Ocean Seven 320 Plus WOCE-CTD for Oceanography

PROFILER AND RECORDER EQUIPMENT - SMALL SIZE - FAST SAMPLING RATE: 40Hz O2, pH, ORP - ARCTICA, ANTARCTICA - FERRYBOX - BRINE - CCS - ROVs, AUVs

Product literature - Brochure

The OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus WOCE-CTD multiparameter probe is the result of Idronaut's 25-year-old experience in the design and manufacturing of high quality fast response CTDs. The OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus CTD well meets the WOCE programme accuracy, precision and resolution specifications. The CTD can be easily equipped with an additional redundant conductivity and temperature (CT) sensor pair without the need for underwater connectors. The CT redundant sensors permit the gathering of extremely precise data with a verifiable data quality. The OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus WOCE-CTD is equipped with the well-known IDRONAUT full ocean depth, pump-free and long-term stability sensors. Central to which, is the high accuracy seven-platinum-ring quartz conductivity cell (patented), which can be cleaned in the field without the need for re-calibration. This unique quartz cell employs a large diameter (8 mm) and a short length (46 mm) to guarantee self-flushing and no clogging after long-term deployment even in biologically active waters. Competitors' sensors, which present few mm only of cell orifice and very long cell length, are prone to clog even if protected by dangerous and poisonous antifouling devices. The OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus WOCE-CTD multiparameter probe does not require pumps or any other external device to flush the sensors, which minimizes its power consumption and allows the use in Arctica and Antarctica. Acquired data is output using the standard RS232C interface or the telemetry option available for on-line full ocean depth real-time data transmission. Other interfaces like RS422 and Wireless Bluetooth© can be optionally installed.

The OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus WOCE-CTD, because of an innovative 24-bit high-speed CT digitizer circuit, provides 40 Hz sampling rate. Furthermore, the highly precise pressure transducer enhances the pressure sensor accuracy/precision to 0.01 % Full Scale (FS). The OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus WOCE-CTD multiparameter probe can accommodate up to sixteen 16-bit sensor analogue inputs, which can be added at any time , making this Idronaut probe an investment for the future.

» HIGHLY ACCURATE/PRECISE (0.01%FS) PRESSURE TRANSDUCER
The high-precision 0.01%FS pressure transducer is based on a piezoresisitive bridge, floating on oil, with drift-free sensor interface. Temperature dependency and non-linearity are mathematically compensated by the interfacing electronics. Standard pressure transducers immediately available: 100, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, 10000 dbar.

» TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Features a very fast platinum resistance thermometer (time constant: 50 ms). Negligible self-heating effect.

» FLOW CONDUCTIVITY SENSOR
Features a large diameter, seven-ring quartz cell which does not require platinum black deposition and which can be cleaned without re-calibrating. No external pump is necessary even for Arctic and Antarctic applications.

» REDUNDANT PAIR OF TEMPERATURE AND CONDUCTIVITY SENSORS
More reliable operation at sea minimizing risk of data loss. The redundancy principle allows better control of any possible sensor drift during long field campaigns.

» OXYGEN SENSOR (7000 m operation)
Features an innovative pressure-compensated polarographic sensor, with a replaceable cap. Because stirring effects are negligible, no external pump is necessary.

» pH GLASS SENSOR and SOLID GEL REFERENCE ELECTRODE (7000 m operation)
High-pressure glass membrane pH electrode in conjunction with a ceramic junction-less reference electrode and a differential amplifier system.

» DATA TRANSMISSION
Via RS232C interface. Optional interfaces are: long distance (10000 m) telemetry, RS422 and Wireless Bluetooth.

» DATA MEMORY
Allows storage of up to 4.000.000 data sets, for each of the 7 standard acquired parameters together with date & time, using the 512-Mbyte standard memory.

» OPTIONAL PROBES, SENSORS
The following sensors, probes are currently interfaced:
» GENERAL OCEANICS - Rosettes Water Samplers mod. 1014,1016, 1018 and 1015.
» IDRONAUT - String and Weight Bottom Sensor.
» WET Labs - C-Star Transmissometer and WETStar Miniature Chlorophyll Fluorometer.
» SEAPOINT - Fluorometers and Turbidity Meter.
» TURNER DESIGNS – Fluorometers.
» D & A INSTRUMENT COMPANY - OBS-3 Sensor.
» CHELSEA - MINItracka, Unilux and Trilux Fluorometers.
» LI-COR - LI-192SA Underwater and LI-193SA Spherical Underwater Quantum sensors.
» BIOSPHERICAL INSTRUMENTS - QSP-2200 - QSP-2300 PAR Sensors.
» VALEPORT - MiniSVS Sound Velocity Sensors.
» DATASONICS - PSA916D Sonar Altimeter, 6000 m.

» SEA-BIRD - Submersible Pump.

» BATTERY OPERATION
The internal and the optional external submersible battery packs permit continuous probe operation for about 7 and 70 hours respectively. Rechargeable or lithium batteries can also be used. Twelve batteries: 1.5 V, 2.85 A/h, NiMH cells are installed in the internal battery pack.

All the sensors installed in the OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus CTD (see table for SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS) are manufactured by IDRONAUT and are exported all over the world. They are used by several other multiparameter probe manufacturers. All sensors have extremely low time constants: 50 milliseconds for physical parameters (CTD) at 1 m/s profiling speed and 3 seconds for chemical parameters. CTD sensor high resolution and accuracy are obtained because of the advanced sensor conditioning circuits and the 24-bit Sigma Delta A/D Converters. The OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus CTD can measure, store and transmit sensor data by these modes of operation:

Pressure. Data is sampled at regular pressure intervals. Multiple profiles can be obtained by switching the CTD ON and OFF.

Timed. OS320Plus collects a series of samples and then sleeps for the configured time interval before waking up again and repeating the acquisitions. Time interval can be configured from 0.1s up to 1 day. Battery power is conserved while the probe is in sleep mode.

Conditioned. Data is sampled at configurable data rates starting when the selected parameter overcomes the configured boundary. Sampling continues until the selected parameter falls below the configured boundary. Whenever the acquisition cycle starts, a configurable sampling rate 0.1..20 Hz is used. Monitoring of the selected parameter occurs at the configurable interval between 0.1s up to 1 day.

Continuous. Data is sampled at configurable sampling rates starting when the operator switches on the probe. Sampling continues until the probe is switched off. Multiple cycles can be obtained by switching the CTD ON and OFF.

Real-time. Data is sent to the control system at sampling rates of: 20, 30 and 40 Hz using REDAS-5 software.

The unattended acquisition can be activated by means of a magnetic switch present on the probe top cover. Extension of the internal battery life is automatically obtained through a power management procedure that switches the probe OFF between data acquisitions. The probe is equipped with an internal non-volatile memory which can store up to a 4.000.000 data sets, each data set being composed of date, time and measurement of the standard sensors. Stored data is uploaded at the end of the measuring cycles.
The OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus CTD can be configured to be directly interfaced to a personal computer by means of the RS232C serial port or by telemetry. The telemetry and RS422 interfaces remedy the limitations of the RS232C serial interface (cable length and number of conductors). When using the telemetry interface, the Telemetry Deck Unit is required to convert serial, RS232C type signals from a PC communication port, into telemetry signals (and vice versa) which must flow superimposed on the probe power supply along the armoured single conductor coaxial cable.
Probe communication is achieved through one of the two male connectors installed on the top end cap of the probe. A six-pole connector is used for the RS232C and RS422 interfaces and for the power input, while, a two-pole connector is used for the telemetry interface.

IDRONAUT REDAS-5 Windows Software
REDAS-5 software, through a simplified and friendly operator interface, allows taking full control of the OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus CTD and facilitates real-time data acquisitions, configuration of unattended acquisition cycles and uploading of data stored in the probe memory. REDAS-5 programme is a true 32-bit Windows application, which flawlessly runs on Windows 2K, XP, VISTA and Windows 7. REDAS-5 shows the acquired data graphically and numerically thus allowing the operator to dynamically change the graphical and numerical set-up during data acquisition. Post-processing functions and data extraction procedures, in function of time, pressure or numerical intervals can be applied to acquire data in real time or on data retrieved from the probe memory. Among the operations that REDAS-5 can perform, it is worth mentioning: automatic start and stop of data acquisition; management of the bottle sampling (Rosette); processing and filtering of acquired data in real time (time lag compensation, smoothing etc.); acquisition of geographical coordinates from a GPS device; acquired data conversion into text files; automatic scaling of the graphical window X and Y axis. REDAS-5 software allows 20, 30 and 40 Hz sampling rate.

The Ocean Seven 320Plus CTD operates with the standard Rochester coaxial armoured cables (1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 inch) present in oceanographic vessels having a total resistance up to 250 ohms.

ACCESSORIES:
TELEMETRY PORTABLE DECK UNIT
The Telemetry Portable Deck Unit powers and interfaces, by coaxial oceanographic cables, the Ocean Seven 320Plus CTD with a personal computer. The portable deck unit is equipped with a transceiver (modem) which allows half-duplex communication with the probe.The portable deck unit is housed in a waterproof plastic case and is provided with an internal mains rechargeable lead battery (12V DC, 7 A/h) which permits probe operation even in the absence of the mains supply . The internal battery guarantees up to 10 hours of continuous probe and deck unit operation. The portable deck unit comes complete with an international battery charger: 115/220VAC +/-10%, 50-60 Hz +/-5% Telemetry power supply: 30V DC (max 0.3A@12 V). Dimensions: 340 x 300 x 160 mm. Weight:6.5 kg.

TELEMETRY ON-BOARD MKPlus DECK UNIT
The new MKPlus Deck Unit powers and interfaces the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx CTDs with an auto-adaptive V32/V32bis modem to optimize the full-duplex communication in real time, depending on the connection conditions. The communication speed of 14.400 bps over the oceanographic cable allows obtaining a higher transfer rate from the interfaced OCEAN SEVEN 3xx CTDs. Visual feedback is provided to the operator during communication to indicate the line quality and speed automatically selected by the MKPlus modem.
The MKPlus innovative V32/V32bis telemetry modem has been added to the basic electronics and functions of the well-proven MK Deck Unit. Up to 100 units were sold all over the world. The MKPlus Deck Unit provides high voltage telemetry power supply (220 VDC) to allow the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx CTDs to interface and power several additional probes. The MKPlus Deck Unit is housed in a 19" rack-mountable metallic box and is designed for on-board operations. The MKPlus Deck Unit operates with: 115/220 VAC +/-10%, 50-60 Hz +/- 5%. Telemetry power supply: 220 VDC (max 1A@12V).
Dimensions: 480x160x90. Weight: 3 Kg.

PORTABLE READER
Portable lightweight and extremely rugged reader based on the Windows Mobile™ software, which overcomes the limitations that the use of a PC in the field and in hostile environments normally implies, like: battery endurance, display reading under sunlight, water and dust tightness, weight, etc. The Portable Reader interfaces the probe through a built-in RS232-C interface and a dedicated programme.

MANUAL PORTABLE WINCH.
Includes 2-way or 5-way slip ring and it can hold up to 350 m of 5 mm polyurethane jacketed armoured cable or 100 m of 10 mm polyurethane multi-conductor shielded cable.
COAXIAL ARMOURED CABLE - Ø 5 mm - POLYURETHANE
A strain relieved 5 mm polyurethane jacketed armoured cable type Idronaut - breaking strength: 200 kg - weight per km: 40 kg.

RS232C/RS422 CABLE - Ø 10 mm - POLYURETHANE
Multi-conductor shielded cable - Kevlar amoured - type Idronaut Ø 10 mm - specifically designed for RS422 or RS232C interface. Composed of 3 pairs: one 2x16 AWG and two 2x22 AWG twisted together - breaking strength: 250 kg. Weight: 5,3 kg/100 m (in water); 13 kg/100 m(in air).

TITANIUM PROTECTIVE CAGES
- For sensor and/or upper connector protection: Ø 260 mm.
- Mooring frame to house the CTD and two additional probes:
Ø 350 mm ca, height 950 mm ca.

EXTERNAL SUBMERSIBLE RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACKS
The following battery packs, 14.4VDC (no. 12 NiMH cells), 4.5 Ah are available:
- Ø 75 x 315 mm, 1500 m max depth operation;
- Ø 66 x 315 mm, 7000 m max depth operation.
The external battery pack is held by the probe by means of one or two POM flanges.

TRANSPARENT FLOW CELL
Easily connectable to a pumped source of seawater (water volume 200÷300 ml), this option converts the Ocean Seven 320Plus CTD from a profiling CTD to a very accurate FerryBox thermosalinograph.

OPTIONS:
REDUNDANT PAIR OF TEMPERATURE AND CONDUCTIVITY SENSORS
More reliable operation at sea minimizing the risk of data loss. The redundancy principle allows better control of any possible sensor drift during long filed campaigns.

TELEMETRY OUTPUT, in addition to the RS232C output. Real-time data transmission to the Telemetry Deck Unit.

BLUETOOTH® WIRELESS ADAPTER
The IDRONAUT Wireless Adapter allows bidirectional full duplex communications between the OCEAN SEVEN 320Plus probe and a personal computer or PDA devices equipped with a Bluetooth® device. The Wireless Adapter provides an interface conforming to the Bluetooth® class 1 (100 m) connectivity SPP protocol.

RS422 INTERFACE, instead of the RS232C interface, allows real-time communication with the probe using cables long up to 1000 m.

PUMP AND FLOW CELL Although the 320Plus WOCE-CTD multiparameter probe does not require pumps, water may be pumped through the whole sensor array if the optional transparent flow cell is installed.

GENERAL OCEANICS ROSETTE INTERFACE
General Oceanics Rosettes mod. 1014, 1016, 1018 and 1015 (Tone or Voltage Firing) are interfaced to perform attended and unattended bottle firing in function of time and/or depth variations. The latter is obtained through user's configurable depth profiles or depth steps. Furthermore, bottle firing can be accomplished in real time whenever the probe operates with the telemetry system.