Xylem 6-Series Multiparameter - Manual (Page 126)

Sondes Section 2
YSI Incorporated Environmental Monitoring Systems Operations Manual 2-120
2.10.3 SONDE STORAGE
Proper storage of the your sonde between periods of usage will not only extend the life of the sensors, but
will also ensure that the unit will be ready to use as quickly as possible in your next application.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SHORT TERM STORAGE
The recommended short term or interim storage procedure is simple and identical for all sondes -- YSI
600R, 600QS, 600XL, 600XLM, 6820V2-1, 6820V2-2, 6920V2-1, 6920V2-2, 6600V2-2, 6600EDS V2-2,
6600V2-4, and 600 OMS V2-1.
No matter what sensors are installed in the instrument, it is important to keep them moist without actually
immersing them in liquid, which could cause some of them to drift or result in a shorter lifetime. For
example, the reference junction of a pH sensor must be kept moist in pH 4 or 7 buffer, or tap water, to
minimize its response time during usage, but continued immersion in pure water will compromise the
function of the glass sensor and/or result in long term leaching of the reference junction.
YSI recommends that short term storage of all multi parameter instruments be done by placing
approximately 0.5 inch of water in the calibration and/or storage cup that was supplied with the
instrument, and by placing the sonde with all of the probes in place into the cup. The use of a moist
sponge instead of a half inch of water, is also acceptable, as long as its presence does not compromise the
attachment of the calibration cup to the sonde. The calibration cup should be sealed to prevent
evaporation.
The key for interim storage is to use a minimal amount of water so that the air in chamber remains at 100
percent humidity. The water level has to be low enough so that none of the sensors are actually immersed.
Any type of water can be used in this protocol: Distilled, deionized, or tap water. If the storage water is
inadvertently lost during field sampling studies, environmental water can be used to provide the humidity.
Sondes with level sensors have a tube that vents the pressure transducer to the atmosphere. It is important
that the air in the tube remains dry at all times. Sondes with integral cables should be stored with the
desiccant in place and the vented end of the desiccant system sealed. Sondes with connectors should be
stored with the connector cap firmly in place. When disconnecting the cable, put the cap on immediately.
Vented cables should be stored with their caps in place, in a bag containing desiccant.
Interim multi parameter storage is easy. Simply remember the following key points:
 Use enough water to provide humidity, but not enough to cover the probe surfaces.
 Make sure the storage vessel is sealed to minimize evaporation.
 Check the vessel periodically to make certain that water is still present.
 For sondes with level sensors, keep the tube sealed and dry.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LONG-TERM SONDE STORAGE
The following are long term storage recommendations listed by instrument type. They will be applicable
for sondes with typical sensor configurations.
600XL, 600XLM -- Remove the pH or pH/ORP probe from the sonde and store it according to the
instructions found in the following section on individual sensors. Cover the empty port with the provided