Campbell Scientific EC150 CO2 and H2O Open-Path Gas Analyzer and EC100 Electronics with Optional CSAT3A 3D Sonic Anemometer - Manual (Page 39)

EC150 CO
2
/H
2
O Open-Path Gas Analyzer
The bottom wick is installed in a similar manner, except the long seam should
be aligned with the long side of the bottom snout. Once in place, the wicks
should fit snuggly over the cylindrical part of the snout without any creases or
wrinkles. The windows should be cleaned after the installation of the wicks to
ensure that there are no fingerprints left on critical surfaces. See Section 8.3,
Cleaning Analyzer Windows, for specifics on cleaning the EC150 windows.
Wicks are constructed with a UV-resistant fabric and should be functional for
an extended period of time but should be inspected every six months. Check
for contamination from dust, pollen, pitch or other debris. If needed, wash the
wicks in warm water with mild detergent or replace them.
FIGURE 8-1. Proper location of the gas analyzer top wick (left) and
bottom wick (right)
8.3 Cleaning Analyzer Windows
The windows of the analyzer should be cleaned if the signal strength for CO
2
or H
2
O drops below 0.7 (70% of the original value). These values may be
monitored in the output data, or they can be viewed with ECMon.
To clean the windows, use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab or a lint-free
tissue or cloth. Signal strengths should be restored to values close to 1.0 after
cleaning the analyzer windows. In some cases, depending on the contaminant,
cleaning with distilled water can achieve better results. In severe cases a mild
detergent similar to ordinary hand soap can be used.
8.4 Zero and Span
As discussed in Section 7, Zero and Span, the zero-and-span procedure can
resolve many of the issues a user may encounter. Along with being a valuable
troubleshooting method, a zero-and-span procedure should be performed as
routine maintenance even when the EC150 is producing expected results.
Campbell Scientific recommends that a zero-and-span procedure be performed
at least every six months, but may be required more frequently depending on
conditions.
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