Frequently asked questions
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How often should Yeo-Kal instruments be calibrated?
The recommended calibration frequency for Yeo-Kal instruments will depend on the specific instrument, its intended use, and the level of confidence required in the accuracy of the measurements. As a general guideline, non-electrochemical sensors may be calibrated at least once every 3 months, while electrochemical sensors will need to be calibrated more frequently with consideration on sensor age, drift and in some circumstances, linearity verification. Some instruments may require more frequent calibration, depending on factors such as the environment in which they are used and the level of accuracy required for the measurements.
In addition, if an instrument is dropped or otherwise subjected to physical damage, it may need to be assessed for damage and recalibrated before use. Yeo-Kal offers a factory assessment, service and calibration service for convenience – contact us to find out more.
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Should I send my instrument for a factory service and calibration?
At Yeo-Kal, we understand the importance of accurate and reliable data when it comes to water quality and oceanographic measurements. That's why we offer comprehensive factory service and calibration for our instruments, including an initial assessment to validate any user-reported issues and ensure that repairs are carried out as needed. Our experienced technicians assess each sensor during the calibration process to ensure that they are functioning optimally, and we provide a calibration report for each instrument to document the results of the calibration process. We also offer technical support and advice to our customers, so you can be confident that your Yeo-Kal instruments will perform reliably and accurately.
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How long does it typically take to service a water quality instrument, and what is the process?
Typical turnaround starts from 2 weeks from work approval to despatch. Depending on workload a longer turnaround time maybe required.
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What is the typical lifespan of a Yeo-Kal instrument, and how can customers ensure that their instrument remains accurate and reliable over time?
The life span of a Yeo-Kal instrument is very user dependent, for example a heavily used instrument in harsh conditions will have a much shorter life that a unit rarely used. Yeo-Kal stocks a range of spare parts to rebuild or even replace what has been damaged or lost. We have hear of boats driving off with the sensor
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Are there any common maintenance tasks that customers can perform themselves to prolong the life of their Yeo-Kal instrument?
Yes, there are a few maintenance tasks that customers can perform themselves to prolong the life of their Yeo-Kal instrument. One of the most important things is to keep the probes clean and free from debris. Additionally, for multiparameter probes, it's important to store them in moist conditions in the storage container to prevent the sensors from drying out. Finally, when storing the pH sensor, be sure to reinstall the storage boot after use with the correct probe storage solution. After each field trip charge the batteries overnight for optimum battery life. By following these simple steps and what is recommended in the user manual, you can help to ensure that your Yeo-Kal instrument stays in good working condition for many years.
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Can I calibration my instrument?
Absolutely, and we recommend that you do so regularly to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Calibration requirements may vary depending on the specific instrument and its intended use. To calibrate your instrument, you will need calibration solutions, distilled water, and lint-free towels. Calibrating dissolved oxygen will require aerated water which can be obtained by running a fish tank bubbler in a bucket of tap water for 2 hours or just leave running until the next calibration. We recommend following the calibration instructions provided in the user manual for your specific instrument to ensure the best results. If you have any questions or concerns about the calibration process, please don't hesitate to contact our technical support team for assistance.
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Can I make my own own calibration solutions?
See the technical note link on how to make your own calibration and what you will need.
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What is needed for calibrating Yeo-Kal instruments?
To calibrate Yeo-Kal instruments, you will need standard calibration solutions. Fortunately, Yeo-Kal supplies a full range of calibration solutions, which are specifically designed to work with our instruments. These solutions are available for purchase. Please refer to the instrument's user manual for specific instructions on how to perform calibration with the appropriate calibration solutions.
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Are there any consumable parts that need to be replaced during calibration or servicing?
Yeo-Kal instruments have user-replaceable sensors that are considered consumable parts and replacement may be considered during calibration or servicing. The lifespan of the sensors varies depending on the instruments, environment, storage and the frequency of use, with pH sensors lasting 1-2 years, galvanic dissolved oxygen sensors lasting 3 years, depth sensors lasting 5 years, and EC sensors lasting 5 years. However, sensors for temperature, turbidity, and ORP do not have a set lifespan and will not need to be replaced unless they are damaged.
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Does Yeo-Kal offer training or support for customers who want to learn how to service or calibrate their own instruments?
Yeo-Kal offers on-site training for customers who want to learn how to service or calibrate their own instruments. This service is subject to scheduling, transport, and accommodation requirements, and customers can contact Yeo-Kal to request a quotation. Additionally, Yeo-Kal provides telephone support to customers, which is always available to help with any questions or issues related to instrument servicing and calibration.
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How to refill pH sensor?
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What happens to the pH and Dissolved Oxygen sensor in acid sulphate conditions?
When there is hydrogen sulphide present it can penetrate the pH and Dissolved Oxygen sensors and corrode the silver inside. This causes damage and greatly reduces the sensor's lifespan from 1-2 years to just weeks or months. To maintain confidence in the recorded data, frequent maintenance and calibration of the pH sensor are required.
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Does Yeo-Kal offer on-site servicing or repairs, or does the instrument need to be sent to the factory?
Yeo-Kal recommends that instruments are sent to the factory for servicing and repairs. This is because if more technical work is required, the factory has the specialist equipment and required supplies to perform the work. Additionally, sending the instrument to the factory ensures that it receives a full assessment, and calibration as necessary, which will help ensuring any issues are fully resolved. Note that some of the sensors on the multiparameter probes have user replicable sensors that can be shipped and resolved on-site.
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Why does my pH sensor values not change?
If you find that your pH sensor values are not changing, it is possible that the pH sensor is still covered by the storage boot. The storage boot contains a solution that helps to keep the pH sensor in optimal condition during storage, but if it is not removed before use, it can prevent the sensor from accurately measuring pH values. To resolve this issue, simply remove the storage boot from the pH sensor before taking any measurements.
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What is the cable made of?
Yeo-Kal utilises a custom-made cable designed specifically for the transmission of serial communication over low loss conductors. The cable consists of individually insulated conductors arranged in a twisted pair configuration, with an anti-stretch Kevlar filament and wire braid to further minimize external electromagnetic interference and extend the cable's usable length. Finally, the cable is coated in durable polyurethane for added protection.
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How deep can the sensors go?
Typically the sensors are rated to 100 meters. Check the individual product page for actual product specifics.
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Why is my redox potential displaying different results from some other meters?
Yeo-Kal instruments use a reference electrode shared by both the pH sensor and the ORP sensor. The reference electrode is a hydrogen electrode, which creates an electrical potential that must be expressed as an offset of 209.2mV at 25 degrees C. This offset is sometimes not accounted for in other meters, leading to different results in ORP measurements.