Mclane PPS User manual

Phytoplankton System
User Manual

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Tel: [phone] Skype: mclane_research
[email protected] www.mclanelabs.com
2020 McLane Research Laboratories, Inc., Rev.20.H.08

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TOC-1
PPS User Manual Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 1-1!
User Key .................................................................................................................. 1-1!
Customer Resources ................................................................................................ 1-1!
Technical Support.................................................................................................... 1-2!
Instrument Training ................................................................................................. 1-2!
Chapter 2 System Description ...................................................................................... 2-1!
System Overview......................................................................................................... 2-1!
System Components .................................................................................................... 2-2!
Frame ....................................................................................................................... 2-2!
Controller Housing .................................................................................................. 2-2!
End Caps and O-Rings ............................................................................................ 2-3!
End Cap Bulkhead Connectors................................................................................ 2-4!
Pressure Relief Valve .............................................................................................. 2-5!
Pressure Relief Valve Upgrade................................................................................ 2-5!
25-Port Valve........................................................................................................... 2-6!
Pump........................................................................................................................ 2-6!
Filter Holders........................................................................................................... 2-7!
Home Port Flush Filter ............................................................................................ 2-7!
PPS Toolkit.............................................................................................................. 2-8!
Serial Number.......................................................................................................... 2-8!
Electronics ................................................................................................................... 2-9!
Main Battery.............................................................................................................. 2-10!
Optional PPS Features............................................................................................... 2-12!
Optional Fixative Valve ............................................................................................ 2-12!
PPS System Hydraulics, Fixative Valve during a Sample ........................................ 2-14!
PPS System Hydraulics, Fixative Valve during a Post-Sample Fixative Flush ........ 2-15!
Optional Antifouling Solution Reservoir .................................................................. 2-15!
Chapter 3 PPS Deployment Description ..................................................................... 3-1!
Deployment Overview................................................................................................. 3-1!
Procedure Parameters .............................................................................................. 3-1!
Water Flush.............................................................................................................. 3-1!
Sample ..................................................................................................................... 3-2!
Antifouling Flush..................................................................................................... 3-4!
Chapter 4 Getting Started ............................................................................................ 4-1!
Connecting the Sampler to a Computer....................................................................... 4-1!
Connecting a Computer ........................................................................................... 4-1!
Installing and Configuring McLaneTerm.................................................................... 4-2!
Powering up the Sampler............................................................................................. 4-3!
Opening the Controller Housing.............................................................................. 4-3!
Connecting the Batteries.......................................................................................... 4-5!
Establishing Communication with the Firmware .................................................... 4-6!
Waking the Sampler from Low Power Sleep Mode.................................................... 4-7

TOC-2
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Chapter 5 User Interface .............................................................................................. 5-1!
Main Menu .................................................................................................................. 5-1!
<1> Set Time ............................................................................................................... 5-2!
<2> Diagnostics........................................................................................................... 5-3!
Battery Warnings..................................................................................................... 5-3!
<3> Manual Operations............................................................................................... 5-4!
<5> Create Schedule.................................................................................................... 5-6!
<6> Deploy System ..................................................................................................... 5-6!
<7> Offload Data......................................................................................................... 5-6!
<8> Contacting McLane.............................................................................................. 5-7!
Configuration Menu .................................................................................................... 5-7!
Configuring the System ........................................................................................... 5-8!
Chapter 6 Deployment Preparation............................................................................. 6-1!
Closing and Sealing the Controller Housing ............................................................... 6-1!
Checking the Zinc Anodes ...................................................................................... 6-1!
Priming the PPS........................................................................................................... 6-2!
Preparing the Fixative Valve for a Deployment.......................................................... 6-7!
Priming the Fixative Valve Plumbing ..................................................................... 6-7!
Filling the Fixative Bags ........................................................................................... 6-10!
Filling the Fixative Exhaust Collection Bag ............................................................. 6-12!
Installing the Water Flush Filter................................................................................ 6-13!
Preparing Antifouling Reservoir for a Deployment .................................................. 6-15!
Programming Deployment Parameters...................................................................... 6-19!
Program a Deployment Schedule .............................................................................. 6-19!
Programming Event Parameters ............................................................................ 6-21!
Sample Pump Data Period..................................................................................... 6-21!
Fixative Flush Programming ................................................................................. 6-22!
Program Optional Antifouling Flush..................................................................... 6-23!
Verifying Deployment Parameters and Modifying Individual Events.................. 6-24!
Instrument Current Consumption .............................................................................. 6-27!
Example of Estimating Battery Life for One Year Deployment ........................... 6-28!
Starting the Deployment............................................................................................ 6-29!
Final steps before Deployment.................................................................................. 6-31!
Chapter 7 Deployment Recovery, and System Maintenance .................................... 7-1!
Recovery Procedure..................................................................................................... 7-1!
Retrieving Filters for Sample Analysis ....................................................................... 7-1!
Offloading Deployment Data ...................................................................................... 7-1!
Offload menu options: ............................................................................................. 7-2!
Data Offload with RBRCodaT Istalled ................................................................... 7-6!
System Maintenance.................................................................................................... 7-7!
Cleaning the PPS Fluid Paths and Filter Holders .................................................... 7-7!
Cleaning the PPS System Plumbing........................................................................ 7-7!
Cleaning the Fixative Valve Plumbing.................................................................... 7-8!
Cleaning and Inspecting the Filter Holders ............................................................. 7-9!

TOC-3
Rinsing the System .................................................................................................. 7-9!
Inspecting the Pump .................................................................................................. 7-10!
Volume Test .......................................................................................................... 7-10!
Pump Gear Inspection ............................................................................................... 7-11!
Storage....................................................................................................................... 7-12!
Appendix A Adaptive PPS Command Reference...................................................... A-1!
Adaptive Commands .................................................................................................. A-1!
Command Prompt..................................................................................................... A-21!
Waking the Instrument from the Command Prompt ................................................ A-21!
Appendix B Training Videos ....................................................................................... A-1!

TOC-4

LOF-1
PPS User Manual List of Figures
Figure 2-1: PPS Full View............................................................................................... 2-1!
Figure 2-2: Controller Housing ....................................................................................... 2-2!
Figure 2-3: Sampler O-Ring Installation – Correct Placement is Critical....................... 2-3!
Figure 2-4: Controller Housing End Cap Bulkhead Connectors .................................... 2-4!
Figure 2-5: Valve............................................................................................................. 2-6!
Figure 2-6: Pump Head Gear and Replaceable Magnet .................................................. 2-6!
Figure 2-7: Filter Holders ................................................................................................ 2-7!
Figure 2-8: Water Flush Filter Holder............................................................................. 2-7!
Figure 2-9: PPS Toolkit................................................................................................... 2-8!
Figure 2-10: USB Communications ................................................................................ 2-9!
Figure 2-11: Drop-in Battery Holder for ‘D’ Cell Batteries.......................................... 2-10!
Figure 2-12: A21-1000 Battery Pack............................................................................. 2-10!
Figure 2-13: PPS with Optional Fixative Valve Box .................................................... 2-13!
Figure 2-14: Pumping Operation Schematic – Fixative Valve...................................... 2-14!
Figure 2-15: Pumping Operation Schematic – Fixative Valve Post-Sample Flush ...... 2-15!
Figure 3-1: Water Flush................................................................................................... 3-2!
Figure 4-1: Communications Cable................................................................................. 4-1
Figure 4-2: Releasing Pressure Relief Valve (Style with Release Tool)......................... 4-3!
Figure 4-3: Releasing Pressure Relief Valve (Flat Style)................................................ 4-4!
Figure 4-4: Separating the Housing and End Cap ........................................................... 4-5!
Figure 4-5: Connecting the Battery ................................................................................. 4-5!
Figure 4-6: Connecting the COM Cable.......................................................................... 4-6!
Figure 4-7: Main Menu.................................................................................................... 4-7!
Figure 5-1: PPS Main Menu............................................................................................ 5-1!
Figure 5-2: Set Time........................................................................................................ 5-2!
Figure 5-3: Diagnostics ................................................................................................... 5-3!
Figure 5-4: Manual Operation Menu............................................................................... 5-4!
Figure 5-5: Fixative System Flush................................................................................... 5-5!
Figure 5-6: Suspend/Sleep Mode .................................................................................... 5-6!
Figure 5-7: McLane Contact Information ....................................................................... 5-7!
Figure 5-8: Configuration Menu...................................................................................... 5-7!
Figure 6-1: Priming Setup ............................................................................................... 6-2!
Figure 6-2: Open Filter Holder 1..................................................................................... 6-4!
Figure 6-3: Injecting Water with Syringe........................................................................ 6-4!
Figure 6-4: Reattaching Top and Bottom of Filter .......................................................... 6-5!
Figure 6-5: Connecting Hose-G ...................................................................................... 6-6!
Figure 6-6: Fixative Box................................................................................................. 6-8!
Figure 6-7: Inject Syringe Contents into Fixative Bag.................................................. 6-10!

LOF-2
Figure 6-8: Place Hose-F into Fixative Container......................................................... 6-11!
Figure 6-9: Pinch Fixative Bag Hose, Attach to Intake-2 Hose .................................... 6-11!
Figure 6-10: Roll Fixative Bag to Release Air .................................................................. 6-12!
Figure 6-11: Disassembling Water Flush Filter ............................................................ 6-13!
Figure 6-12: Attaching Hose-E...................................................................................... 6-16!
Figure 6-13: Fill Antifouling Tube................................................................................ 6-17!
Figure 6-14: Schedule Menu ......................................................................................... 6-19!
Figure 6-15: Event Parameters ...................................................................................... 6-21!
Figure 6-16: Enable Fixative Flush ............................................................................... 6-22!
Figure 6-17: Enable Antifouling Flush.......................................................................... 6-23!
Figure 6-18: Schedule Verification ............................................................................... 6-24!
Figure 6-19: Changing Event Parameters...................................................................... 6-25!
Figure 6-20: Schedule Verification .............................................................................. 6-26!
Figure 6-21: Start a Deployment ................................................................................... 6-29!
Figure 6-22: System Ready to Deploy .......................................................................... 6-30!
Figure 7-1: Offload/Display Data File Menu .................................................................. 7-1!
Figure 7-2: Offload/Display Data File – Display All (1 of 3) ......................................... 7-3!
Figure 7-3: Offload/Display Data File – Display All (2 of 3) ......................................... 7-4!
Figure 7-4: Offload/Display Data File – Display All (3 of 3) ......................................... 7-5!
Figure 7-5: Deployment Data Offload with RBRCoda External Temperature Data) ..... 7-6!
Figure 7-6: Pump Housing, Gears, and Pump Head Magnet ........................................ 7-11!
Figure A-1: Adaptive Deployment Mode....................................................................... A-1!

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Chapter 1
Introduction
This user manual is designed to provide support from the first steps of powering on and
communicating with the instrument, to the final steps of recovering data from a recently deployed
system, and storing the instrument. Read this manual and keep a copy as a reference if you plan
on using a PPS. McLane user manuals are updated frequently and the latest version can always be
downloaded from our website.
User Key
This User Manual contains the following symbols that call attention to information:
Note
This symbol indicates information and tips
that are helpful for operating the instrument.
Important
This symbol indicates information that could
affect key product operations.
Caution
This symbol indicates information that must
be followed to prevent instrument damage or
user injury.
Customer Resources
McLane Research Laboratories is on the Web at http://www.mclanelabs.com or via email at
[e-mail]. The PPS pages on the McLane website contain links to documentation
including Technical Bulletins, and papers that describe the development and use of the PPS.

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Technical Support
When contacting McLane for technical support, please provide the following:
•Serial number is printed on a label attached to the controller housing, on the
Contact McLane screen and also on the Main Menu screen.
•A description of the problem.
•Any relevant capture files (deployment setup, offload data, pumping data stream
and so on –capturing all your communications is critical for successful technical
support).
Instrument Training
McLane also offers a PPS training course at our facility free of charge with the purchase of a new
instrument. Participants conduct trial deployments and work directly with members of the
McLane engineering staff. Conducting trial deployments is a beneficial way to learn system
operations before actual field investigations. For more product training information refer to
www.mclanelabs.com.

2-1
Chapter 2
System Description
System Overview
The McLane Phytoplankton Sampler (PPS) is an autonomous time-series particulate sampler that
filters up to 24 individual water samples through user-supplied 47mm polycarbonate or glass
fiber filters (.45 micron and greater).
Samples are collected by user-defined time-series events. The 25 port valve physically isolates
samples and pumps samples through the selected filter position before passing through the 125, or
250 ml/min pump. The maximum volume per sample is 10 liters. The data recorded during a
deployment includes flow rates, volume pumped, pump feedback, power, temperature and event
times. This data is offloaded from the PPS after deployment and used for sample analysis.
Figure 2-1: PPS Full View
Mooring Eye
Filter Holders
Pump
Controller
Housing
Valve

2-2
System Components
System Components include the frame, controller housing, end caps, 25-port valve and pump.
These components are explained in more detail in the section that follows.
Frame
Components are protected in an electro-polished 316 stainless steel welded frame (titanium frame
is optional). The frame can be an inline part of a high-tension (up to 2,200 kg) ocean mooring and
has a built-in top bridle and four mooring eyes at the bottom for a chain or cable bridle. Each
mooring eye accommodates a 5/8” shackle, and has an insulator for corrosion protection. The
frame has extra mounting space near the controller housing for other instruments.
Controller Housing
The PPS controller housing is an anodized aluminum alloy cylinder, rated to a depth of 5,500m.
The housing holds the battery and electronics. This User Manual contains detailed instructions for
opening the controller housing. Follow these instructions and the recommended safety
precautions when opening the controller housing.
Figure 2-2: Controller Housing

2-3
alcohol. O-rings should be lubricated with provided Parker O-Lube and replaced when necessary.
The toolkit has spare O-rings. More o-rings can be purchased from McLane.
O-ring maintenance and correct placement is critical to keep the controller
housing sealed from water intrusion. Incorrect o-ring placement results in
cracks or splits that could affect the o-ring seal and cause water damage to the
controller. Water damage from incorrectly placed or maintained o-rings could
void the sampler warranty.
Figure 2-3: Sampler O-Ring Installation – Correct Placement is Critical
2-242
2-246
8-242

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End Cap Bulkhead Connectors
The end cap has bulkhead connectors for the Communications connector, Pump, and Valve
(Figure 2-4). The bulkhead assignment (P, V, C) is etched into the end cap. A zinc anode is
attached to each end on the controller housing end cap to prevent corrosion.
Do not overtighten the end cap bolts and do not replace the stainless steel hardware with any
other hardware. The Toolkit includes spare hardware, or contact [e-mail].
Figure 2-4: Controller Housing End Cap Bulkhead Connectors
Bolt
Lock Washer
Flat Washer
Plastic Insulator
COM Connector
Pump Connector
Valve Connector
Pressure relief
valve
Zinc Anode

2-5
Pressure Relief Valve
Attention and care should be taken in maintaining, operating, and opening the pressure housing.
All PPS systems shipped after summer 2015 have a pressure relief valve (PRV) on the controller
housing.
Though unlikely, an unsafe internal controller housing pressure is possible,
resulting from the chemical reaction between alkaline electrolye and anodized
aluminum due to battery failure with or without the intrusion of seawater. There
can be enough pressure to cause the endcap bolts to fail, especially when one or
more are loosened or removed.
Instructions under ‘Powering on the Sampler’explain how to use the end cap pressure relief
valve.
Pressure Relief Valve Upgrade
McLane offers a Pressure Relief valve upgrade retrofit for all controller housings (includes
installation, not including shipping and insurance costs). The end-cap and anodizing must be in
suitable condition for PRV retrofits. Contact [e-mail] for more information
about the PRV retrofit.

2-6
25-Port Valve
The PPS dual-head, 25-port rotary valve directs water through 24 individual filters at
programmed times. The top head has a single intake port and 25 exhaust ports, and the bottom
head has 25 intake ports and a single exhaust port. An internal optical sensor and slotted disk
determine rotor position. The motor, gear head,and optical sensor are in a pressure compensated
PVC plastic housing filled with Dow Corning PMX-200 (20cSt.) silicone fluid.The valve top
shows the port numbers, and the rotor position indicator points to the currently aligned port. The
filter holders are connected between two valve heads. One port is open on each head at one time.
Figure 2-5: Valve
Pump
The PPS can have a 125 or 250 ml/min positive displacement graphite gear pump installed. The
pump head is type 316 stainless steel and has user replaceable carbon gears and magnet. A
brushless DC 3-phase motor is magnetically coupled to the pump head, and driven by an
algorithm designed to limit differential pressure at filters while maximizing battery life.
Figure 2-6: Pump Head Gear and Replaceable Magnet
Valve
Intake
Home
Port
Pump
Head
Magnet

2-7
Filter Holders
The PPS collects samples on twenty-four 47 mm filter holders. Each filter holder is connected in
series between the intake head (top half of the valve) and the exhaust head (lower half of the
valve). The pump draws water out from the bottom of the filter creating a pressure gradient that
pulls ambient seawater into the filter holder and through the filter. After each sample is taken, the
valve returns to Home Port (Port 0), and seals the sample in the filter holder. Filter holders use
standard 70A Durumeter silicone o-rings.
Figure 2-7: Filter Holders
Home Port Flush Filter
Home Port (Port 0) can be used to flush standing water from the valve intake tube and valve
heads before each sample is collected. This water flush prevents sample contamination and
reduces accumulated bio-fouling. A filter assembly with a 25mm filter holder holds a filter with a
pore size between 3 and 20 microns to prevent large suspended particles from entering the pump
while the valve is being flushed. Replace this filter before every deployment.
Figure 2-8: Water Flush Filter Holder
Water Flush Filter
Holder (Port 0)

2-8
PPS Toolkit
Each PPS is shipped with a toolkit that contains the necessary tools, materials and devices to use
the PPS. The toolkit and contents are referred to throughout this User Manual, and should remain
with the instrument at all times. The exhaust bag must be the same size as the intake bag, or
larger.
Figure 2-9: PPS Toolkit
The PPS toolkit in Figure 2-9 is shown only as an example. Do not use the
photo to compare with your actual toolkit contents.
Serial Number
The white plastic base plate contains a serial number label. The controller housing end cap, pump
assembly, valve assembly, and system menu also display the serial number.