KC 60 Series User manual

Niskin Water Bottles
Model 60.XXX Series
Manual
KC Denmark A/S
Research Equipment
Limnology Oceanography Hydrobiology

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
2
Niskin Bottles –60.xxx Series
KC Denmark A/S is not, and cannot be held, responsible for any damage(s) made to
equipment or to operators who ignore safety precautions or because of misuse or wrong
operation.
Table of contents
Page
Preparation
2
Loading and releasing the bottle
3
Emptying the bottle
6
The centre hanger
7
Bottles in series (cascade)
9
Repair of valve for the water outlet
9
Maintenance and storing
11
Item
Preparation
1
Use a stainless steel wire or line with a diameter of 4-6
mm for the Niskin Water Sampler.
The mechanism of the Niskin demands a vertical
position of the sampler during release, and it can be
obtained in 2 ways:
1. Attach a weight (10 –20 kg) to the end of the
wire. The weight needed will depend of the current
of the water. Use drop messenger of 400 g.
(60.001).
2. Fasten a centre hanger (60.002) and the Niskin to
the wire. You must use a drop messenger of 800 g
(60.004). For the centre hanger you can use Niskin
Bottles 61.xxx series (delivery comes without 400
g messenger and M10 mounting clamps).
Before every deployment, make sure that all moving
parts are free to perform correctly.
2
Close the drainage tap by pulling it towards you.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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3
Close the valve at top of the bottle by turning it
clockwise.
Loading the sampler; 5 L and larger
4
To load the water sampler force the lids open at both
ends, and while pushing the spring loaded black knob,
insert the eye of the nylon line to the pin of the release
mechanism. Releasing the knob will secure the nylon
line and the lids remain in open position.
5
IMPORTANT
Pass the second nylon line and secure it through the
handle to keep the top lid in the correct position, so it
will not be hit by the drop messenger during the
release. Attach the snap hook as shown on the photo.
Attaching the snap hook to the eye of the first line will
cause malfunction of the release system.
For loading the smaller 1,7 and 2,5 L bottles without
the handle, please refer to items 8 and 9.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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6
A correct loaded sampler.
7
Fasten the sampler to the wire by securing the 2
mounting clamps to the wire –do not over tighten the
clamps so the wire is damaged.
Align the small pin of the mounting clamp to fit into
the small slot in the bracket.
Loading the sampler (only for 1,7
and 2,5 L)
8
The small Niskin bottles have no handle, and first you
must secure the upper wire as shown.
9
Attach the other wire to the first wire. It is very
important, that the lids have an offset as shown, 90
degrees, approx. Otherwise it may not release
correctly.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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10
The black knob must be in upside position for a correct
release by the drop messenger.
The wire must fit into the groove at the mounting
bracket. Be sure the bottle is well secured to the line.
11
Lower the sampler to the desired depth. Slide an
appropriate drop messenger along the line and the
sampler is released.
Releasing the sampler
12
Use a drop messenger for releasing the sampler.
Always use the correct drop messenger (400 g) for the
Niskin water sampler.
Incorrect weight will damage the water sampler
or cause malfunction.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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13
A single bottle:
A single Niskin requires a drop messenger of
400 g (60.001).
Hold the lower part firmly, turn upper part clockwise,
insert wire to the gap and release the handle. The
spring-loaded mechanism will close the messenger.
14
Single bottle with centre hanger:
Using a centre hanger for the Niskin demands a drop
messenger of 800 g (60.004).
Hold the lower part firmly, turn upper part clockwise,
insert wire to the gap and turn back the top until the
messenger is locked.
Warning: 800 g drop messenger (60.004) must
only be used in connection with the centre
hanger, 60.002. Otherwise, it will cause serious
damage to the water sampler.
Emptying the bottle
15
When emptying the sampler, the amount of water
through the lower drainage tap, you can adjust it by
the upper air valve.
Open the valve at top of the bottle by turning counter
clockwise and adjust for a steady flow of water.
For larger models (5 L and up) we recommend to keep
the valve closed at the beginning to avoid a heavy flow
at the drainage tap.
16
Push the drainage tap towards the bottle
The tap can be equipped with a plastic tube (inner
diameter of 10 mm) for emptying the water into
bottles, etc.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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17
The latex rubber band inside the tube, for closing the
lids, has a limited warranty and direct exposure to
sunlight for a longer period will shorten durability.
When used in salt water always wash with fresh water
after use and before storage.
Centre hanger
18
The centre hanger (optional) will keep the Niskin bottle
in vertical position to ensure a proper release. You
must use a drop messenger 60.004 (800 g) for the
release.
A: Guiding rail for the line
B: Fastening for the line
C/D: Bolts for the sliding mechanism
E/F: Bolts for fastening the Niskin bottles
19
Fasten the line properly at “B”. Twist the line through
the guiding rails at “A”.
It is recommendable having a tight knot beneath the
lock “B” to avoid losing the hanger and the Niskin
bottle.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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20
The line is attached to the centre hanger.
21
Attach the Niskin bottle to bolts E/F, see item 16 and
fasten the bolts. Now the bottle can be loaded for use.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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Niskin bottles in series (cascade)
22
Adding more bottles to the line allows multiple samples
with one deployment. To do this, you will need to tie a
piece of nylon line to all drop messengers, except for
the very first messenger. These lines loop around the
trigger pin on the bottle and when the first messenger
triggers the release mechanism, it closes the sample
tube and releases the secondary messenger, which
descends the line to trigger a sampler positioned lower
down the line. Using this method, you can string
together as many samplers along the line as you like.
Repairing the water outlet
23
A repair set includes these parts.
24
Add two O-rings as shown.
25
Add the steel pin.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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26
From the inner side of the bottle, push the valve
through the hole.
With a lid and rubber being present, it may be difficult;
if so, release the rubber band from the lid.
Remounting the rubber band demands a simple hook
as shown in the next item.
27
A simple hook for pulling out the rubber band so you
can attach the lid.
28
Push down the black ring and secure it with an O-ring
as shown.
Safety Regulations
KC Denmark A/S is not, and cannot be held, responsible for any damage(s) made to equipment or to
operators who ignore safety precautions or because of misuse or wrong operation.
An expert maintenance technician fully familiar with the attendant hazards must only do all maintenance,
inspection and repairs.
When working on the unit in areas, which are difficult to access or hazardous, ensure to take adequate
safety precautions for the operator and others in compliance with the provisions of law on health and
safety at work.
Replace worn component with original spare parts. Use the lubricants (oil and grease) recommended by
the manufacturer.

60.xxx –Niskin Bottles –Manual, ver. 3.00
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Troubleshooting
No release of the sampler: During release, hold the sampler in vertical position. See item #1.
If the release mechanism does not work smoothly, you can add a very thin oil, WD-40 or similar.
Maintenance and storing
Wash all parts of the Niskin Water Sampler using fresh water. Regular clean with fresh water and move
the release mechanism forth and back to ensure all dirt is washed out.
If any leakage occurs, you can adjust the length of the latex tubing. Cut the small wire strips, adjust the
length and lock by adding new strips of same size and qty.
Before storing the Niskin bottles, all internal parts and seals must be dry. Store with the lids in closed
position. For long term, storing you may remove the rubber band from the lids to keep the strength of
the band.
For a repair or replacement of valves etc., you can use standard PVC glue.
Rev.: September 11, 2018 - lkj
KC Denmark A/S
Research Equipment
Limnology Oceanography Hydrobiology
E-mail: [email protected] website: http://www.kc-denmark.dk/
Holmbladsvej 17-19, DK 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark. Tel. [phone]
Bank: Sydbank. SWIFT: SYBKDK22 - IBAN DK5070460000104832
VAT no. DK 29 61 96 62