Micron Gemini
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Page 29 of 46
Maintenance
General guidance
Although the Gemini range is not field serviceable regular care and maintenance of the unit
should be carried out.
The sonar body and endcap are protected from corrosion by the hard anodised passive
surface film. This offers excellent protection in general operating conditions. However, without
routine maintenance and in extended immersion in sea water, particularly at raised
temperatures and salinity, the chlorides from the salt will start to attack this passive layer. To
prevent such damage wash down the sonar post-dive to disperse contaminants such as salt
deposits but care should be taken not aim high pressure water jets near sealing interfaces
.
Particular care should be taken for units that use an o-ring seal on the connectors and blanking
caps to ensure that these o-rings are seated properly and in good condition.
Regular visual inspection of the unit around the areas where salt build up can occur will help
highlight any potential issues of corrosion and allow for corrective action to be undertaken
before any integrity failure of the unit. The mechanical interface between the bulkhead
connectors and housing elements should also be inspected.
Caution
It is recommended that Gemini units be returned to Tritech as part of a
regular maintenance schedule. An annual return is highly recommended,
but this can be lengthened, or shortened, by various factors:
Frequency of use
The operating environment (i.e. salinity, temperature)
The presence of any galvanic action from dissimilar metals, or case
voltages
After Use
After using the sonar head ensure it is washed down with fresh water and check the unit for
any signs of obvious damage. Pay particular attention to the transducer face, pressure sensor
(if fitted) and sacrificial anode. Once the unit is clean; dry thoroughly and place in storage
container.
Equipment Storage
Make sure the unit is completely dry with no signs of moisture on any of the connectors. Fit all
blanking plugs to the unit and pack into an appropriate storage container along with several
pouches of silica gel.
