Instruments: Sample Application

Introduction

This section describes use of Validere’s sample application which is used to tag samples with samples by stream and time.

These samples can then be used to generate a ‘sample ID’, a two letter code which is then used to enter into any benchtop analyzer that is already integrated with Validere’s LIMS system. This allows any subsequent test on that sample to be associated back to the sample.

There are two types of oil samples: composite samples and spot samples. Composite samples are often scheduled, to ensure composition of the product feed is being monitored on a regular basis. Spot samples occur during an interval of time, which is monitored and included in the sample details. This ensures that the contents of a particular stream, at a particular time, can be monitored.

Sample Application: Short Codes

The way the Sample Application tags samples is by generating a ‘short code’. A unique short code is a two or three letter code, that can be entered into any of the supported analyzers as a ‘Sample ID’. The unique shortcode generated is compatible with many bench top measurement instruments including but not limited to Validere CTR, Rudolph density meters, Eralytics vapour pressure analyzers, Rigaku and Horiba sulphur analyzers.

Short Codes & Expiry Time:  The short code is directly tied to the stream selected and all associated workflows. The short code expires within 24 hours of generation.

Note: These should be generated every time there is a new sample, but can be reused if retesting the same sample. There is no harm in regenerating shortcodes or leaving some shortcodes unused.

Short Codes & Calibrations:  When performing calibrations on lab benchtop devices, the same short (static) code can be used.

Short Codes & Orphans:  Tests that are run without a short code entered into the sample ID are called ‘orphans’. This is because they cannot be automatically associated back to a sample. This should be avoided if possible as it makes it more difficult to interpret the test result. E.g: Without knowing the product type (based on tagging the sample with a stream), it is unclear whether an off-spec alert should be generated.

Sample Application: Selecting Streams

Open “Validere Sample” app on computer and login using your username and password.

Select the particular stream that is being sampled. This information is typically preloaded into the Validere environment and will allow users to search and select from an exhaustive list of all possible sample names.

Validere also features the ability to schedule the routine testing of particular streams for various quality properties. These scheduled streams are prioritized in the list. Remaining streams are labelled as non-routine but can be interacted with in the same way.

Within the scheduled streams, there is a further distinction between:

  1. Third Party Lab - Green: Samples scheduled to be sent to a third party lab
  2. Scheduled Field - Blue: Scheduled testing on field lab analyzers

Once samples have been generated, they can be viewed under the ‘Sample History’ tab. Users can filter OR scroll through historical samples. Any part of the stream description can be used for searching (e.g. “Validere”, “ID”, “MaRs” … etc) to quickly filter through different samples. Any entry on the  search bar will filter the entire list. Samples shown in red have expired short codes, and must be regenerated if the physical sample is still available for testing.

Sample Application: Timing

After selecting the stream, sample timing information can either be

  • Entered manually
  • Automatically timed with Validere’s stopwatch feature or
  • Ignored if the timing is unknown

Manual: Timing of the sample can be done manually by selecting the “Manual” tab at the top of the panel. Sample information can be provided:

  • Sample Type: Spot or composite
  • Riser (if applicable)
  • Start/end time of the sampling
  • If there are specific notes that should be made with the sample, they can be entered in the ‘Notes’ field in the above screenshot. These can be notes for the tester, or corresponding in-line readings.

Stopwatch: Timing of the sample can be done and recorded automatically by selecting the “Stopwatch” tab at the top of the panel. The same sample information as the Manual case can be provided:

    • Sample Type: Spot or composite
    • Riser (if applicable)

The start and stop times can be automatically recorded by the Sample Application by pressing ‘Start’ and ‘Stop’ respectively.

Unknown: The case of both the sampling type or time being irrelevant or if both are unknown - can be specified by selecting "Unknown” tab from the top of the panel.


Running a measurement/test for lab instruments

To generate a sample name for entry into instruments

  1. After entering sample timing information, a Sample can be generated by clicking the “Generate Sample”
  2. A shortcode will appear at the top after generating a sample. Enter this short code (KM, in this example) as the ‘sample name’ into all compatible instruments when testing this sample.

For all instruments: Use this short code as the sample ID if using the Validere Sample App for timing and stream association.

When creating a sample for a scheduled third party lab, there is no short code that will be generated since the sample will be tested off-site. Instead, a checkmark is displayed.

Sample History: Selecting ‘Sample History’ a user can see all samples previously generated. These ‘short codes’ can be reused only if they have not yet expired and if users are testing the same sample (i.e. same sampling time, same product)