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COVID-19 Update

fastCTDplus Phycocyanin

An evolution of the miniCTD, the fastCTDplus multi-parameter profiler is designed to deliver the highest quality CTD and Phycocyanin observations at fast drop rates.

A conductivity cell designed for optimum flow-through, a fast-response thermistor temperature sensor and 0.01% pressure sensor together with a Fluorometer sensor, all synchronously sampling at up to 32Hz to deliver the highest quality profiles in a lightweight and robust package.

Cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) are photosynthetic bacteria that occur naturally in surface waters.  Under certain conditions of light, temperature and nutrient levels Cyanobacteria can multiply rapidly, forming a bloom.

Some Cyanobacteria produce toxins which pose health risks for humans and animals.  The EU Bathing Waters Directive therefore requires monitoring for these blue-green algae blooms.  Testing actual toxins is possible by means of laboratory analysis of water samples, but this can be costly and time-consuming.

However, Cyanobacteria contain fluorescent pigment called Phycocyanin, which can be detected in real time using a Valeport Hyperion fluorometer.  The Hyperion uses narrow bandpass filters on both excitation and emission wavelength to ensure that the response is specific to Phycocyanin and not affected by false positive results from normal Chlorophyll a fluorescence.

 


Support

fastCTDplus Phycocyanin Datasheet
Download
DataLog X2 Operating Manual
Download

Software

DataLog X2
1.1.0.1315
Download

Technical Specifications

Sensors

Phycocyanin* (Blue/Green Algae)

*Calibrated against Fluorescein/Rhodamine solution

Excitation
590mn
Detection
650nm
Dynamic Range
0-9,000µg/l
2 gain settings: 0-25, 0-9000 software controlled
Minimum Detection (3x SD in RO water)
<0.08 ppb
Linearity
0.99R2
Response Time
0.03 - 2 sec
Output Rate
0.5Hz to 32Hz (free running) software controlled

Conductivity

Range
0-80 mS/cm
Resolution
0.001 mS/cm
Accuracy
±0.01 mS/cm
Response
30 milliseconds

Temperature

Range
-5 °C - +35 °C
Resolution
0.001 °C
Accuracy
±0.01 °C
Response
50 milliseconds

Pressure

Range
10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 & 600 bar
Resolution
0.001% full scale
Accuracy
±0.01% full scale
Response
1 millisecond

Electrical

Internal
1 x D Cell 1.5V Alkaline or 3.6V Lithium
External
if fitted with a connector 9-28V DC isolated
Power
<250mW
Connector
SubConn MCBH10F (if fitted)

Sampling Modes

Continuous
Regular and synchronous data collection from all sensors up to 32Hz
Profile
Data is logged as the instrument descends (or rises), by a user defined pressure difference, through the water column
Rapid
Once the instrument is set to run mode no data is logged until a programmed trigger depth is reached (e.g. 2 meters below the surface). Completely programmable, the device can be set to record down casts data only, for example, when the probe stops descending and rises by a defined amount logging is stopped

Communications

The instrument is designed to operate autonomously. Setup and data extraction can be performed using a SubConn connector or via an optional Bluetooth connection with a PC. Multiple profiles can be recorded in the instrument by switching it on then off using the connector switch plug or magnetic switch key for Bluetooth operation. Bluetooth auto-pairing and discovery make connecting to the instrument simple and robust. The instrument can also operate in real time or cabled comms. Supplied with a traditional SubConn connector with a choice of communication protocols fitted as standard and selected by pin choice on the output connector:

Direct Reading

RS232
Up to 200m of cable
Baud Rate
38400 - 460800
Protocol
8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control

Memory

Solid state non-volatile Flash memory

Capacity
> 10 million lines of data
(equivalent to 5,000 profiles to 1,000m wih a 1m profile resolution)

Physical

Materials
Titanium housing
Depth rating
6000m
Instrument size
ø54mm x 510mm
Weight in air
2.6kg / 4.9kg including frame
Weight in water
1.5kg

Software

Supplied with DataLog X2 Windows based software, for instrument setup, control, data extraction and display.

Ordering

Titanium Housing

0660036T1-PC-XX
fastCTDplus Phycocyanin Profiler 6000m with connector
0660036T1-PC-BT-XX
fastCTDplus Phycocyanin Profiler 2000m with Bluetooth
Where
XX - Pressure sensor options
10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 & 600 Bar

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