The EFC500 flow cell is a simple open cup type cell that hangs off the inside of a bucket or other container. The water quality probes are simply placed loosely into the cell.  A lid is also provided with holes set up to hold sensors from the TPS 90FLMV water quality instrument.

When the pump is turned on, water is pumped through the cell and overflows the top. This ensures all the probes are fully submersed in water. Also since the flow cell is hanging inside a bucket, you don’t need to worry about controlling the out flow from the cell to avoid spills.

When pumping is first started, the three 3 valve is set to flow through the valve and into the flow cell and NOT out the sample tube on the branch leg of the 3 way valve. As water is pumped in through the inlet port, it fills the flow cell and then it drains out over the top into the bucket. When your water quality parameters have stabilised to meet your criteria, then redivert the 3 way valve and let the sample water flow directly out the branch leg of the 3 way valve and into your sample collection vessel. This bypasses the flow cell and eliminates any time averaging that would be occurring in the cell volume.

The flow cell has a volume of 500 ml empty and approx 400 ml with the probes inserted. This small volume will reduce the pumping time to get fresh formation water pumped through the cell.

1. Connect the pump outlet to the flow cell inlet. A slip in 6 mm OD disposable poly tube sleeve is used to connect the pump tube to the 3 way valve inlet tube. This can be discharged with the pump tubing as appropriate to avoid cleaning issues.
    
2. Connect the discharge hose to the flow cell if it is not already done so.
    
3. Ensure the 3 way valve is set to flow into the cell and not out the branch line. See arrows on top of the valve.
    
4. Place your probes into the flow cell
    
5. Start pumping
    
6. The cell has a volume of 400 ml and hence it will take at least 4 cycles of a Sample Pro pump to fill it.
    
7. Flow thru the cell for approx 5 minutes
    
8. Watch the water quality parameter readings on your meter to see when the appropriate parameters stabilise. DO and EC are the most reliable indicators and will stabilise last. To ascertain when stabilisation has been reached, observe 3 readings one minute apart. When they are in agreement then you can take your sample.
    
9. When stabilisation is reached, open the 3 way valve and let the water flow into you sample collection vessel
    
10.  Upon completion, rinse the flow cell out in clean water. The tube can be pulled off the base for cleaning.