Oroboros Instruments O2k Manual page 5

MiPNet07.08
Potential Damage of the Oxygraph-2k by ESD
Within the stainless steel Oxygraph-2k housing, internal electronic
components are well protected from ESD. However, during chamber
assembly, membrane change, or trouble shouting, the polarographic
oxygen sensor (POS) has to be disconnected from the POS connector
and the POS connector is disconnected from the main unit. This
means that one or both electric connections of the POS connector
are exposed to the environment and ESD damage is possible.
ESD prevention procedures.
channels by definition open up additional routes how an ESD
discharge can reach the inside of the oxygraph. BNC type connectors
are used frequently for attaching potentiometric electrodes (pH) and
therefore also used for the pX channel in the MultiSensor extension.
By the nature of the BNC plug it is possible for the operator to touch
the outside channel and thereby cause an ESD.
ESD Protection Procedures:
prevent damage by ESD is to get rid of your electric charge before handling
the POS connector, the BNC plug of the pX channel or other electronic
connections. Preventive ESD is achieved simply by touching a well grounded
object, such as the stainless steel housing of the O2k. Touching the O2k
housing does not cause any damage, and should be done before handling the
electrical connectors. This will be sufficient in most cases to prevent damage.
Leaving POC connectors attached to the main unit while cleaning or
servicing them and while membrane mounting will, to a certain degree, also
protect the electronics inside from damage by ESD. Protecting POS connectors
from ESD is especially important for oxygraphs Series A to C, because more
electronic modules are in these connectors.
Do not touch the BNC plug of oxygraphs equipped with a MultiSensor
extension, unless necessary. Hypothetically an ESD might also transmitted via
the pX channel by touching the needles of the TIP syringes while a electrode
in the chamber is connected to the pX electronics. Therefore the oxygraph
housing should be touched before touching the TIP syringes when working
with an electrode attached to the pX channel (pH, TPP
For oxygraph Series A to C requiring a MultiSensor Conntector, the
guidelines also apply to the BNC port on the MultiSensor Connector.
up of electrostatic charges. If you experience frequent sparks while
touching objects or other persons in your lab, it might be a good
idea to consult an electronic expert in your institution, to protect all
kind of electronic equipment with preventive measures. The magnitude of the
ESD problem depends strongly on conditions in a lab, such as floor material or
humidity on one hand and clothing - especially footwear - on the other.
A special topic are the shoes known as "Crocs" and similar products.
With these shoes it is possible to generate extremely high potentials. In some
hospitals such shoes have already been banned, because they apparently
destroyed a lot of expensive equipment. Therefore, such shoes should not be
worn in any laboratory.
Oroboros Instruments
O2k-Manual: user information
During such operations special care must be taken to observe
For oxygraphs with MultiSensor extension the additional
It is general good laboratory practice to avoid excessive build-
The simplest and most effective way to
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Oroboros O2k-Manual