YSI 6000UPG - Manual (Page 159)

G-1
APPENDIX G
SENSOR AND SONDE STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
The multiparameter equipment associated with the EMS product line from YSI consists of a
number of types of sondes which differ in size and function and which, by definition, contain a
variety of sensors (or probes) in a compact arrangement where the sensors cannot be separated
physically. This arrangement allows the user to concurrently (and conveniently) acquire data from
all of these sensors (either in spot sampling or monitoring applications). The presence of multiple
probes in the same unit sometimes results in questions as to the proper procedure for storage of the
sensors which will maximize their lifetime and will minimize the time required to get the sonde in
shape for a new application. This document is designed to answer most of the questions
previously raised by our users with regard to two types of storage requirements:
1. Interim or short term storage between applications where the sonde is being used at a regular
interval (daily, weekly, biweekly, etc.).
2. Long term storage, e.g., over-the-winter, where the sonde will not be used on a regular basis
for several months.
NOTE: In the descriptions and instructions below, it is assumed that the user has retained
the vessels (bottles, boots, etc.) in which the individual sensors were stored on initial delivery.
If these specific items have been misplaced or lost, they can be replaced by contacting YSI
Product Service. Alternatively, the user may have similar (and equally acceptable) storage
equipment on hand even though it was not part of the original YSI package. Common sense
should be the guide on substitution of storage vessels.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTERIM SONDE STORAGE
Fortunately, the recommended short term or interim storage procedure is very simple and is
identical for all instruments (Models 600, 600XL, 6000
UPG
, and 6820).
No matter what sensors are installed in the instrument, the key is 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 to minimize its
response time during usage, but continued immersion in pure water may compromise the function
of the glass sensor and/or result in long term leaching of the reference junction. With this in mind,
YSI recommends that short term storage of all multiparameter instruments be done by placing
approximately 0.5 inch of water in the calibration and/or storage vessel which was supplied
with the instrument and placing the sonde with all probes in place in the vessel. The use of a
moist sponge as a source of humidity is also acceptable, as long as its presence does not
compromise the attachment of the storage vessel to the sonde. The storage vessel should be
sealed to prevent evaporation.