EIJKELKAMP Aquaread Flowcell User manual

Aquaread Flow Through Cell - GETTING STARTED 10401-00324 Rev D
Introduction
The Aquaread Flow Through Cell (Flowcell) is designed for use with any model of Aquaread
Aquaprobe and most third party pumping device.
The Flowcell allows sample water to flow up through the Aquaprobe, passing over all the
individual electrodes simultaneously. This eliminates air contact with pumped samples from
groundwater boreholes allowing truly representative measurements to be obtained.
Made from marine grade aluminium and 6mm wall thickness acrylic, the Flowcell is ruggedly
constructed for hard use in the field. The base flange includes four holes to allow the unit to be
pegged down if necessary.
Spigot Installation
The Aquaread Flowcell is supplied with two pairs of spigots, one pair to fit 6mm (1/4”) ID tube
and one pair to fit 10mm (3/8”) ID tube.
The spigots have a tapered thread so should be screwed into the inlet and outlet holes of the
Flowcell until they are tight. At this point, they should seal due to the taper. If a spigot will not
seal properly, remove it then re-insert with some PTFE plumber’s tape wrapped around the
thread.
Aquaprobe Preparation Prior to First Use
If you are using an early Aquaprobe with
a single part Sleeve, the Sleeve should
be removed and a good layer of silicon
grease or a few turns of PTFE tape
should be applied to the mating surfaces
where the Probe Sleeve slides onto the
Probe Body. This will prevent sample
water being forced up between the
Sleeve and body when the Flowcell is
under pressure. When the grease or
tape has been applied, refit the Sleeve
then recalibrate.
If your Aquaprobe has a two-part Sleeve,
there is no need to apply grease or tape
as the upper Sleeve is fitted with an O-
ring seal.
Aquaprobe Installation
The lower Sleeve must be fitted to the
Aquaprobe, but the protective Sleeve
Cap must not be fitted as this will
reduce flow and cause turbulence.
Wash the Aquaprobe in fresh water.
Loosen the screw collar located at the
top of the Flowcell and moisten the seal
with fresh water.
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Aquaread Flow Through Cell - GETTING STARTED 10401-00324 Rev D
Slide the Aquaprobe in all the way, ensuring it is properly seated in the recess where the clear
tube enters the base. Tighten the screw collar to clamp the Aquaprobe in place.
Operation
Connect the Flowcell to a pumping device so that sample water enters at the bottom and exits
at the top. Adjust the flow rate so that there is no visible turbulence or cavitation within the
Flowcell. Connect an Aquameter and monitor the readings. If the readings are jumpy or
erratic, reduce the flow rate. The ideal flow rate is around 30 litres/hour (8 US gallons/hour),
although the Aquaprobe is capable of operating at flow rates as low as 15 litres/hour (4 US
gallons/hour). Flow rates above 60 litres/hour (16 US gallons/hour) are not recommended.
Caution
The maximum operating pressure of the Flowcell is 300mb (4.4 PSI). Select your pumping
device accordingly. If necessary, use a three-way bypass valve so that this limit is not
exceeded.
Cleaning
After use, rinse the Flowcell thoroughly with fresh water. To remove stubborn deposits, scrub
the inside of the Flowcell with a bottlebrush and non-abrasive detergent, then rinse
thoroughly.
Never clean the Flowcell with solvents, alcohol or concentrated acid/alkaline based
cleaning products such as Decon 90. These products can strip the anodised finish from
the Flowcell and damage the plastic and rubber components.
Troubleshooting
Problem Cause / Remedy
DO readings are abnormally high or
are fluctuating wildly.
Aeration of sample water. Check all joints for air
leaks. Reduce flow rate to avoid cavitation.
Turbidity readings are abnormally
high.
Air bubbles adhering to the Turbidity Electrode
lenses. Agitate Flowcell to dislodge.
Aeration of sample water. Check all joints for air
leaks. Reduce flow rate to avoid cavitation.
Sample water is leaking from
around the top of the screw collar.
Screw collar is not tight enough. Tighten up.
Grease / PTFE tape has not been applied to the
joint between the Probe Sleeve and Probe Body
(single part sleeves only). See ‘Aquaprobe
Preparation Prior to First Use’ on previous page.
Operating pressure is too high. Reduce pressure /
flow rate.
Probe is forced up out of the
Flowcell during use.
Operating pressure is much too high. Reduce
pressure / flow rate.
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