Valeport fastCTD Profiler User manual

fastCTD Profiler
Operating Manual
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This document was prepared by the staff of Valeport Limited, the Company, and is the property of the
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reprinted or reproduced in any material form, either wholly or in part, and the contents of this document, and
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Valeport Limited
St Peters Quay
Totnes
Devon, TQ9 5EW
United Kingdom
As part of our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to alter, without prior notice, all
specifications, designs, prices and conditions of supply for all our equipment.
0660881c
April 2020
[phone]
[e-mail] | [e-mail]
www.valeport.co.uk
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Table of Contents
© 2020 Valeport Ltd Page 2
Table of Contents
...................................................................................................................... 41. Introduction
...................................................................................................................... 52. Sensors
.................................................................................................................................... 52.1. Conductivity
.................................................................................................................................... 52.2. Temperature - Fast Response Thermistor
.................................................................................................................................... 52.3. Pressure
.................................................................................................................................... 62.4. Optical Sensors
.................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.1 SafetyStatement
.................................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.2 Chlorophyll a
.................................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.3 Fluorescein
.................................................................................................................................... 8
2.4.4 Rhodamine
.................................................................................................................................... 9
2.4.5 Linear ObservationRange
.................................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.6 Field Testing of the Fluorometer
...................................................................................................................... 113. Data Acquisition
.................................................................................................................................... 113.1. Sampling Modes
...................................................................................................................... 124. Physical Characteristics
.................................................................................................................................... 134.1. Dimensions
...................................................................................................................... 145. Communications
.................................................................................................................................... 145.1. Data Telegrams
.................................................................................................................................... 15
5.1.1 Recorded File Format
.................................................................................................................................... 165.2. Command Codes
...................................................................................................................... 196. Operation
.................................................................................................................................... 196.1. SwitchCap Logger Pack Operation
.................................................................................................................................... 196.2. BluetoothLogger Pack Operation
.................................................................................................................................... 206.3. Cabled Operation
.................................................................................................................................... 216.4. Deployment Frame
...................................................................................................................... 227. Memory
...................................................................................................................... 238. Electrical
.................................................................................................................................... 248.1. Changing Batteries
.................................................................................................................................... 258.2. SubConn Connector Care
.................................................................................................................................... 268.3. Wiring Information
...................................................................................................................... 289. Software

Table of Contents
Page 3 © 2020 Valeport Ltd
...................................................................................................................... 2910. Ordering Information
...................................................................................................................... 3011. EU Declaration of Conformity - CE Marking
.................................................................................................................................... 3111.1. CE Marking - Standard Equipment
.................................................................................................................................... 3211.2. CE Marking - Bluetooth Equipment

© 2020 Valeport Ltd
0660881c - fastCTD Profiler
Page 4
1. Introduction
An evolution of the miniCTD, the fastCTD Profiler has been designed to deliver the highest quality
CTD casts at fast drop rates as well as conventional casts. A conductivity cell designed for
optimum flow-through, a fast response thermistor temperature sensor and a 0.01% pressure sensor
synchronously sampling at up to 32Hz deliver the highest quality profiles in a lightweight and
robust package.
Add in an integral Fluorometer based on Valeport's new Hyperion range, an optional Bluetooth
communications module and the fastCTD Profiler offers a unique and versatile solution.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired.
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of the
system.

© 2020 Valeport Ltd
Sensors
Page 5
2. Sensors
· High stability conductivity sensor, which maintains performance at extreme temperatures and
pressures
· Fast Response, high accuracy thermistor temperature sensor
· High specification, 0.01% of full scale, pressure sensor with a number of pressure ranges to best
suit your operational requirements and maintain the highest possible accuracy
· Optional Fluorometer sensor, integrated into the main housing of the profiler
· The option for a SubConn connector for wired comms or Bluetooth connectivity options
· The Fast Profiler is available with either Titanium or Acetal housing material
2.1. Conductivity
Range:
0 - 80 mS/cm
Resolution:
0.001mS/cm
Accuracy:
±0.01mS/cm
Response Time:
30 milliseconds
2.2. Temperature - Fast Response Thermistor
Range:
-5°C to +35°C
Resolution:
0.001°C
Accuracy:
±0.01°C
Response Time:
50 milliseconds
2.3. Pressure
Range:
10, 50 Bar (Acetal housed systems)
10, 50, 100, 200 Bar (Titanium Bluetooth equipped unit)
10, 50, 100, 300 or 600 Bar (Titanium housed systems only)
Resolution:
0.001% range
Accuracy:
±0.01% range
Response Time:
31.25 milliseconds
(depends on sampling scenario)

© 2020 Valeport Ltd
0660881c - fastCTD Profiler
Page 6
2.4. Optical Sensors
Hyperion Fluorometers are configured and correlated with a specific fluorophore. This is identified
by the letter after the 5-digit serial number and is clearly engraved on the instrument housing
An optical sensor must be kept clean to operate correctly. Ensure that the SWiFT is power down
before cleaning the sensor.
Use warm soapy water with a soft bristled brush to remove any light fouling
For heavy fouling use a solvent (e.g Isopropyl alcohol) and a soft bristled brush
Always rinse thoroughly after every use.
2.4.1. Safety Statement
The fluorometer installed in the fastCTD is classified as Risk Group 1 under standard EN62471. As
the type is classified as Risk Group 1 solely due to radiation in the visible band a hazard label is not
required. However,
· the LED used is in excess of the Exempt Group and that the viewer-related risk is dependent
upon how the user installs and operates the equipment.
· the exposure hazard value (EHV) for a Valeport Fluorometer in terms of distance is 320mm
Never look directly into the aperture of the Fluorometer

© 2020 Valeport Ltd
Sensors
Page 7
2.4.2. Chlorophyll a
Performance
Excitation:
470 nm
Detection:
696 nm
Dynamic Range:
0-800 µg/l
2 gain settings: 0-40 and 0-800
software controlled
Instrument
Detection limit:
0.025 µg/l*
Actual
Detection limit:
0.025 µg /l**
Linearity:
0.99 R2
Response Time:
0.03 to 2 sec
Output Rate:
0.5 Hz to 32 Hz (free running) - software controlled
* 3x SD in RO water
** calibrated against Chlorophyll a in acetone solution
2.4.3. Fluorescein
Performance
Excitation:
470 nm
Detection:
545 nm
Dynamic Range:
0-500 ppb
2 gain settings: 0-25 and 0-500
software controlled
Instrument
Detection limit:
<0.01 ppb*
Actual
Detection limit:
0.03 ppb**
Linearity:
0.99 R2
Response Time:
0.03 to 2 sec
Output Rate:
0.5 Hz to 32 Hz (free running) - software controlled
* 3x SD in RO water
** Calibrated against Fluorescein solution

© 2020 Valeport Ltd
0660881c - fastCTD Profiler
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2.4.4. Rhodamine
Performance
Excitation:
520 nm
Detection:
650 nm
Dynamic Range:
0-1000 ppb
2 gain settings, 0-50, 0-1000
software controlled
Instrument
Detection limit:
<0.01 ppb*
Actual
Detection limit:
0.06 ppb**
Linearity:
0.99 R2
Response Time:
0.03 to 2 s
Output Rate:
0.5 Hz to 32 Hz (free running) - software controlled
* 3x SD in RO water
** Calibrated against Rhodamine solution

© 2020 Valeport Ltd
Sensors
Page 9
2.4.5. Linear Observation Range
The linear range is the concentration range for which the fluorometer signal is directly proportional
to the concentration of the fluorophore. The linear range starts at the minimum detection limit
(MDL) and extends to the upper limit of the instrument (dependent on fluorophore properties,
optical filters, LED power, sample volume and optical path length).
The Fluorometers have a calibrated linear response for 2 gain settings (e.g. the ranges 0-40 µg/l
(G5) and 0-800 µg/l (G1) for chlorophyll a). At higher concentrations, unlike analogue devices which
generally flatline at full-scale deflection (e.g. FSD 5V) the Hyperion will continue to output a signal
which increases with concentration (i.e. meaningful data), though which is no longer guaranteed to
be linear.
At very high fluorophore concentrations, signal quenching can occur, whereby the instrument
output does not increase linearly with fluorophore concentration (roll-off) and may decrease at
even higher levels.
To perform a quick linearity check, dilute the sample 1:1 with RO water. If the reading decreases by
50%, the sample is in the linear range. If the reading decreases by less than 50% or even increases,
the sample is above the linear range.

© 2020 Valeport Ltd
0660881c - fastCTD Profiler
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2.4.5.1. Quenching
Quenching refers to the reduction in fluorescence of a fluorophore. Several processes can result in
quenching:
1. Chloride is known to quench quinine sulphate and Fluorescein. It is, therefore, advisable to
prepare any fluorophore solutions with RO* or DI** water.
2. Temperature quenching - as the temperature of the sample increases, the fluorescence
decreases, that is, fluorescence is sensitive to temperature. In order to improve accuracy,
measure the sample at different temperatures and derive corrections for changes in
temperature.
3. Photo-bleaching (or fading) is the (permanent) degradation of a fluorophore molecule by light
resulting in lower signal levels. Photo-bleaching is dependent on exposure (intensity of light and
duration) and wavelength (UV is more damaging than longer wavelengths). Use of more robust
fluorophores is recommended to avoid photo-bleaching.
* Reverse Osmosis
** De-Ionised
2.4.6. Field Testing of the Fluorometer
Set the instrument up as required using DataLOG x2. There will be a short delay after starting the
instrument as the fluorometer is initiated. Once initiated the light from the fluorometer be clearly
visible.
Check the following:
The LEDs are on and light is being emitted from the fibres.
The magnitude of the received data increases when the supplied fluorescent target is held at ~45°
to the sensor window:
By altering the angle of the target the magnitude of the reading should change thereby showing
the correct operation of the sensor.
If the test target is missing then a piece of good quality white paper can be used.