In-Situ Aquaculture Buoy Manual (purchased after 28 May 2013) - Manual (Page 35)

35
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Storage
Storage Recommendations
If you remove the buoy from service seasonally, remove the battery from the buoy and
store it separately.
If the sensor cap will expire before you redeploy the unit, discard the cap and place a
red dust cap over the end of the sensor. If you do not have a dust cap, keep the sensor
cap in place. The sensor lens on the probe must always have adequate protection.
When you redeploy the buoy after a period of storage, use a new RDO Classic Sensor
Cap.
Replace the desiccant regularly.
Maintaining the Rotating Wiper Brush
A rotating brush removes contaminates and biofouling from the sensor. Periodically
check the brush for cleanliness and contact with the sensor cap. For optimum
performance, the brush should lightly sweep the sensor cap. See page 12.
Maintaining the Cleaner Shaft
The cleaner shaft is connected to the motor shaft with a flexible coupler made of rubber
hose that is secured with stainless steel hose clamps.
When replacing the cleaner shaft, ensure that the shaft extends through the bottom of
the buoy, but above the chlorine tablet. Adjust the shaft length by varying the depth of
the shaft in the flexible coupling. Also ensure that the coupler clamps do not hit the
motor mounting screws.
Maintaining the Chlorine/Bromine Tablet Chamber
The cleaner assembly includes a chamber in the bottom of the brush motor down tube
that holds a 3 inch chlorine or bromine tablet. These tablets will slowly dissolve to
reduce algae and other organic growth on the probe and sensor. The tablets dissolve at
varying rates depending on environmental conditions. Replace the tablets as
necessary. Tablets are available anywhere swimming pool supplies are sold.
Cleaning the RDO Classic Sensor Cap
If extensive fouling of the sensor occurs, remove the buoy from the pond and perform
the following procedure.
1. Do not remove the cap and nose cone from the probe.
2. Rinse the sensor with clean water from a spray bottle.
3. Gently wipe the sensor with a soft-bristled brush or soft cloth if biofouling is present.
Use Alconox to remove grease.
Do not use organic solvents because they will damage the sensor
cap.
4. If extensive fouling or mineral buildup is present, soak the cap end in vinegar for 15
minutes, then soak it in deionized (DI) water for 15 minutes.
5. After cleaning the sensor, perform a 1- or 2-point user calibration or calibration
check.