Maintenance on Submersible instruments
This procedure applies to the following models: C3, C6p, Cyclops-7F, C-FLUOR, C-Sense, and Turbidity Plus.
Rinsing:
After each deployment, rinse the submersible instruments with fresh water until they are completely clean.
Wiping:
Wipe the instruments dry with a non-abrasive cloth, such as microfiber or cotton.
Care for the optics on the submersible instruments.
Inspecting and Cleaning the Optical Window:
Visual Inspection:
After each deployment, visually inspect the optical window. Rinse it with fresh water.
Additional Cleaning:
If further cleaning is necessary, use optical tissue and soapy water to clean the window.
Cleaning and Chemical Compatibility:
UV Cyclops Models:
Only the CDOM Cyclops models can be calibrated using Quinine Sulfate standards in Hydrosulfuric Acid.
Other Cyclops Models:
All other Cyclops models cannot be used with Hydrosulfuric Acid, as they have an epoxy-type sensor face. Instead, clean with soapy water and dry immediately.
C-FLUOR Models:
The C-FLUOR models are made of titanium with a sapphire window and are more resistant to saltwater applications compared to the Cyclops-7F. Clean these with soapy water and dry immediately.
Cleaning Guidelines:
Avoid Organic Solvents and Strong Chemicals: Do not let any instruments come into contact with organic solvents (such as acetone or methanol) or strong acids and bases.
Optical Cleaners: Do not use optical cleaners or solutions on the handheld or benchtop instruments. Use dry virgin wood fiber wipes, like KimWipes, to preserve the optical filters.
Care for the bulkhead connector
Connector Maintenance for Submersible Instruments:
Rust Prevention:
Connector pins on submersible instruments can rust if exposed to water over time. However, as long as the bulkhead is securely fastened to the connector, it should remain watertight.
Silicone Spray Application:
Apply a light coat of silicone spray to the rubber of the male pins on the bulkhead to help with sealing.
Recommended products: 3M™ Silicone Lubricant Spray or Loctite 8021.
Note: Avoid using silicone grease and do not use WD-40, as it can damage the connectors.
Chemical Compatibility:
None of our instruments should be exposed to organic solvents (e.g., acetone, methanol) or strong acids and bases for prolonged periods.
Maintenance on Handheld and Benchtop instruments
This procedure applies to the following models that use cuvettes and glass test tubes:
Handheld Models: AquaFluor, AquaFlash, CyanoFluor, Ballast Check 2, Opti-Check
Benchtop Model: Trilogy Fluorometer
Cuvette and Test Tube Best Practices
Glass and quartz cuvettes: Rinse with deionized water if you plan to reuse or store them. You may also rinse with appropriate solvents.
Plastic disposable cuvettes and glass test tubes: It's not recommended to reuse these more than a few times. Repeated use will form scratches on the surface, which may affect the accuracy of your measurements.
For chlorophyll acidification or non-acidification applications: You can rinse glass disposable test tubes and glass or quartz cuvettes with appropriate solvents.
This helps ensure accurate results and maintains the integrity of your equipment.
Handling Sample Spills:
If a sample spills in the Handheld instruments or the Benchtop Fluorometer:
Immediately clean the spill with a microfiber cloth.
Clean the compartment areas using a KimWipe or a dry Q-tip.
Cleaning Guidelines:
Avoid Organic Solvents and Strong Chemicals: Do not let any instruments come into contact with organic solvents (such as acetone or methanol) or strong acids and bases.
Optical Cleaners: Do not use optical cleaners or solutions on the handheld or benchtop instruments. Use dry virgin wood fiber wipes, like KimWipes, to preserve the optical filters.
Special Care for Specific Models
FluoroSense and Handheld Little Dipper
These models should never be submerged. They can only be cleaned up to the inch of space below the submersion line. Submerging these instruments can cause leakage.
Rinsing:
After each deployment, rinse the submersible instruments with fresh water until they are completely clean.
Wiping:
Wipe the instruments dry with a non-abrasive cloth, such as microfiber or cotton.
Little Dipper 2
Regular maintenance is especially beneficial for the Little Dipper 2 to ensure optimal performance. It's normal for this in-line instrument to accumulate buildup, such as calcium deposits or crystalline structures, on the sensor face. Even if the sensor face looks visually clean, microscopic particles may still be forming that aren’t immediately visible.
Initial Cleaning:
Use soap and water with a moistened microfiber cloth to clean off the largest buildups.
For Stubborn Buildup:
If soap and water don’t improve the visibility of the sensor, use Calcium, Lime, Rust (CLR) cleaner to tackle more persistent deposits. Use a moist cloth to rub gently on the sensor face.
Last Resort:
If stubborn buildup remains, use a 10% hydrochloric acid solution. Be sure to handle this with gloves for safety.
Examples of Filter Optics on Turner Designs Instruments
Ensure clean and leak-free sensor faces. Filters should have a mirror-like finish and no cloudiness. A damaged filter may have a wide variety of visible ailments, some that even resemble glaucoma eyes.
Example of clean filters on a FluoroSense and Handheld Little Dipper sensor:
Example of a Handheld Little Dipper sensor covered in an oil substance:
Example of damaged "glaucoma" resembling filters on a C-FLUOR sensor:
Example of damaged filters on a sensor from impact caused by a drop: