Manual revision 017
Section 5: Operating System
SBE 33
37
Recovering CTD and Water Sampler
Rinse the CTD, auxiliary sensors, and Water Sampler with fresh water.
WARNING!
If the CTD or Water Sampler stop
working while underwater, are
unresponsive to commands, or
show other signs of flooding or
damage, carefully secure the
instruments away from people until
you have determined that abnormal
internal pressure does not exist or
has been relieved.
Pressure housings
may flood under pressure due to dirty
or damaged o-rings, or other failed
seals. When a sealed pressure
housing floods at great depths and is
subsequently raised to the surface,
water may be trapped at the pressure
at which it entered the housing,
presenting a danger if the housing is
opened before relieving the internal
pressure. Instances of such flooding
are rare. However, a housing that
floods at 5000 meters depth holds an
internal pressure of more than 7000
psia, and has the potential to eject the
end cap with lethal force. A housing
that floods at 50 meters holds an
internal pressure of more than 85 psia;
this force could still cause injury.
See the CTD and/or Water Sampler
manual for instructions on relieving
pressure inside the housing.
