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Appendix D – Service and maintenance
As specialists in providing ultrasound imaging equipment for animal husbandry applications,
we understand the importance of having reliable equipment. All BCF products are designed and
manufactured to withstand the environments in which they are going to be used. However there is no
substitute for careful usage.
The Ovi-Scan was designed for reliability in the animal husbandry marketplace. However, should you
experience any problems with your Ovi-Scan, BCF Technology service engineers will be available to
provide rapid service support and ensure optimum performance of your BCF system.
Axial and radial probe
• Always clean the probe immediately after use and before any contamination can dry in.
The probe head can be immersed in warm (not hot) water to clean.
• The probe connector is carrying critical pulses from the console to the probe head and back, it is
imperative to keep these contacts clean and free of contamination. To maintain a good contact,
clean the connectors using methylated spirits (or equivalent alcohol) and a small, non-metal
brush to gain access to the contacts, flush with alcohol and leave to drain hanging downwards.
• Never force a connector if it will not go together easily. Debris may collect between the pins and
can be carefully removed with a small screwdriver.
• Be very careful to avoid anything getting into the gold plated connector inserts, this may cause
damage and some of these are expensive to replace.
• Do not knock or scrape the transducer window, this may cause the window to burst. Do not
push against the probe window, the sealing may be damaged or fluid may be forced out of
the internal expansion tube. If a window or its seal leaks then the probe must be returned to
BCF Technology Ltd. Further use of the probe with a window leakage will continue to damage
other internal parts of the probe due to dirt from outside contaminating the internal gears.
• Do not forcibly bend or pull the cable connecting the probe to the module.
• Examine the probe regularly for any damage, especially the window. The chamber behind the
window is filled with a silicon fluid and it is normal for a small bubble, about 1 mm diameter,
to be present. A large bubble or signs of leaking fluid should be referred to a BCF Technology
service engineer.
• Any other problems or maintenance queries should be referred to a BCF Technology service
engineer.
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