5. Installation and Setup

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NOTE: Before proceeding, review Appendix A — Deployment Setup Checklist for a complete, summarized sequence of all setup steps from transport to active measurement.

🎥 Install Video: A step-by-step installation video is available on YouTube:
Installation Video

5.1 Safety and Personal Protective Equipment

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DANGER — STOP: Conduct a complete hazard assessment at the site before beginning any installation work. Identify and mitigate all risks before proceeding.

The following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for installation and operation of the VENTMEDiC® system:

Safety glasses or goggles
Hard hat
High-visibility vest
Steel-toed boots
Flame-resistant clothing, as required by site policy
Protective gloves when handling electrical connections or pressurized fittings

Technicians must also follow any additional PPE or safety requirements mandated by their employer, site operator, or applicable regulatory authority.

5.2 Site Preparation

Before deploying the unit, confirm the installation site meets the following requirements:

Confirm the site provides clear sky exposure for the solar panel. Orient as close to 45° south-facing as possible, free from shadows or obstructions at any time during the day.
Avoid low-lying areas where standing water, excessive mud, or ice could accumulate.

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NOTE: Direct, unobstructed access to sunlight is essential for optimal solar panel charging of the d-MRV. Even partial shading significantly reduces charging efficiency.

5.3 Unpacking and Inspection

5.3.1 Unpacking

Carefully remove all outer packaging — do not use sharp tools near the enclosure surface or solar panel.
Inspect the enclosure exterior for shipping damage (dents, cracks, damaged lid seals).
Report any visible damage to the carrier immediately using a concealed damage report.
Remove all packing inserts. Retain packaging for potential return shipping.
Confirm all Amphenol dust caps are in place on all DTU connectors.

5.3.2 Pre-Installation Checks

DTU and MIP enclosure doors are fully closed and locked with padlock.
All Amphenol protective caps are securely in place on unused ports.
All cables are neatly secured and undamaged.
Power switch is confirmed in the OFF position.
Antenna is securely stored for transport.
Solar panel surface is clean and free from protective films, dust, or debris.

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WARNING: The unit weighs approximately 73 kg (161 lbs). Proper lifting technique is essential — a two-person lift or mechanical assistance is recommended.

5.4 Unit Placement

Correct placement of the cart is essential for safe operation, reliable communications, and accurate measurement.

Separation distance: Position the VENTMEDiC® cart at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the wellhead or other gas source, in line with Class I, Division 2 equipment separation practices. Flexible tubing will bridge this gap during gas connection in a later step.
Place the cart on a firm, level surface to prevent tipping and to maintain correct sensor orientation.
Ensure there is adequate clearance around the enclosure for door opening, cable routing, and safe operator access.
Orient the solar panel for an unobstructed sky view — not shaded by structures, vehicles, or vegetation during operating hours.
Confirm that all enclosure doors are fully closed, latched, and locked before electrical connections are made.

Cart components (for reference throughout this manual):

Component	Description
Measurement Instrument Panel (MIP)	Upper enclosure housing the core measurement electronics
Solar Panel	Deployable panel mounted to the side of the cart, charges the battery
Data Transmission Unit (DTU)	Lower enclosure with the front control panel, ports, and connectivity hardware

5.5 Electrical Connections

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DANGER — STOP: Ensure the d-MRV main power switch is in the OFF position before making any electrical connections. Never connect or disconnect cables while the unit is powered on

The DTU provides dedicated ports for power, data transfer, and external connectivity. All ports are fitted with Amphenol protective caps that must remain in place when not in use. Complete all electrical connections before proceeding to power-up.

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IMPORTANT: Do NOT make any gas connections at this stage. Gas plumbing connections are made in Section 6.3 — after the unit is powered on, confirmed online, and VENT mode is verified on the DTU front panel.

DTU Electrical Connection Panel ports: Charge, External Power, USB-C, Ethernet, Antenna, Solar Input.

5.5.1 Solar Panel

Extend the solar panel to its fully deployed position and lock in place.
Adjust tilt to approximately 45° and orient facing south.
Verify the solar panel cable is connected to the DTU solar input port.

5.5.2 Antenna

Extend the antenna mast to its fully upright position and lock in place.
Verify the antenna cable is securely connected to the DTU antenna port.
Confirm the antenna has clear sky exposure and is free from obstructions.

5.5.3 Battery Charging

With the DTU power switch in the OFF position, connect the supplied battery charger to the Charge port.
Confirm the charger status indicator shows active charging (solid red light).
Allow 5–10 hours for a full charge. The indicator changes to green when charging is complete.
Disconnect the charger once charging is complete before proceeding to power-up.

5.5.4 External Battery Port (Optional)

Purpose: Connect an optional external battery (sold separately) when extended runtime is required in low-solar conditions.
Ensure polarity and connector type match the specified external battery requirements.

5.5.5 USB-C and Ethernet Ports

USB-C Port: Used for manual data download from the DTU to a laptop or PC, and for uploading firmware updates. Not required for standard deployment.
Ethernet Port: Used to connect the DTU to an external internet source (e.g., Starlink router) when enhanced connectivity is required beyond cellular. Not required unless cellular coverage is insufficient.

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NOTE: Verify all connected cables are firmly seated and connector collars are fully tightened. Confirm all unused ports have their protective caps reinstalled before powering on.

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