November 5, 2010
Rev1.4
51
•
The mating surface on the inside of the case between the threads and the open end
•
The inner surfaces of the groove in the end cap where the O-ring sits
•
The mating surfaces for each removable sensor
•
The underwater connector for external power or data transfer (if used)
Any dirt present should be removed by wiping thoroughly with a soft,
lint-free cloth. When cleaning, never use any material or tool which
could scratch the O-ring or any of its mating surfaces. If any dirt is
present in the O-ring groove, then the O-ring should be removed as
described below to allow thorough cleaning of the groove. If an O-ring
needs to be removed for any reason, it should be replaced.
If the O-ring is scratched, cut, distorted, perished or defective in any other
way it must be replaced. If any of the surfaces of the O-ring groove are
scratched, pitted or otherwise damaged, the logger may need to be
returned to RBR for refurbishment: please contact us for advice.
Replacing an O-ring
1)
Lever the O-ring from its groove. Use a soft plastic or wood tool; do not use a metal
screwdriver or any other tool which may scratch the surfaces of the O-ring groove: doing so will
probably render the end cap useless. Slide the O-ring out of its groove and off the logger. The
O-ring may need to stretch quite a bit as it is pushed off; this requires some effort but can be
done by hand.
2)
Thoroughly clean the O-ring groove, taking great care not to scratch or damage it in
any way. Inspect it carefully, and contact us for advice if it appears damaged. Apply a light
film of silicone grease to all three inside surfaces of the groove, being careful not to trap any
dirt, hairs or lint.
3)
Select the proper O-ring (consult Appendix B on page 53 for O-ring sizes) and make
sure it is not damaged. Lubricate it with a very light film of silicone grease to ease its
installation.
4)
Install the new O-ring by pushing it into place and popping it into its groove. The O-
ring may need to stretch quite a bit as it is pushed on; this requires some effort but can be
done by hand.
5)
When the new O-ring is in place, inspect it once more for scratches and dirt, and
wipe away any silicone grease deposited on the end cap.
Most experienced users of oceanographic equipment replace all O-rings before every
deployment as a matter or routine. The cost of an O-ring is negligible compared with the
cost of the instrument and its deployment. Routine replacement of O-rings, therefore, is
cheap insurance.
