8
12. Close the bleed valve on the CO
2
assembly.
13. Turn the regulator handle counterclockwise until the diaphragm pressure is relieved.
14. Insert the CO
2
cartridge [25] into the knurled CO
2
holder. Tighten the holder onto the head,
puncturing the cartridge.
15. Place graduated cylinder [29] under the cell and turn the lower valve stem valve 1/4 turn
counterclockwise from hand-tight.
16. Adjust the regulator to 477.5 PSI (3292 kPa).
B. Running The Sticking Test
1. Verify the torque plate stem is up as far as possible by turning and pulling upward at the same
time.
2. Open the top valve-stem by turning it counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn using a small adjustable
wrench, then record the time as the start of the test.
3. Allow the drilling fluid to filter for 10 minutes, or until the desired filtrate volume is collected.
4. Catch the groove in the lever (4) under the column top cross support and press the plate
down. Refer to Fig. 4. Continue to hold the torque plate all the way down against the screen
until pressures equalize sufficiently to allow the plate to stick. This is usually about two
minutes and will require 50 to 80 pounds (23 to 36 kg) of force on the end of the lever.
5. Record the filtrate volume at this time.
6. Allow the plate to stick for 10 minutes.
7. Assemble the socket [30] on the torque wrench [24]. Place the torque wrench and socket on
the hex top of the torque plate stem. Position the lever [4] wedged between the columns
above the cell platform to be used as a backup. Refer to Fig. 5.
CAUTION
SHOULD THE FILTER PAPER TEAR WHEN THE TORQUE PLATE IS ROTATED, CELL
PRESSURE WILL BE EXHAUSTED OUT THE FILTRATE VALVE. A STANDARD HPHT BACK
PRESSURE RECEIVER CAN BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE GRADUATE WHILE THE TORQUE
READINGS ARE TAKEN, OR A LENGTH OF RUBBER OR TYGON TUBING CAN BE AT-
TACHED TO THE VALVE STEM WITH THE OTHER END RESTRAINED IN A CONTAINER
8. Measure the torque by rotating the torque plate in either direction with the torque wrench and
observing its dial.
9. Repeat the torque measurement three to six times, allowing 30 seconds between checks.