RBR quartz3 BPR zero User manual

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INSTRUMENT GUIDE
BPR|zero

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Table of contents
1
RBRquartz³ BPR | zero.....................................................................................................3
2 Specifications..................................................................................................................4
3 Hardware.........................................................................................................................7
3.1 Opening and closing the instrument .........................................................................7
3.2
RBRquartz³ BPR | zero interface.................................................................................8
3.3 Orientation and datum location ..............................................................................10
3.4 Underwater battery canisters ..................................................................................11
4 General maintenance ...................................................................................................12
4.1 Support kit.................................................................................................................12
4.2 Replacing the O-rings................................................................................................13
4.3 Replacing batteries ...................................................................................................15
4.4 Replacing desiccant capsules...................................................................................16
4.5 Cables and connectors .............................................................................................17
4.6 Cleaning the instrument...........................................................................................18
4.7 Calibrating the instrument .......................................................................................18
5 Oil purge container maintenance ................................................................................19
6 Repairs...........................................................................................................................21
7 Revision history.............................................................................................................22

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1 RBRquartz³ BPR | zero
The RBRquartz3BPR | zero is a special version of the robust RBRquartz³ BPR (Bottom Pressure Recorder) with the
additional advantage of the AzeroA correction technique.
The instrument integrates one or two Paroscientific Digiquartz® pressure gauges, an internal quartz barometer, and a
switching valve. It is the switching valve that provides in situ reference measurements to correct for the long term drift
in the pressure gauge. The resulting drift is several hundred times lower than with uncompensated measurements.
The RBRquartz3BPR | zero is intended for deep, long-term deployments where high stability and resolution of absolute
pressure measurements are critical. Its applications include detection of natural disasters, such as avalanches,
earthquakes, severe weather, tsunamis, and wake turbulence.
Key features of the RBRquartz3BPR | zero are:
AzeroA drift correction
High accuracy
Quartz stability
Long deployments
Extend deployment times even furtherusing external power supply from the RBRfermata (power) or the RBRcervata
(power and memory) canisters. Alternatively, use an extension cable to connect the instrument to an observatory for
external power and realtime data access.
The RBRquartz3BPR | zero may include an optional built-in tilt sensor (accelerometer).
For a detailed description of bottom pressure recording using the RBRquartz3BPR | zero, see Ruskin User Guide:
Standard Loggers3 .
RBRquartz3 BPR | zero

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2 Specifications
Instrument
Specification Description
Maximum number of readings* ~240 million
Power Internal: 8 AA cells (for backup power only)
External: 9.5V to 30V
Communications Internal: USB-C
External: RS-232, RS-485, or Ethernet
Clock drift ±60 second/year
Depth rating 7000m
Housing Titanium
Diameter ~140mm
Length ~788mm
Weight (single Paroscientific unit, with batteries) 30Kg in air, 18Kg in water
*Each sample can include multiple readings.
**Exceeding the absolute maximum pressure will damage the instrument.
Temperature sensor
Specification Description
Range -5 to 35°C*
Initial accuracy ±0.002°C
Resolution 0.00005°C
Typical stability ±0.002°C/year
Time constant ~3min
*A wider temperature range is available upon request. ContactRBR for more information.
.
Pressure sensor
Specification     Description
Range 1000 / 2000 / 4000 / 7000dbar
Initial accuracy ±0.01% full scale
Resolution 10ppb (at 1Hz sampling rate)
.

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Clock
The instrument's clock is maintained during brief disconnections. This time is usually sufficient to change batteries or
replace desiccants.
USB-C power
The USB-C cable provides power sufficient for configuration or data download. However, the instrument requires an
internal or external power supply to perform sampling.
Deployment estimates
Deployment times are estimated for lithium thionyl chloride batteries based on both memory and internal battery
capacity.
 External power with voltage of 9.5V or higher is required to operate the switching value.
Internal LTC batteries only
(no valve operation)
RBRfermata with LTC batteries
(with the valve activated every 20 days)
Speed Time (days) Number of samples Time (days) Number of samples
8Hz 32 22M 75 45M
4Hz 32 11M 150 45M
2Hz 32 5.6M 300 45M
1Hz 32 2.8M 610 45M
Power supply selection
If connected, an external power supply will be used preferentially over the internal batteries as long as the voltage
remains 4.5V or greater. If it drops below 4.5V or complete disconnection occurs, the system automatically switches to
the internal batteries. The internal batteries are sufficient to maintain sensor operation without the switching valve.
The external power supply and cables shall support inrush currents of up to 5A for proper valve operation.
.

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
External MCBH-6-MP connector pinout
Pin
No.
USB RS-232 RS-485 Ethernet
1 Ground
2 Power 9.5V to 30V
3 N/C Data output
from the
instrument
(Tx)
TD (A)- Data output
from the
instrument
(Tx-)
4 VUSB
+5V Data input into the
instrument(
Rx)
RD (B)+ Data input
into the
instrument
(Rx+)
5 D- N/C RD (A)- Data input
into the
instrument
(Rx-)
6 D+ N/C TD (B)+ Data output
from the
instrument
(Tx+)
.
.
External MINK connector pinout 
Pin No. RS-232 RS-485 Ethernet
1 Power 9.5V to 30V
2 N/C RD(A) Data output from the
instrument (Tx+)
3 N/C N/C Data input into the
instrument (Rx+)
4 Data output from
the instrument
(Tx)
RD(B)+ Data output from the
instrument (Tx-)
5 Ground
6 Data input into
the
instrument(Rx)
TD(B)+ N/C
7 N/C N/C Data input into the
instrument (Rx-)
8 N/C
9 N/C TD(A)- N/C
10 Ground

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3 Hardware
3.1 Opening and closing the instrument
.
Opening the instrument
Place the RBRquartz3BPR | zero vertically with the battery end-cap up and the sensor end-cap down.
Alternatively, you can lay it on the side.
Unscrew and remove the two cap screws using a 5mm hex key.
Rest the battery end-cap on the side of the instrument, as shown.
Locations of cap screws
Open instrument, with the end-cap resting on the side
When opening the instrument, make sure to keep the O-rings clean and avoid scratching the O-ring mating
surfaces.


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Disconnecting the umbilical cable
Locate the small latch on the side of the connector.
Press the latch with your thumb and pull the connector down.
Set the battery end-cap aside..
.
.
.Closing the instrument
If disconnected, insert the umbilical cable back in its socket.
Align the battery end-cap with the slot on the instrument housing and gently push down to ensure it fits in place.
Reinstall the two cap screws and tighten to 1/4 turn past tight (10Nm max).
USB-C port
Do not pull on the wires attached to the connector!

3.2 RBRquartz³ BPR | zero interface
The RBRquartz³ BPR | zero instrument provides an internal USB-C port and several external communication options.
Select from RS-232, RS-485, and Ethernet at the time of order, and RBR will wire the battery end-cap to support your
preferred external connection.
.
 Patch cables and underwater extension cables are sold separately.
.
USB-C connection
The USB-C port is located under the battery end-cap.

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Umbilical connection
The umbilical cable connects the RBRquartz³ BPR | zero to the connectorised end-cap. There are two ports: one under
the end-cap and one inside the instrument.
Umbilical ports
End-cap types
The RBRquartz³ BPR | zero battery end-caps may support a MINK-10-FCR connector, two MINK-10-FCR connectors, or
two MCBH-6-MP connectors, depending on the type.
Dual MINK battery end-cap MINK battery end-cap Dual MCBH battery end-cap
Refer to Opening and closing the instrument for details on accessing the internal USB-C port.

Refer to Specifications for the external connector pinout diagrams.


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3.3 Orientation and datum location
The datum of the RBRquartz3 BPR | zero is located at the centre of the sensor end-cap. RBR performs an offset
adjustment with the pressure sensor facing downwards, as shown in the first image below. It is recommended to deploy
the instrument vertically with the battery end-cap up and the sensor end-cap down. It is acceptable to deploy
horizontally if necessary.
Recommended orientation: sensor end-cap down Datum location
Avoid deploying the instrument vertically with the sensor end-cap up!Such orientation will affect performance
of the pressure sensor due to increased build-up of sediment.


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3.4 Underwater battery canisters
RBR offers optional battery canisters which can extend deployment of instruments requiring a nominal 12V supply..
RBRfermata
The RBRfermata is a standard battery canister operating with lithium thionyl chloride and alkaline batteries. It prolongs
deployment by providing 1kWh of power to any underwater instruments. For standard RBR instruments, this is
approximately a 40x improvement to our extended battery carriage capacity.
RBRfermata
RBRfermata | deep
Specification Description
Weight (with LTC
batteries) 13kg in air, 2kg in water (plastic)
29kg in air, 17kg in water (Ti)
Batteries 56 D-type cell batteries
Connector Three MCBH-6-FS
Diameter 140mm
Length 663mm
Depth rating 750m / 4000m / 10000m
Capacity* 1kWh (alkaline), 1.5kW (LTC)
*temperature dependent
.
External MCBH-6-FS connector pinout .
Pin
No.
USB
1 Groun
d
2 Power
3 N/C
4 N/C
5 N/C
6 N/C
RBRfermata
with the battery carriage pulled out

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4 General maintenance
4.1 Support kit
RBR provides one support kit per every three instruments ordered. If you need more units, contact RBR .
RBRquartz3BPR | zero support kit
The RBR support kit contains an assortment of basic accessories and spare parts, as presented below.
RBRquartz3BPR | zero support kit diagram

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4.2 Replacing the O-rings
Care for the O-rings is the single most important item of maintenance on any submersible RBR instrument. A water leak
can damage the circuit board beyond repair and cause complete data loss. Every instrument's seal depends upon its O-
rings, not the end-cap tightness. Therefore, proper O-ring maintenance is crucial.
.
.
The RBRquartz3 BPR | zero uses two O-rings. One is the main O-ring, and the other is the backup. Both are required to
protect the instrument from flooding. To access the O-rings, open the instrument.
Location of the O-rings (main O-ring, backup O-ring)
.
Inspecting the O-rings and mating surfaces
Visually inspect the new O-ring for nicks and scratches before installing it. Pay attention to the following areas:
The surface of the O-ring itself
The mating surface on the inside of the case between the threads and the open end
The groove in the end-cap where the O-ring sits
The O-rings may lose elasticity over time, even when the instrument is not deployed. RBR strongly
recommends replacing the O-rings regularly.

main O-ring
backup O-ring
.

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Replacing the O-rings
Correct placement and orientation of the two O-rings are critical to maintaining depth rating integrity.
The main O-ring has a round profile. It must be installed first.
The backup O-ring is flat on one side, and concave on the other. When installed, the concave side must face the main O-
ring.
Orientation of the O-rings (main O-ring, backup O-ring)
Use the plastic O-ring tool (included in the support kit) to remove the O-rings from the groove. The O-ring may
need to stretch quite a bit as it is pushed off. This requires some effort, but can be done by hand..
Clean the groove thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth and compressed air, if necessary.
Select the proper O-rings and inspect it for damage.
Lubricate with a very light film of silicone compound (included in the support kit).
Install the main O-ring by pushing it into place and popping it into its groove.
Install the backup O-ring, ensuring that the concave side is facing toward the main O-ring.
Once in place, inspect the O-rings once more for scratches and debris, and wipe away any silicone compound
deposited on the end-cap.
Once the inspection is complete, close the instrument.
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When handling O-rings:
Avoid using any object that could scratch the O-ring or any of its mating surfaces.
If dirt is present in the O-ring groove, remove the O-ring as described below and thoroughly clean the
groove.
Do not return this old O-ring to the instrument! If you remove the O-ring from the instrument for any
reason, always replace it with a new one.
If the surfaces of the O-ring groove are scratched, pitted, or damaged, contact RBR for advice.

Do not use metal screwdrivers or any other metal tool! They may scratch the O-ring groove and render the
end-cap useless.

main O-ring backup O-ring
.

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4.3 Replacing batteries
RBR ships new instruments with lithium thionyl chloride batteries included. Replace batteries before each deployment
to maximise the operational time and prevent data loss.
Ruskinsoftware allows users to estimatethe remaining battery life during deployment (assuming fresh batteries) by
tracking power consumption in mAh. SeeRuskin User Guide: Standard Loggers3for more information on predicting
battery life.
Replacing the batteries
Remove the battery end-cap. See Opening the instrument.
Remove the eight old AA-type cell batteries.
Insert eight new AA-type cell batteries.
Check for correct battery polarity.
Return the end-cap back in its place. See Closing the instrument.
Battery end-cap, with batteries

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4.4 Replacing desiccant capsules
Replace desiccant capsules before each deployment.
Fresh desiccant will keep the instrument compartment dry and prevent malfunction. Water damage may occur if
condensation forms inside the instrument.
As a preventative measure, RBR recommends servicing the instrument in a cool, dry place (when possible).
Replacing the desiccant capsules
Remove the battery end-cap.SeeOpening the instrument.
Locate the desiccant holder inside the battery end-cap.
Remove the used desiccant capsules from their sockets.
Insert fresh desiccant capsules into their sockets.
Once all the capsules are secured, insert the battery end-cap back in its place.SeeClosing the instrument.
Location of the desiccant capsules
All instruments ship with fresh reusable desiccant capsules.They use a cobalt-free colour changing indicator
dye.Orange indicates fresh desiccant, while green indicates it is saturated (about 17% water by weight).Once
exhausted, the capsules can be replaced with new ones (available from RBR), or refreshed.
Refreshing the desiccant
To refresh the desiccant, saturated silica beads must be removed from their capsule and heated to 120°C for about two
hours. Once cool, refreshed beads can be returned to the capsule and reused.
.
Always remove the beads from their capsule before refreshing! The plastic capsule will deform if heated
to120°C.


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4.5 Cables and connectors
Cable bend radius
The smallest bend radius for RBR supplied cables is 15cm.
Lubricating the connectors
Lubrication improves watertight sealing, prevents corrosion, and reduces the force required to de-mate the connector.
Use the silicone compound provided with your instrument.
Apply the silicone compound to all female connectors before every mating
Ensure each connector hole is filled with approximately 30% lubricant
Lubricatinga connector
Reducing mechanical stress
Do not pull on the cable
Hold onto the connector to pull out the cable
Disconnect by pulling straight out, not at an angle
Avoid sharp bends at the point where the cable enters the connector
Avoid angular loads on the connector

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4.6 Cleaning the instrument
Clean the instrument after each extended deployment to remove deposits that may have accumulated.
.
Type Procedure Notes
General/biofouling To clean the exterior, soak in a mild
detergent, then scrub the instrument with
a soft brush.
Avoid scratching the plastic (scratches
make future cleaning more difficult).
Sensor antifouling mesh Scrub the antifouling mesh with a soft
brush. Replace the antifouling mesh if
needed.
Seeinstructions on removing the
antifouling meshfor more information.
Calcification Soak in vinegar for six hours,then scrub
the surface using a soft brush. Soaking in vinegar for more than 24 hours may damage the O-ring and increase the
chances of a leak.
4.7 Calibrating the instrument
Factory calibration coefficients are calculated for each sensor, and the coefficients are stored on the instrument.
RBR calibrationcertificates containcalibration equations, coefficients, and residuals for each sensor. Hard copies are
provided with each shipment. RBR can replace lost or misplaced calibration certificates upon request.
RBR recommends calibrating your instrument before any critical deployment, periodically once a year, or if you suspect
the readings to be out of specifications.
Discuss your calibration requirements with RBR. In some cases, the instrument will need to be returned to RBR to have
it checked and re-calibrated.
Please contactRBRfor our current calibration fees.

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5 Oil purge container maintenance
The RBRquartz3 BPR | zero uses one or two Paroscientific Digiquartz® sensors, with AzeroA drift correction.
A switching valve facilitates reference measurements of internal housing pressure. These data are monitored by an
internal quartz barometer which corrects the drift of the sensors over time. Activation of the switching valve pushes a
small amount of buffer oil out of the buffer tube into the housing, where it is captured in the oil purge container.
By cleaning the container and replacing the absorbent pad after each deployment you will maintain the pressure sensor
accuracy and extend its life.
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Required materials
5mm hex key
O-ring
Silicone grease
Replacement absorbent pads
Recommended handling materials
Latex or nitrile gloves
Eye protection
Protective coat
.
Cleaning the oil purger container
Step Description Image
1Unscrew the battery end-cap and remove the umbilical cord (see
Opening and closing the instrument)
2Remove the container
Turn the red handle counterclockwise at least one full
rotation
Pull the handle out, with the container
All required materials for this procedure are provided in the support kit.

Buffer oil is not a hazardous substance, but it is recommended to practice good industrial hygiene and safety
practices, and to use this material in a well-ventilated space.


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Step Description Image
3Remove the absorbent pad contaminated with buffer oil
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4Replace the O-ring on the oil purge container (see Replacing the
O-rings for details on handling O-rings)
5Replace the absorbent pad
Roll one side of a clean pad and insert it into the container's
central compartment, letting the rest of the pad out through
the slit on the side
Wrap the remaining pad around the containergoing
clockwise once
If any length of the pad is left, loosen it so that there is only
one full layer wrapped around the container (any additional
layers will make it difficult to insert)
6Reinstall the container
Hold the pad so that it does not unravel
Insert the containerback into the instrument
Turn the red handle clockwise one full rotation
7Return the battery end-cap back onto the instrument (see
Opening and closing the instrument)
Dispose the contaminated pad in accordance with local
regulations.
