumables involved in the 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 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
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if you have a specific solvent question.
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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 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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Which standards should I purchase for my oil & grease application?
For oil and grease measurements that include polar hydrocarbons (animal fats, vegetable oils, etc.) for use with Model CVH
403-1040 S-316 TOG/TPH Six Point Calibration Standard Set
For oil and grease measurements that are only petroleum and TPH in soil for use with Model CVH
403-1041 S-316 TOG/TPH Six Point Calibration Standard Set
For oil and grease measurements that include polar hydrocarbons (animal fats, vegetable oils, etc.) for use with Model HATR-T2
403-1043 Hexane TOG/TPH Six Point Calibration Standard Set
For oil and grease measurements that are only petroleum and TPH in soil for use with Model HATR-T2
403-1044 Hexane TPH Six Point Calibration Standard Set
Can the InfraCal Analyzers be converted from one model to another?
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 Analyzer 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 Analyzers?
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 one prior to purchase. We also have extended warranties 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.
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
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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 Analyzer?
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
The User's Guide for the InfraCal Model HATR-T2 can be obtained by pasting this link into your browser bar http://wilksir.com/pdf/user_guide_model_hart-t2_ch.pdf
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Will the power supply work in any country?
The power supply for the InfraCal Analyzers 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 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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