Vaisala RS41 User manual

M211486EN-E
User Guide
Ozone Sounding with Vaisala Radiosonde
RS41

PUBLISHED BY
Vaisala Oyj
Vanha Nurmijärventie 21, FI-01670 Vantaa, Finland
P.O. Box 26, FI-00421 Helsinki, Finland
[phone]
Visit our Internet pages at www.vaisala.com.
© Vaisala 2019
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Table of Contents
1. About This Document......................................................................................7
1.1 General Information............................................................................................ 7
1.2 Version Information.............................................................................................7
1.3 Related Manuals...................................................................................................7
1.4 Documentation Conventions............................................................................. 8
1.5 Trademarks...........................................................................................................8
1.6 Product-Related Safety Precautions.................................................................8
1.7 Lithium Battery-Related Precautions..............................................................10
1.7.1 Transporting RS41 Radiosondes with Lithium Batteries........................ 10
1.7.2 Transporting Ozone Sensors with Lithium Batteries................................11
1.8 ESD Protection................................................................................................... 12
2. Product and System Component Overview......................................... 13
2.1 Introduction to Ozone Sounding with RS41....................................................13
2.1.1 Ozone Sensor Unit.......................................................................................13
2.1.2 Ozone Interface Kit RSA411........................................................................ 15
2.1.3 Radiosonde RS41 Additional Sensor Interface.........................................19
2.2 Equipment and Material Needed..................................................................... 19
2.3 Vaisala Ozone Sounding Startup Kit.............................................................. 20
2.3.1 Ozonizer / Test Unit KTU-3.........................................................................21
2.3.2 Ozonizer/Test Unit TSC-1.............................................................................21
2.3.3 Ozone Destruction Filter............................................................................23
2.3.4 Pump Test Unit............................................................................................24
2.3.5 Laboratory Ware Set.................................................................................. 25
2.3.6 Ozone Chemicals........................................................................................ 26
2.3.7 Air Flow Meter.............................................................................................26
2.3.8 Other Equipment and Material..................................................................27
2.3.9 Expendables and Spare Parts................................................................... 28
3. Constructing an Ozone Sounding............................................................29
3.1 Sounding Preparation Phases and Schedule.................................................29
3.1.1 Preparing the Cathode and Anode Solutions.........................................30
3.2 Preparations 7 to 3 Days Prior to Release..................................................... 30
3.2.1 Using the Air Flow Meter............................................................................ 31
3.2.2 Preparation Steps 7 to 3 Days Prior to Release...................................... 32
3.3 Preparation Steps on the Day of Release...................................................... 34
3.4 Preparations Just Before Release (2 - 0 Hours)............................................35
3.4.1 Starting Preparations.................................................................................36
3.4.2 Attaching Radiosonde Holder to Flight Box........................................... 37
3.4.3 Attaching OIF411 to SPC’s Ozone Sensor Frame....................................40
3.4.4 Attaching OIF411 to EN-SCI Ozone Sensor Frame................................. 43
3.4.5 Connecting Ozone Sensor Wires to OIF411............................................. 45
3.4.6 Preparing the Radiosonde and OIF411..................................................... 47
3.4.7 Preparing the Radiosonde with Ground Equipment..............................52
3.4.8 Constructing Sounding Accessories........................................................ 63
3.4.9 Pump Motor Battery...................................................................................65
3.4.10 Recording the Surface Ozone................................................................... 67
3.4.11 Launching the Balloon............................................................................... 68
3.4.12 Recording Post-Launch Data.................................................................... 68
Table of Contents
1

4. Ozone Calculation.......................................................................................... 69
4.1 Ozone Calculation Overview........................................................................... 69
4.2 Averaging and Eliminating Irrelevant Measuring Results............................ 69
4.3 Ozone Partial Pressure Calculation.................................................................70
4.3.1 Ozone Sensor Operating Principle...........................................................70
4.3.2 Ozone Sensor Reactions.............................................................................71
4.3.3 Calculation of Local Ozone Values............................................................ 71
4.4 Total Ozone Calculation....................................................................................75
4.4.1 Total Ozone from Sounding.......................................................................76
4.4.2 Residual Ozone (Total Ozone after Balloon Burst).................................77
4.4.3 Ozone in μg/m³...........................................................................................77
4.5 Accuracy of Ozonesonde Measurement........................................................ 79
5. Ozone Interface Board OIF411 Data Interpretation........................... 81
5.1 Measurement Data.............................................................................................81
5.2 ID Data.................................................................................................................81
5.3 Additional Data................................................................................................. 82
6. Storage and Transportation....................................................................... 83
6.1 Storage............................................................................................................... 83
6.2 Transportation................................................................................................... 83
Appendix A: DigiCORA MW41 Ozone Data.............................................. 85
A.1 Calculating Ozone Data in MW41.................................................................... 85
A.2 Reporting Ozone Data in MW41......................................................................85
A.3 Archived Ozone Data in MW41........................................................................85
A.3.1 Additional Sensor Data from RS41........................................................... 86
A.3.2 Additional Sensor Data from RS92.......................................................... 86
A.3.3 Calculated Ozone Data ............................................................................. 86
A.3.4 OIF411 or OIF92 Ozone Parameters..........................................................87
A.3.5 Ozone Results............................................................................................. 88
A.3.6 Raw Ozone Data......................................................................................... 89
Appendix B: Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators......................... 91
Appendix C: Checklist for Equipment and Supplies for Flight
Preparations............................................................................. 93
Appendix D: Performance Review Literature........................................... 95
Technical Support............................................................................................ 99
Recycling............................................................................................................99
RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
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List of Figures
Figure 1 Lithium Battery Handling Label......................................................................11
Figure 2 SPC ECC-6A Ozone Sensor Parts................................................................. 14
Figure 3 ECC-6A and Model Z Cathode and Anode.................................................15
Figure 4 RSA411 Ozone Interface Kit Contents.......................................................... 15
Figure 5 Ozone Sensor Interface Board OIF411..........................................................16
Figure 6 OIF411 Terminals Marked on Sticker............................................................. 17
Figure 7 OIF411 Dimensions.............................................................................................18
Figure 8 RS41 Additional Sensor Interface..................................................................19
Figure 9 EN-SCI Ozonizer /Test Unit KTU-3................................................................21
Figure 10 Ozonizer/Test Unit TSC-1................................................................................ 22
Figure 11 EC Black Bench O3S Tester Made by EC.................................................... 23
Figure 12 Ozone Destruction Filter................................................................................ 24
Figure 13 Vacuum/Pressure Gauge................................................................................25
Figure 14 Air Flow Rate Measurement.......................................................................... 32
Figure 15 Radiosonde Holder Attachment...................................................................37
Figure 16 Radiosonde Holder Measurements (a) and Position (b).......................38
Figure 17 Marking the Positions of the Holder Screws............................................. 39
Figure 18 Inserting the Dowels....................................................................................... 40
Figure 19 Attaching OIF411 to Ozone Sensor............................................................... 41
Figure 20 Wing Nuts on the Back of OIF411.................................................................42
Figure 21 OIF411 Being Attached to the Ozone Sensor Frame...............................42
Figure 22 OIF411 Wing Nuts Tightened......................................................................... 43
Figure 23 EN-SCI Model Z Sensor...................................................................................44
Figure 24 Drilling the Ozone Sensor Frame Holes..................................................... 45
Figure 25 Ozone Sensor Attached to the Model Z Frame with M3 Nuts............. 45
Figure 26 OIF411 Terminals Marked on Sticker............................................................46
Figure 27 Connecting Sensor Wires to OIF411.............................................................47
Figure 28 Connecting Ozone Sensor Pump Cable.....................................................48
Figure 29 Connecting Ozone Sensor Battery Cable..................................................48
Figure 30 SPC ECC-6A with Thermistor Assembled................................................. 49
Figure 31 EN-SCI Model Z with OIF411 Temperature Sensor Assembled............ 49
Figure 32 Connecting Heating Battery......................................................................... 50
Figure 33 Two-Sided Tape Attached to the Battery................................................... 51
Figure 34 Battery Wires Running Between the Ozone Sensor Frame
Wall and the Ozone Sensor.............................................................................51
Figure 35 Ozone Sensor Information............................................................................. 53
Figure 36 Radiosonde Preparation in Progress...........................................................53
Figure 37 Waiting for Background Current..................................................................54
Figure 38 Connecting Radiosonde Cable..................................................................... 55
Figure 39 Bending and Removing Piece of EPS Cover............................................. 55
Figure 40 Checking Radiosonde Interface Connector.............................................. 56
Figure 41 OIF411 Connected to Radiosonde Interface Connector.........................56
Figure 42 Attaching Radiosonde to the Holder.......................................................... 57
Figure 43 Pushing the Holder into Place.......................................................................58
Figure 44 Radiosonde RS41 Attached to the Holder................................................. 58
Figure 45 SPC Ozone Sensor inside the Flight Box................................................... 59
Figure 46 EN-SCI Ozone Sensor inside the Flight Box, Cover About
to be Closed.......................................................................................................60
Figure 47 Air Outlet Hole and Air IntakeTube Not Taped Over............................... 61
Figure 48 Supported Flight Box String in EN-SCI Ozone Sensor Flight Box...... 62
Figure 49 Entering Sensor Background Current in MW41........................................63
Figure 50 Viewing Raw Ozone Data in MW41..............................................................63
List of Figures
3

Figure 51 Securing Unwinder with String (on the Left) or Tape (on
the Right)............................................................................................................64
Figure 52 RSU Stabilizer Attached to the Unwinder................................................. 65
Figure 53 Battery Holder with Lithium Batteries, Wires, and Connector............ 66
Figure 54 Batteries Inserted in the Ozone Sensor Styrofoam Box........................66
Figure 55 Taped Flight Box, Battery Connectors in Front........................................67
Figure 56 Viewing Raw Ozone Data in MW41............................................................. 68
Figure 57 Electrochemical Cell Construction...............................................................70
Figure 58 Example of an MW41 Ozone Data Report Output...................................85
RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
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List of Tables
Table 1 Document Versions...............................................................................................7
Table 2 Related Manuals.....................................................................................................7
Table 3 OIF411 Terminals................................................................................................... 17
Table 4 Electrical Interface of RS41 and the Additional Sensor.............................19
Table 5 Ozone Sounding Startup Kit............................................................................20
Table 6 Equipment Required for Ozone Destruction Filter....................................23
Table 7 Equipment Required for Pump Test Unit..................................................... 24
Table 8 Laboratory Ware Needed................................................................................. 25
Table 9 Required Ozone Chemicals..............................................................................26
Table 10 Equipment Required for Air Flow Meter.......................................................27
Table 11 Values in Ozonizer.............................................................................................. 33
Table 12 Workflow for Ozone Sounding Preparations 45 Minutes
Before Launch......................................................................................................36
Table 13 OIF411 Terminals..................................................................................................46
Table 14 Ozone Partial Pressure Correction Factors.................................................. 74
Table 15 Ozone Partial Pressure Correction Factors.................................................. 74
Table 16 Total Ozone Calculation.................................................................................... 75
Table 17 Total Ozone from Sounding............................................................................. 76
Table 18 OIF411 Data Interpretation 1..............................................................................81
Table 19 OIF411 Data Interpretation 2............................................................................ 82
Table 20 AdditionalSensorData....................................................................................... 86
Table 21 RS92SpecialSensorData................................................................................... 86
Table 22 CalculatedOzone.................................................................................................86
Table 23 OIF411Parameters / OIF92Parameters..........................................................87
Table 24 OzoneResults....................................................................................................... 88
Table 25 RawOzone.............................................................................................................89
Table 26 Checklist for Equipment....................................................................................93
Table 27 Performance Review Literature...................................................................... 95
List of Tables
5

RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
6

1. About This Document
1.1 General Information
This manual provides information on assembling and operating an ozone sounding with
RSA411 Ozone Interface Kit, Vaisala Radiosonde RS41, and an ozone sensor. The compatible
ozone sensors are:
• ECC-6A from Science Pump Corporation. The Vaisala product code is ECC6AB and in
MW41 software the sensor is identified with abbreviation SPC.
• Model Z from EN-SCI (formerly manufactured by Droplet Measurement Technologies).
The Vaisala product code is 252164 and in MW41 software the sensor is identified with
abbreviation DMT.
1.2 Version Information
Table 1 Document Versions
Document Code Date Description
M211486EN-E January 2019 Updated information on the OIF411 ID data.
M211486EN-D January 2018 Added lithium battery option for ECC-6A ozone sensor and
information on KTU-3 Ozonizer Test Unit.
Information on the radiosonde EPS covers was added.
M211486EN-C December 2016 Updated information on securing the unwinder attachment for the
sounding.
1.3 Related Manuals
Table 2 Related Manuals
Document Code Name
M211667EN Vaisala Radiosonde RS41-SG and RS41-SGP User Guide
-Vaisala DigiCORA Sounding System MW41 Online Help
DOC-0336 Droplet Measurement Technologies Model Z ECC Ozonesondes
Operator Manual
SPC-6A Manual© SPC Science Pump Corporation Operator’s Manual Model 6A ECC
Ozonesonde
SPC TSC-1© SPC Science Pump Corporation Operator’s Manual Ozonizer/Test Unit
Model TSC-1
DOC-101 KTU 3 Ozonizer Test Unit Operator Manual
Chapter 1 – About This Document
7

Document Code Name
-EN-SCI ECC Ozonesonde Operator manual
1.4 Documentation Conventions
Warning alerts you to a serious hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions carefully at this point, there is a risk of injury or even death.
WARNING!
Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions carefully at this point, the product could be damaged or important data
could be lost.
CAUTION!
Note highlights important information on using the product.
Tip gives information for using the product more eciently.
Lists tools needed to perform the task.
Indicates that you need to take some notes during the task.
1.5 Trademarks
DigiCORAâis a registered trademark of Vaisala Oyj.
1.6 Product-Related Safety Precautions
Radiosonde RS41 has been tested for safety and approved as shipped from the factory. Note
the following precautions:
RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
8

Conduct soundings in a safe environment and in accordance with all
applicable restrictions and regulations.
WARNING!
Do not use the radiosonde in an area with power lines or other
obstructions overhead. Make sure that you check the area for such obstructions before
using the radiosonde.
WARNING!
Do not use the radiosonde without consultation and cooperation with
local and other applicable aviation authorities.
WARNING!
Do not modify the unit in any way, except as instructed in the manual.WARNING!
Do not use the radiosonde for any purpose other than for soundings.WARNING!
Vaisala recommends the use of parachute even if it is not required by
applicable restrictions.
WARNING!
The chemicals involved in an ozone sounding can be harmful, and must
be handled with proper care. To ensure your working safety, take all the necessary
precautions before beginning the preparations for a flight.
Read the sensor manuals carefully.
Follow the local laboratory work practices, regulations, and waste management
guidelines.
Use disposable gloves to avoid dust and other contaminants. The gloves must be lint-
free and made of artificial fabric or plastic. Note that the RSA411 Ozone Interface Kit
does not include gloves.
WARNING!
Chapter 1 – About This Document
9

1.7 Lithium Battery-Related Precautions
Take the following precautions when handling lithium batteries:
•Do not place the lithium battery in fire or apply heat to the battery.
• Do not pierce the battery with nails, strike the battery with a hammer, step on the
battery, or otherwise damage the outer casing.
• Do not subject the battery pack to strong impacts or shocks.
• Do not expose the battery to water or salt water, or allow the battery to get wet.
• Do not disassemble or modify the battery. The battery contains safety and protection
devices which, if damaged, may cause the battery to generate heat, rupture or ignite.
• Do not leave the battery in direct sunlight, or use or store the battery inside cars in
hot weather. Doing so may cause the battery to generate heat, rupture, or ignite.
Using the battery in this manner may also result in shortened life expectancy and loss
of performance.
• Never short circuit, reverse polarity, disassemble, damage, or heat the battery over
100 ºC (212 ºF). If an exposed lithium battery does not start on fire, it will burn even
more violently if it comes into contact with water or even moisture in the air.
• DO NOT SPILL WATER ON A BURNING BATTERY. A fire extinguisher must be used.
CAUTION!
1.7.1 Transporting RS41 Radiosondes with Lithium Batteries
RS41 radiosondes with lithium batteries are classified as:
• UN 3091 Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment
Consignments must be packed, labeled, and documented according to the IATA packing
instructions.
When transporting the radiosondes with lithium batteries, take the following requirements
into account:
• The package must display a lithium battery handling label, similar to the one shown in
the following example. The original radiosonde shipping package must be used for
transport, and it already has the lithium battery handling label.
RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
10

• The consignment must include a document indicating the lithium content, describing
proper handling and procedures for damaged packages, and a telephone number for
additional information.
Figure 1 Lithium Battery Handling Label
If the lithium battery is faulty, do not transport it.
1.7.2 Transporting Ozone Sensors with Lithium Batteries
Ozone sensors with lithium batteries are classified as:
• UN 3091 Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment
Consignments must be packed, labeled, and documented according to the IATA packing
instructions.
When transporting the radiosondes with lithium batteries, take the following requirements
into account:
• The package must display a lithium battery handling label, see Figure 1 (page 11) for an
example. The original ozone sensor shipping package must be used for transport, and it
already has the lithium battery handling label.
• The consignment must include a document indicating the lithium content, describing
proper handling and procedures for damaged packages, and a telephone number for
additional information.
Chapter 1 – About This Document
11

1.8 ESD Protection
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage electronic circuits. Vaisala products are
adequately protected against ESD for their intended use. However, it is possible to damage
the product by delivering electrostatic discharges when touching, removing, or inserting any
objects in the equipment housing.
To avoid delivering high static voltages to the product:
• Handle ESD-sensitive components on a properly grounded and protected ESD
workbench or by grounding yourself to the equipment chassis with a wrist strap and a
resistive connection cord.
• If you are unable to take either precaution, touch a conductive part of the equipment
chassis with your other hand before touching ESD-sensitive components.
• Hold component boards by the edges and avoid touching component contacts.
RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
12

2. Product and System
Component Overview
2.1 Introduction to Ozone Sounding with
RS41
An ozone sounding with RS41 consists of an ozone sensor unit, RSA411 Ozone Interface Kit,
and RS41 radiosonde. These are described in the sections below. Other equipment needed is
also explained. For detailed information on the radiosonde, see Vaisala Radiosonde RS41-SG
and RS41-SGP User Guide.
In an ozone sounding, the radiosonde is attached to a styrofoam flight box which contains
the ozone sensor unit and the interface card. The battery for powering the ozone pump is
placed in a compartment on the side of the box. For information on performing an ozone
sounding with Vaisala Radiosonde RS41, see also Vaisala DigiCORA Sounding System MW41
Online Help.
To further improve the design of Radiosonde RS41, the radiosonde now has EPS covers
with plastic fasteners. This makes the radiosonde's look and feel slightly dierent from
before, but the radiosonde performance is still on the same high level. The plastic covers
have been removed to decrease the total plastic amount of RS41.
2.1.1 Ozone Sensor Unit
The ozone sensor unit is either of the following:
•Science Pump Corporation (SPC) Model ECC-6A ozone sensor
• EN-SCI, former Droplet Measurement Technologies (DMT) Model Z ozone sensor
The sensors are based on chemical reaction cells. The type of the sensors is electrochemical
concentration cell (ECC). Air is sampled flow (by using a pump) and it goes to a reaction cell,
in which the sampled ozone reacts in a solution, and the current developed in the reaction is
detected and measured with an ozone interface. The ozone sensor units are thoroughly
discussed in the sensor manufacturers’ manuals (see Table 2 (page 7)) and Performance
Review Literature listed in Table 27 (page 95).
The main parts of an SPC ECC-6A ozone sensor are seen in Figure 2 (page 14). Model Z
ozone sensor is similar to the SPC sensor. Refer to the sensor manufacturer’s manuals for
more detailed information.
Chapter 2 – Product and System Component Overview
13

Figure 2 SPC ECC-6A Ozone Sensor Parts
1Gas sampling pump
2Ozone sensor cathode
3Ozone sensor anode
4Wires for interface
5Air intake tube
6Motor
7Connector for pump battery
Note that the anode and cathode cells are in a dierent order in the ECC-6A and Model Z,
see Figure 3 (page 15).
RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
14

Figure 3 ECC-6A and Model Z Cathode and Anode
1Cathode
2Anode
2.1.2 Ozone Interface Kit RSA411
The RSA411 kit is used with Radiosonde RS41 and Science Pump Corporation’s (SPC) ECC
type sensors ECC-6A, or EN-SCI Model Z. The kit contains the items listed below.
Figure 4 RSA411 Ozone Interface Kit Contents
1Radiosonde holder with three plastic dowels and three screws for attaching the holder
to the flight box wall. The plastic bag also contains two M3 nuts for attaching Ozone
Interface Board OIF411 to Model Z ozone sensor frame. The M3 nuts are an alternative
for the wing nuts included in OIF411.
2Four cables: RS41-OIF411 cable CBL210224, OIF411 power cable CBL210225, OIF411
pump cable CBL210282, and OIF411 heater cable CBL210295.
3Vaisala OIF411 with temperature sensor cable. The OIF411 temperature sensor is an NTC
thermistor. OIF411 includes wing nuts for attaching it to ECC-6A ozone sensor frame.
4RSU stabilizer, used with parachute or radar reflector.
5Detainer for the radiosonde unwinder.
Chapter 2 – Product and System Component Overview
15

2.1.2.1 Ozone Interface Board OIF411
Ozone Interface Board OIF411 has four dedicated channels (ozone sensor current and
temperature, battery voltage, and ozone pump current), and an additional voltage
measurement channel for other purposes.
Figure 5 Ozone Sensor Interface Board OIF411
The terminals on OIF411 are marked with a sticker attached on the card. See Figure 6
(page 17) for details. The numbers in the figure refer to Table 3 (page 17).
RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
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Figure 6 OIF411 Terminals Marked on Sticker
Table 3 OIF411 Terminals
Number Connection Cable Code
1 Radiosonde interface CBL210224
2 Add-on sensor IN for optional XDATA
sensors
3 Pump motor CBL210282
4 Ozone pump motor battery CBL210225
5 Heating battery CBL210295
6 Extra terminal
7 SPC sensor W = white cable B = blue
cable
Figure 7 (page 18) shows the dimensions of OIF411. The dimensions are in millimeters.
Chapter 2 – Product and System Component Overview
17

Figure 7 OIF411 Dimensions
RS41 User Guide M211486EN-E
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