User`s manual

Manual revision 016 Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT SBE 49
45
Recovery
Rinse the conductivity cell with fresh water. (See Section 5: Routine
Maintenance and Calibration for cell cleaning and storage.)
• Place Tygon tubing over the end of the T-C Duct. Pour the water
through the Tygon, conductivity cell, and exhaust tubing with a syringe
or wash bottle.
WARNING!
If the FastCAT stops working while
underwater, is unresponsive to
commands, or shows other signs of
flooding or damage, carefully
secure it away from people until you
have determined that abnormal
internal pressure does not exist or
has been relieved. Pressure housings
may flood under pressure due to dirty
or damaged o-rings, or other failed
seals. When a sealed pressure
housing floods at great depths and is
subsequently raised to the surface,
water may be trapped at the pressure
at which it entered the housing,
presenting a danger if the housing is
opened before relieving the internal
pressure. Instances of such flooding
are rare. However, a housing that
floods at 5000 meters depth holds
an internal pressure of more than
7000 psia, and has the potential to
eject the end cap with lethal force.
A housing that floods at 50 meters
holds an internal pressure of more
then 85 psia; this force could still
cause injury.
If you suspect the FastCAT is flooded,
point it in a safe direction away from
people, and loosen the bulkhead
connector very slowly, at least 1 turn.
This opens an o-ring seal under the
connector. Look for signs of internal
pressure (hissing or water leak). If
internal pressure is detected, let it
bleed off slowly past the connector
o-ring. Then, you can safely remove
the end cap.