Xylem 6-Series Multiparameter - Manual (Page 118)

Sondes Section 2
YSI Incorporated Environmental Monitoring Systems Operations Manual 2-112
When caring for your sonde, remember that the sonde is sealed at the factory, and there is never a need to
gain access to the interior circuitry of the sonde. In fact if you attempt to disassemble the sonde, you would
void the manufacturer's warranty.
O-RING CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your 6-series sondes utilize user-accessible o-rings as seals to prevent environmental water from entering
the battery compartment and the sensor ports. Please read the following instructions carefully prior to
deploying your YSI Sonde. Following the recommended procedure will assure that no problems will occur
with regard to water influx into your sonde.
If the o-rings and sealing surfaces on the sondes are not maintained properly, it is possible that water can
enter the battery compartment and/or sensor ports of your sonde. If water enters these areas, it can severely
damage the battery terminals or probe ports causing loss of battery power during a deployment, false
readings and corrosion to the probes. Therefore, when the battery compartment lid is removed from
600XLM, 6920V2-1, 6600V2-2, 6600EDS V2-2, 6600V2-4 and 600 OMS V2-1(battery version) sondes,
the o-rings that provide the seal should be carefully inspected for contamination (e.g. hair, grit, etc.) and
cleaned if necessary using the instructions provided below. The same inspection should be made of the o-
rings associated with the probes, port plugs, and field cable connectors when they are removed. If no dirt
or damage to the o-rings is evident, then they should be lightly greased without removal from their groove.
However, if there is any indication at all of damage, the o-ring should be replaced with an identical item
from the YSI 6570 Maintenance Kit supplied with your sonde. At the time of o-ring replacement, the
entire o-ring assembly should be cleaned as described below.
To remove the o-rings:
Use a small, flat-bladed screwdriver or similar blunt-tipped tool to remove the o-ring from its groove.
Check the o-ring and the groove for any excess grease or contamination. If contamination is evident, clean
the o-ring and nearby plastic parts with lens cleaning tissue or equivalent lint-free cloth. Alcohol can be
used to clean the plastic parts, but use only water and mild detergent on the o-ring itself. Also, inspect the
o-rings for nicks and imperfections.
CAUTION:

Using alcohol on o-rings may cause a loss of elasticity and may promote cracking.
 Do not use a sharp object to remove the o-rings. Damage to the o-ring or the groove itself may result.
Before re-installing the o-rings, make sure that you are using a clean workspace, clean hands and are
avoiding contact with anything that may leave fibers on the o-ring or grooves. Even a very small bit of
contamination (hair, grit, etc.) may cause a leak.
To re-install the o-rings:
 Place a small amount of Teflon stopcock grease between your thumb and index finger. (More grease is
NOT BETTER!)
 Draw the o-ring through the grease while pressing the fingers together. Use this action to place a
VERY LIGHT covering of grease to all sides of the o-ring. Place the o-ring into its groove making
sure that it does not twist or roll.
 Use the previously grease-coated finger to once again lightly go over the mating surface of the o-ring.
DO NOT use excess grease on the o-ring or the o-ring groove.
CAUTION:
Do not over-grease the o-rings. The excess grease may collect grit particles that can
compromise the seal. Excess grease can also cause the waterproofing capabilities of the o-ring to diminish,
potentially causing leaks into the compartment. If excess grease is present, remove it using lens cloth or
lint-free cloth.