Aquaprobe
®
AP-7000 Instruction Manual
10401-00894 Rev M
2.4. Top Tips for successful measurements using optical electrodes
➢
Always keep the measurement chamber and electrode lenses clean.
➢
Always fit the sleeve and end cap during both calibration and measurement.
➢
Always allow the readings to settle completely during both calibration and
measurement.
➢
Always try to eliminate air bubbles by activate the self-cleaning mechanism.
➢
Always calibrate and zero the electrode as close to your sample temperature as
possible. This is especially important with the Ref-Oil electrode.
➢
Always zero the optical electrodes just prior to use in clean water (bottled still
mineral water is ideal) then deploy
without disturbing the measurement chamber
.
This is especially important when using the Turbidity electrode.
2.5. Important Notes Regarding Long-Term Deployment
Whilst the AP-7000 features an effective electrode cleaning system, the Probe should not
be deployed and left for extended periods without regular checking, calibration and
maintenance.
The time period between maintenance visits depends heavily upon the deployment
conditions. For example, if the Probe is deployed in clean water, the only necessity should
be regular single point calibration of the electrodes. This should be done every 4 – 6
weeks.
If the Probe is deployed in water that is polluted, silt-laden or heavily affected by algal
growth, maintenance visits should be much more frequent.
It is very important to keep the cleaning brushes in good condition. The brushes should be
replaced as soon as they show any signs of clogging or deterioration.
Likewise, it is very important to keep the inside of the Probe Sleeve and End Cap clean and
free from any build up of algae or silt.
The Probe Sleeve and End Cap form an integral part of the optical measurement system. If
they are allowed to become excessively dirty, the accuracy of your readings will be
affected.
It is strongly recommended that after initial deployment, maintenance visits are made on a
weekly basis in order to assess the rate of fouling. After several weeks, it should be
possible to establish the optimum time interval for routine maintenance at any given site.
All ion selective electrodes (ISE) exhibit calibration drift over time. Drift should not be a
major problem where the electrodes can be frequently calibrated. However, if the
electrodes are to be used in long-term deployment studies, drift is almost certain to occur.
Also remember, in order to achieve accurate readings with ISE electrodes, the Probe
needs to be placed in flowing water with a minimum flow rate of 0.3m/s over the electrode.
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®
Ltd.
www.aquaread.com
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