InfraCal 2 Soot Meter

User’s Guide

Doc. p/n 100-00322

Rev. B | February 2019

Spectro Scientific – An ISO 9001:2015 Company

One Executive Drive, Suite 101, Chelmsford, MA 01824-2563. Tel. (+1) 978 -431-1120

www.spectrosci.com
Table of Contents
1. InfraCal 2 Overview ........................................................................................................... 3
1.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................3
1.2. Basic measurement concept .......................................................................................................3
1.2.1. Location ..............................................................................................................................4
1.2.2. Power requirements.............................................................................................................4
1.2.3. Warm up time .....................................................................................................................4
1.3. External ports .............................................................................................................................4
1.3.1. Communications ports ........................................................................................................4
1.3.2. External memory ports ........................................................................................................4
1.4. Power on-off ..............................................................................................................................4
1.5. Touch screen interface description .............................................................................................4

2. System Indicators ............................................................................................................. 5

2.1. Analysis table icons....................................................................................................................5
2.2. Navigation buttons .....................................................................................................................5
2.3. PIN entry pad .............................................................................................................................5

3. User Interface Navigation ................................................................................................. 6

3.1. Tables .........................................................................................................................................6
3.2. Drop down menus ......................................................................................................................6
3.3. Radio buttons and check boxes ..................................................................................................6
3.4. Text entry boxes .........................................................................................................................6

4. System Menus ................................................................................................................... 7

4.1. Main Menu .................................................................................................................................7
4.2. Setup Menu .............................................................................................................................7
4.3. History Menu .............................................................................................................................8
4.4. Analysis Menu ...........................................................................................................................9

5. Soot Meter Operation...................................................................................................... 11

5.1. Zeroing the Analyzer................................................................................................................11
5.1.1. Establishing Zero ..............................................................................................................11
5.1.2. Zero Check ........................................................................................................................11
5.2. Analyzing an Oil Sample .........................................................................................................11
5.2.1. Samples - range of applicability and issues for consideration ..........................................11
5.2.2. Sample Analysis................................................................................................................11
5.2.3. Sampling Suggestions .......................................................................................................12
5.3. Analyzer Calibration ................................................................................................................12
5.3.1. Selection of suitable calibration standards ........................................................................12
5.3.2. Collecting calibration data ................................................................................................12

6. Service and Customer Support ..................................................................................... 13

6.1. Service and Repair ...................................................................................................................13

7. Product Specifications ................................................................................................... 13

Copyright 2019 Spectro Scientific. All rights reserved

1. InfraCal 2 Overview

The InfraCal 2 Soot Meter is a filter based mid infrared analyzers with a pre-selected filter for measuring
soot in diesel lube oil with an ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection) sample stage.

The InfraCal 2 Soot Meter makes use of the fact that most molecules absorb at specific infrared
frequencies that are characteristic of their structure. The amount of energy absorbed is proportional to the
concentration of soot in diesel lube oil. A calibration table converts the infrared absorbance into the
percent soot.
The InfraCal 2 touch screen display includes the capability for multiple calibrations, a wizard guide for
calibration, multiple level user database, multiple languages with user preference selection, high/low
alarm and control limits, and measurements stored in a history table for recall or export to a flash or serial
port.

3
 Touch Screen Layout

1.2.1. Location
The InfraCal 2 Soot Meter is designed for on-site measurements and is relatively insensitive to vibration
and ambient temperature changes.
1.2.2. Power requirements
A standard 18 volt power supply/battery charger is provided with the device. The analyzer may be operated from
any grounded A.C. outlet (line power requirements: 100 - 250 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 0.5-0.3 amps). When operating, the
InfraCal 2 Analyzer uses 0.5 amps and up to 2.1 amps with the internal battery charging.
Note: Use of any other power supply than the one provided with the analyzer will void the instrument warranty.
1.2.3. Warm up time
For normal operation, it is recommended that the instrument be allowed to warm up for 1 hour prior to use. The
InfraCal 2 Soot Meter draws very little power and, if used daily, it can be left on at all times (unless operated from
the internal battery pack).

1.3. External ports

RS232 Port –DB-9F DCE connector for connection to host computer (DTE) with a straight through cable.
USB Port – USB 2.0 mini B connector for connection to host computer
USB 2.0 Type A connector – for standard USB memory devices

1.4. Power on-off

Press the ON/OFF button to turn the instrument on. Press again to turn the instrument off. If the instrument fails to
turn off, press and hold the ON/OFF button until the instrument powers down. (No settings will be lost.)

1.5. Touch screen interface description

The LCD is a resistance type touch screen. Commands are best activated with a resistance
screen stylus, pencil eraser or tip of the finger or fingernail. Do not use sharp objects. Damage to
the LCD touchscreen by the use of sharp objects is not covered by the InfraCal 2 warranty.
While resistant to many chemicals, it is best to avoid chemical contact on screen surface.
Surface can be cleaned with a soft cloth and plastic surface cleaner.

4
2. System Indicators

Power supply is powering analyzer Optional internal battery is powering the

and optional internal battery pack analyzer-bars display discharge status

Action required Incorrect entry or error has occurred

2.1. Analysis table icons

Calibration table has

Calibration selectable Calibration not selectable
expired
because it is incomplete or
contains an error
2.2. Navigation buttons
Different user levels as well as available options will determine which buttons are active
Blue-selectable,
suggested next action Gray-selectable, Dark Gray-not selectable
optional next action Button inactive

2.3. PIN entry pad

Esc Cancels and returns to previous screen

C Clears PIN code area
< Backspace
= Enters selection

5
3. User Interface Navigation
3.1. Tables

To view entries that are not visible in the table

window, touch the data field and slide your finger
up or down, left or right to scroll the table.
The blue arrow icons can also
be tapped to scroll left or right.

3.2. Drop down menus

Tap the drop down arrow to reveal available options.

Press and hold to scroll through more available options.

Touch an option to select it.

3.3. Radio buttons and check boxes

Tap to select or deselect
None Admin All

Daylight Saving Time

3.4. Text entry boxes

Tap the text entry box to reveal the keyboard. Press enter to transfer the contents of the
keyboard display to the text box or press ESC to close the keyboard display.

6
4. System Menus
4.1. Main Menu
Select the current user, language and display
brightness. Set the clock date/time and format
View and delete measurements,
download to USB flash or serial
ports.
Select a calibration analysis. Create or edit
an analysis
Zero the instrument
Perform a measurement

4.2. Setup Menu

Select the current user, language and display

Set the clock date/time and select

display format. Select
Daylight Saving Time and format.
Tap the cell to highlight then use
the up and down arrows to adjust.
Select “Update” then “Done” to
return to Setup Screen.

Add, edit or delete a user. “PIN

Required” radio buttons designates
who will need to enter a PIN to begin
use of the analyzer as well as access
to different user levels.

7
 To create a new user, tap the “User Name” cell to enter
name.
PIN: Optional
Type: Determines user level

General user: Restricted access to settings,

cannot create or edit calibrations.
Admin user: Can create and edit calibrations
Certified user: Access for Certified Calibrations
Language: Select English, Spanish,
French, Portuguese, Arabic or
Chinese.

4.3. History Menu

To view and delete past measurements, download to a USB flash or serial ports

Will only be highlighted if measurements

were taken in continuous mode. Options in
the details are minimum, maximum and
average.

Icon next to “analysis” shows details are available.

Delete Tap the desired cell to highlight and delete

button will become active.
Activated when flash drive is inserted into port. Exports all measurements to the
USB flash drive
Exports all measurements to the RS232 and USB Mini-B serial ports

Radio buttons select formatted or CSV (comma separated values) for exporting data

8
 4.4. Analysis Menu

Select a calibration for an analysis.

Add edit or delete an analysis

Select to create a new calibration. Tap the

text box to add an analysis name. Select
the number of the digits to display to the
right of the decimal point. Then, select the
units of measure.

Select run countdown time. Start of measurement is

delayed by the selected time.
Select zero countdown time. Start of zero
measurement is delayed by the selected time.
Select measurement average time. 10-30 seconds.
Select calibration expiration time.
Check “Today” to calculate the expiration time
from today’s date.

Select filter wavelengths (not adjustable) as Analytical, Reference 1 and Reference 2.

Enter maximum calibration range
Enter minimum calibration range

If desired, alarm limits can be set for each

application
Tap textbox to activate check box.
Upper alarm limit: Tap cell to adjust limit.
Readings above or below will display in red
and red on the bar graph.
Upper control limit: Tap cell to adjust limit.
Readings above or below will display in
yellow and yellow in the bar graph.
Target: Tap cell to adjust limit. Readings
above or below will display in white and
green in the bar graph.

9
 Lower alarm limit: Tap cell to adjust limit. Readings above or below will display in
yellow and yellow in the bar graph.
Lower alarm limit: Tap cell to adjust limit. Readings above or below will display in red
and red in the bar graph.
Beep: Tap text/box to activate check box for audible alarm.

Opens table for calibration points. Calibration

data can be entered directly into this table.
Press when last point is entered
Select “Curve” if calibration standards need to
be tested for absorbance values. See next
screen:

Zero the analyzer prior to collecting calibration data with

the appropriate zero for the analysis.
Enter Calibration standard value using the keypad. It is
best to go from the lowest calibration value to the highest.
Introduce lowest standard and select “Run”. It is suggested that
each standard is run at least three times. Re-introduce the standard
and select run again. The absorbance values for each run is shown
on the left side of the display
Point: Displays the current number of the standard being measured
by the instrument starting at 1.
Value: Displays calibration standard value
Under “Value” are the results from repeated runs of the calibration standard. If one value is significantly different
from the other values, it should not be used as part of the calibration curve. Tap on the text/box to deselect and
remove that run from the average calculation.
Add After a satisfactory number of measurements of a standard have been made, select “Add” and the average
absorbance will be entered into the table along with the calibration standard value.
Repeat this sequence for each standard.
When the last calibration standard has been tested (or at any point during the calibration) select “Back” to view the
calibration table. If any values need to be adjusted, select the cell that needs adjustment and enter the correct value
using the keypad.
To return back to the calibration procedure, select “Curve”.
To complete the calibration procedure, select “Done”.

Zero button: Information section.

'Info' button: Instrument and company contact information.
'More' button: Installed components screen.
'Next' button: Diagnostics screen.
'Details' button: Shows detector information and settings.
'Offset'' button: Shows detector offset(s).
'Signal' button: Shows detector signals.

10
5. Soot Meter Operation
5.1. Zeroing the Analyzer
For initial set-up, establish zero for the analyzer using the following procedure. Once a zero has
been established, subsequent zero checks should use the zero check procedure described in
section 5.1.2.
5.1.1. Establishing Zero
Ensure that the sample surface is clean by wiping with a dry paper towel or kimwipe and no soot
residue shows up on the clean wipe.
1. Add the clean base reference oil to the sample surface
2. Select “Zero”. If the reading is not zero, select “Set Zero” and “Done”
3. To check the zero, with the clean base reference oil from on the sample surface, select
“Run”. The display should read 00 + 02. If not, repeat the zero process.
Note: If the sample plate does not have any oil sample on it the values will be negative.
5.1.2. Zero Check
The zero value is retained in permanent memory and is restored each time the instrument is
powered up. It is recommended that the zero be checked and (if necessary) reestablished, on a
daily basis.
1. To check the zero value, add clean base oil and select “Run”.
2. If the result is not +02, remove oil and clean with a paper towel or kimwipe, then add
new base reference oil the trough plate.
3. Select “Run to check zero again.
4. If the result is not + 02, reestablished the zero as described in 5.1.1.

5.2. Analyzing an Oil Sample

The Soot Meter is shipped with a factory calibration from reference standards prepared by a
certified laboratory and referenced to TGA - thermogravimetric analysis and ready for analysis.
5.2.1. Samples - range of applicability and issues for consideration
The analyzer will provide reliable soot content results from zero up to 11+ % soot. The
maximum value achievable may vary somewhat from analyzer to analyzer but is expected to be
somewhere between 11% and 12%. Measurement accuracy is expected to be around ±0.1% (soot
content) for soot values between 0% and 3%, and ± 0.2% at values of 3% and above. Used oil
samples can be inherently unstable, and can change characteristics over time. The best results are
obtained from samples recently taken from an engine. Samples greater than one or two months
old may undergo some physical characteristic changes - such as settling of some of the heavier
insolubles and partial aggregation of the suspended particulate. Some samples may even become
thixotropic in nature over time. In such cases, vigorous mechanical shaking (or stirring) is
recommended in an attempt to homogenize the sample. An ultrasonic bath may also be used to
help homogenize a sample.
5.2.2. Sample Analysis
1. Apply the sample from a dropper (disposable plastic droppers are recommended) to the
entire sampling surface of the Soot Meter. (In the field, the sample can be applied by
wiping the engine dip stick directly across the entire sampling surface.)

11
 2. Select “Run” within a few seconds of applying the sample. The soot content of the
sample will appear on the display within 10 seconds.

NOTE: Because the used oil samples may not be completely homogeneous, better precision can
be obtained by cleaning the surface and reapplying the same sample. An averaging of three or
more readings from successive samples will increase the precision of the reported values
5.2.3. Sampling Suggestions

1. When making measurements from samples stored in bottles or other containers, ensure that the
oil sample is well mixed before drawing a sample.
2. For field sampling, draw the sample from the engine while hot, and preferably while the engine is
still running. Allow the sample to cool down to ambient temperatures before placing on the Soot
Meter sampling surface.
3. With certain samples, there may be a build-up of charge on the suspended soot particles.
Dependent on the charge of the particles, the particles may move towards the sampling
surface or away from the surface over time. This is observed as a decrease or an increase
in soot values for repeated RUNs. If the oil is overloaded with soot, the carbon particles
may slowly settle toward the sampling surface. Neutral samples may decrease in value
over time due to thermal effects. For these reasons, it is important that the sample is
analyzed as soon as it is placed on the sampling surface, and that only the first value
displayed is used for soot content.
5.3. Analyzer Calibration
The Soot Meter is shipped with a factory calibration from reference standards prepared by a
certified laboratory referenced to TGA - thermogravimetric analysis for accurate measurement
up to 11% soot for most fresh used oil samples. The reference oils should be used regularly to
check the instrument’s zero and calibration values. We recommend using the factory calibration.
The following are calibration instructions if an additional calibration is desired
5.3.1. Selection of suitable calibration standards
Select a set of pre-analyzed samples covering the desired range for the analysis. Appropriate
calibration standard reference oils can be purchased from Spectro Scientific. An ideal calibration
set may contain four or five samples, relatively evenly spaced - e.g. 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%
soot content. Ensure that the samples are referenced to the same standard method of analysis -
usually TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) or FTIR. Finally, ensure that the samples are stable
and thoroughly mixed before calibrating.
5.3.2. Collecting calibration data
1. Allow the analyzer to warm up at least one hour.
2. Zero prior to running calibration standards (see section 5.1).
3. Deposit the lowest value standard on the sample area. It is recommended to repeat each standard
at least three times. The calibration wizard can automatically average the readings. Repeat for all
of the standards. The option is available to create as many calibrations as desired. See section
4.1.4 for details on creating a calibration table.

12
6. Service and Customer Support
If you have a technical question relative to the operation of the instrument or relative to the analysis,
please contact Spectro Scientific:
Customer Services Department
Spectro Scientific
One Executive Drive, Suite 101
Chelmsford, MA 01824-2563
USA
Tel. (+1) 978 -431-1120

6.1. Service and Repair

During the warranty period, Spectro Scientific offers free factory service for all failures that occur from
normal instrument usage. The user is only required to cover the cost of shipping the instrument to the
factory. After the warranty period, the user is required to cover the factory’s cost of servicing plus all
shipping charges. For extended service contracts or factory service charges, please contact Spectro
Scientific for details.

7. Product Specifications
Type: Fixed filter infrared analyzer
Dimensions: 17 x 19.8 x 13.2 cm (6.7 x 7.8 x 5.2 in)
Weight: 2.6 kg (5.8 lbs)
Power requirements:
0.5A @ 18 VDC input
2.1A @ 18 VDC input with battery charging

Power sources:
Power supply/Battery charger, part number 200-00306
Input: 100 - 250 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Output: 18 VDC, 3.3A max.
Output Power: 60W max.

Environmental requirements:
Operating Temperature Range:
4 oC (40 oF) to 45 oC (110 oF)

Humidity:
90% non-condensing maximum

13