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Composite SamplersMaintenance and Upkeep of Composite Samplers |
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All composite samplers require maintenance and upkeep in order to keep the sampler running smoothly and take accurate samples. The amount of time and money involved in maintaining composite samplers depends greatly on the make and model of the sampler being used.
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Benefits of SIRCO Composite Samplers |
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When comparing the different manufacturers of composite samplers for maintenance and upkeep, SIRCO stands out as the obvious leader. Not only do the SIRCO composite samplers run with very few faults, they require few parts for upkeep. The following summary shows a quick look at the maintenance requirements of SIRCO's vacuum samplers compared to the more common peristaltic samplers. |
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SIRCO Vacuum Composite Samplers |
Peristaltic Composite Samplers |
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| CLEANING: Metering chamber gets dirty, could use cleaning regularly (e.g. weekly). Takes 20 secs to remove, and is easy to clean. Intake tubing also needs replacing after it has gotten too dirty. That's it! No replacement parts involved. |
CLEANING: Tubing for peristaltic pump gets dirty and breaks down quickly. Under regular use, it should be replaced weekly. Intake tubing needs replacing after it has gotten too dirty. | ||||||
| CHECKING ACCURACY OF SAMPLE: with SIRCO Composite Samplers each and every sample is accurate within +/- 2cc's. They run consistently and accurately for decades of reliable use. | CHECKING ACCURACY OF SAMPLE: for persistaltic composite samplers, like Isco and Hach, staff must check in on the sampler constantly to ensure that all is running properly. One day to the next the amount sampled will change, depending on the condition of the pump tubing. With regular tubing breakdowns, staff must constantly be on guard. | ||||||
| REPLACING WORN PARTS: the composite samplers from SIRCO literally need no replacement parts under regular use for the first 3 to 5 years! The parts that eventually need replacing are inexpensive; the discharge tubing, which gets pinched; intake line; pump brushes, etc. | REPLACING WORN PARTS: peristaltic composite samplers require replacement pump tubing weekly, plus the pump itself wears down, requiring regular replacement of the stator, driveshaft, rotor, and gears. | ||||||
| INTAKE LINE PLUGGING: a common challenge all composite samplers must face is how to effectively take influent samples with large particulate or silt without plugging the intake line. SIRCO's vacuum system includes a strong purge of air both before and after, which help clear the line. The strong vacuum system can also handle a 5/8" ID tube, which can handle 66% more volume and is much less prone to clogging. | INTAKE LINE PLUGGING: Peristaltic composite samplers use source water to rinse the line, which does help clear some material, but they are still prone to regular clogging. Regular check-ups are recommended. | ||||||
| CHECKING CONTROLLER FOR FAULTS: SIRCO Samplers have faults when the intake line gets plugged or there is a power failure. A backup battery will prevent faults due to power outages. SIRCO Samplers generally have very few faults. | CHECKING CONTROLLER FOR FAULTS: Peristaltic pump samplers fault with intake line plugging, power failures, and tubing failures. Sampler faults are common, which is why elaborate systems of fault notification are often recommended. | ||||||
| MAINTAINING REFRIGERATOR: Clean using a damp cloth. If the refrigerator has any issues, replacements and repairs are simple, since they are standard refrigerators. | MAINTAINING REFRIGERATOR: Clean using a damp cloth. If refrigerator has issues, most peristaltic samplers have custom-refrigeration units built-in to their composite samplers, thus making repairs and replacements a very high cost item. | ||||||
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