Service

This page contains information on Lithium batteries and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries used in Sea-Bird instruments.

Lithium Batteries and Cells

Do not return ANY lithium cells or batteries to Sea-Bird. Remove all of the cells/batteries from the instrument BEFORE shipping back to Sea-Bird.

AA Lithium Cells used in SBE 37-SM, 37-SMP, 37-SMP-IDO, 37-SMP-ODO, 37-IM, 37-IMP, 37-IMP-IDO, 37-IMP-ODO, 39plus, 39plus-IM, 39-IM, 39, and 44

NOTE: Significant changes to regulations affecting shipment of lithium batteries and cells were implemented on January 1, 2013, and additional changes continue to be implemented. See Shipping Precautions in Section 1 of the latest version of your instrument manual on our website for a summary of the shipping and labeling requirements for your instrument.

The shipping information provided is a general overview of lithium shipping requirements; it does not provide complete shipping information. The information is provided as a courtesy, to be used as a guideline to assist properly trained shippers. These materials do not alter, satisfy, or influence any federal or state requirements. These materials are subject to change due to changes in government regulations. Sea-Bird accepts no liability for loss or damage resulting from changes, errors, omissions, or misinterpretations of these materials. See the current edition of the IATA Dangerous Good Regulations for complete information on packaging, labeling, and shipping document requirements.

The information provided in the manuals is intended only to assist you in shipping an instrument from your lab to a deployment location and vice versa. Depending on their classification, the shipment of lithium batteries and cells is subject to safety regulation concerning Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Material imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Other countries may also have their own regulations. YOU, the shipper, are responsible for compliance with the law. We can only advise you of the existence of the law and the classification of the lithium cells and/or battery pack (our product) under the law.

Do not return used lithium cells to Sea-Bird. Remove the cells from the instrument prior to shipping to Sea-Bird. If you send the batteries to Sea-Bird, we will not ship the batteries back to you. If you cannot arrange for pick-up of the batteries at our factory, we will dispose of the batteries for you.

Optional Electro Chem Lithium Batteries used in SBE 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, 16plus V2, and 16plus-IM V2 SeaCATs, and SBE 26 (not 26plus) Seagauge Wave & Tide Recorders

As of 2004, Sea-Bird does not ship assembled Electro Chem lithium battery packs, due to changes in U.S. DOT and IATA regulations. If shipping Electro Chem cells or batteries by commercial carrier, transport them in accordance with DOT and IATA regulations. Sea-Bird cannot advise you on this matter; consult the proper authorities.

Note: We sell a battery pack kit (which does not include the batteries); you can use the kit to build a battery pack with Electro Chem lithium cells that you purchase elsewhere (see Electro Chem's website for purchasing information). See the Spare Parts listing on the Accessories tab of the product page for a link to the battery pack kit instructions.

Do not return used Electro Chem Lithium batteries to Sea-Bird. Remove the batteries from the instrument prior to shipping to Sea-Bird. If you send the batteries to Sea-Bird, we will not ship the batteries back to you. If you cannot arrange for pick-up of the batteries at our factory, we will dispose of the batteries for you, and we will charge you a fee for disposal.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries

NiMH battery packs are shipped as standard equipment with the SBE 17plus V2 Searam, and are available as options with the SBE 19plus SeaCAT, SBE 19plus V2 SeaCAT, and SBE 25 Sealogger CTDs. The information provided below is intended only to assist you in shipping an instrument.

Depending on their classification, the shipment of batteries is subject to safety regulation concerning Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Material imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA). Other countries may also have their own regulations. These batteries are considered to be dry cell batteries. DOT and IATA both forbid transportation of these batteries inside the instrument because of the potential of a short circuit and dangerous evolution of heat.

If the battery pack is inside the housing, it does not comply with DOT and IATA regulations, and therefore MUST NOT BE SHIPPED VIA COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT (those governed by DOT or IATA), INCLUDING PASSENGER AIRLINES, OR CARGO CARRIERS SUCH AS FEDEX, DHL, UPS, ETC.

To ship the battery pack:

• Discharge the battery pack to 30% or less of its energy before shipping.
• Do not ship the battery pack inside the instrument.

Introduction

Improper disassembly of the ducted temperature and conductivity sensors (in SBE 25 and SBE 9plus systems) while removing them for calibration can result in a broken conductivity cell. These instructions guide you through the process of removing the sensors from the system for shipment to Sea-Bird for calibration.

The conductivity cell and the temperature probe are very fragile. Both the installation and removal procedures require slow, deliberate movements to avoid breaking the temperature or conductivity sensor. Therefore, Sea-Bird recommends that you perform these procedures in a lab, not on deck.

Description

The conductivity and temperature sensors (the conductivity sensor has a glass cell and the temperature sensor has a probe) are attached by a bracket and by plastic tubing called a TC Duct. The plastic (Delrin) TC Duct comes in two pieces: a T-Duct that fits inside the temperature sensor guard over the sensor probe, and a C-Duct that fits into the conductivity cell end. The two duct pieces are joined with flexible plastic (Tygon) tubing to form the TC Duct assembly.

T and C sensors in SBE 9plus bracket

T-Duct and C-Duct; see left side of drawing 67027 for part numbers

Removing Sensors from System

Note: sensor bracket shown below is from SBE 9plus.

1. Remove the conductivity and temperature sensors and mounting bracket assembly from the CTD:

1. Unscrew the locking sleeves from the temperature and conductivity sensor cable connectors by hand. If you must use a wrench or pliers, be careful not to loosen the bulkhead connector instead of the locking sleeve.
2. Remove the cable connector from each sensor by pulling the connector firmly away from the sensor.
3. Remove the quick-release plug from the conductivity cell.
4. Remove the two 9/16 inch hex head aluminum bolts that secure the mounting bracket to the CTD’s end cap. Remove the mounting bracket from the CTD.

1. Disconnect the T Duct from the C Duct:

1. Slowly rotate the temperature sensor guard by turning it counter-clockwise approximately 90 degrees. At the same time, rotate the C Duct clockwise slightly. The Tygon tube that joins the ducts flexes and slips off the T Duct as the T Duct twists out of its position.
   Note: Do not force the C Duct, as this could break the conductivity cell. If rotating the C Duct is difficult, pour water over the duct area to dissolve buildup around the duct.

1. Remove the C Duct from the conductivity cell:

1. Carefully rotate the C Duct clockwise more. Do not force the C Duct, as this could break the conductivity cell. If rotating the C Duct is difficult, pour water over the duct area to dissolve buildup around the duct.
2. Once loosened, gently pull the C Duct straight out from the conductivity cell.
3. Store the C Duct for reinstallation when the sensors have returned from calibration.

1. Retighten the temperature sensor guard by hand.
2. Loosen the mounting bracket strap screw, and slide the sensor(s) from the bracket. If both sensors are being shipped, SBE 9plus sensors can be shipped in their mounting bracket.
3. The conductivity cell is stored and shipped dry, to prevent damage caused by freezing:

1. Rinse the conductivity cell with clean, de-ionized water.
2. Drain and gently blow-dry the conductivity cell.

1. Ship the sensor(s) in a package with cushioning material to protect them from damage during shipment.

Reinstalling TC Duct and Sensors

When re-installing the TC Duct, follow the instructions in reverse. Position the temperature sensor housing in such a way as to align the T Duct with the C Duct so when the temperature sensor guard is rotated toward the installed C Duct, the T Duct will mate correctly.

We appreciate the extra time you take for the proper care and calibration of the sensors. With special care, your sensors will enjoy a long life in research.

Additional Information

• Online RMA and Service Request Form — Get an RMA number for sending an instrument for repair/calibration.
• Shipping Instructions for Returning Goods to Sea-Bird — Read before returning instruments

Sea-Bird Scientific opened a calibration/service center in Kempten, Germany in 2011, providing duty-free servicing for EU customers. The dedicated technical support staff and calibration technicians were extensively trained by Sea-Bird experts. Calibration cross-referencing between the US and Germany facilities ensures Sea-Bird factory quality and accuracy. The German facility stocks a full range of parts and supplies to support repairs.

Orders can be made by contacting us at seabird.eu@seabird.com and will be delivered to the following countries: Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Vatican City State, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.

To ensure timely service work, customers are encouraged to contact Sea-Bird GmbH directly before sending equipment in for service or calibration. This initial contact will verify whether Sea-Bird GmbH supports the equipment that the customer wishes to have serviced. Note: European customers can send the entire instrument package, including third-party auxiliary sensors, for servicing. We can troubleshoot the package at Sea-Bird Europe for our standard charges. If we determine that a third party sensor needs to be serviced, we will coordinate the shipment of the sensor to the manufacturer. All charges, including charges from the third party manufacturer, will be combined in one invoice in Euros.

Contact Information

Sea-Bird GmbH is located in Kempten, Germany. It is co-located in the same facility as OTT Hydromet GmbH, Europe’s largest manufacturer of complete hydrometric systems.

The contact information for Sea-Bird GmbH is:

Mailing address:

Sea-Bird GmbH
Postfach 1167
87401 Kempten, Germany

Shipping/Physical address:

Sea-Bird GmbH
Ludwigstr. 16
87437 Kempten, Germany
Tel-Nr. +49 831 960994 701
FAX:+49 831 960994 709
seabird.eu@seabird.com
(Note: Please review the Terms and Conditions before shipping instruments.)

Scheduling and Shipping Instruments

Before shipping, obtain an RMA number from the Online RMA Form.

Note: When contacting us, we require the instrument serial number to verify the instrument configuration / features. Click here to see an example of where to find the serial number on your instrument.