Sounding preparation phases and schedule - RS41-SG - RS41-SGP

Ozone Sounding with DigiCORA software and RS41 User Guide

Document code
M213165EN
Revision
A
ft:locale
en-US
Product
RS41-SG
RS41-SGP
Document type
User guide
WARNING

The chemicals involved in an ozone sounding can be harmful, and must be handled with proper care. To ensure your working safety, take all the necessary precautions before beginning the preparations for a flight.

Read the sensor manuals carefully.

Follow the local laboratory work practices, regulations, and waste management guidelines.

Use disposable gloves to avoid dust and other contaminants. The gloves must be lint-free and made of artificial fabric or plastic. Note that the RSA411/RSA412 Ozone Interface Kit does not include gloves.

CAUTION To avoid any problems with the sounding, do not use the sensor loaded (pump-powered) with solutions, if the sensor is not connected to a powered interface, or if the anode and cathode wires are connected. The pump is allowed to be used only with NO-OZONE, or when the destruction filter is connected. Never use HI-OZONE.

Perform the preparations preferably at temperatures +20 ... +30 °C.

Prepare ozonesondes as instructed in GAW Report 268 in Chapter 4.2.2. and Annex A.

The preparation instructed in GAW Report 268 contains the following phases:

  • ECC sensor solution preparation
  • Advanced ozone preparation (3–30 days before flight)
  • Final pre-flight preparation (0–1 day preparation for launch)

In this manual, Vaisala instructs the flight box preparation, connecting the interface, interaction to radiosonde, and using the DigiCORA software during preparation and launch.

For preparing the ECC6A or ModelZ ozonesondes, always follow the Standard Operating Procedures. More detailed preparation instructions are given in GAW Report No. 268 Ozonesonde Measurement Principles and Best Operational Practices.

GAW Report 268 recommends using the following as sensing solutions:

SPC6A: 1.0 %, KI, full buffer (STT1.0)

EN-SCI Model Z: 0.5 % KI, half buffer (SST0.5)

The recommendation is only meant for new ozone sounding stations. The existing stations that perform long-term measurements must not change their sensing solution type or ECC type.

GAW Report 268 recommends recording 2 different background currents during the final pre-flight preparation:

  • IB0: after 10 minutes of ozone-free air before exposure of ozone.
  • IB1: after 10 minutes of ozone-free air after exposure of ozone (5 μA ozone equivalent of 170 - 180 ppbv).
With DigiCORA software, follow the recommendation in GAW Report 268 to enter IB1-background current (after exposure to ozone) into the software when background current value is requested.