Instructions for Returning SBE 41 and 41CP CTDs to Sea-Bird for Argo Float Druck Pressure Sensor Warranty Replacement

Sea-Bird will pay the two-way freight and customs costs to return CTDs to our factory in Bellevue, Washington for warranty repair work for Druck pressure sensors.

• The instructions on this page are for customers who have the technical skills and experience to dismount the CTDs from the floats. Before proceeding, verify that the float manufacturer has agreed that you can dismount the CTDs from the floats.

1. Dismount the CTD from the float.
2. Remove the antenna from the CTD.
3. Store the float and antenna; ship the CTD to Sea-Bird. See Administrative Instructions below.

• If the float manufacturer has not agreed that you can dismount the CTDs from the floats, please discuss with the float manufacturer how to handle the return of  floats to them. The float manufacturer will dismount the CTDs and ship them to Sea-Bird.

Contact Cheryl Reed (creed@seabird.com, 425-643-9866 x3244).
If Cheryl is not available, Heddy Gundersen (hgundersen@seabird.com, 425-643-9866 x3204) is the alternate contact.
Please be prepared to provide the information below:

1. Obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number and arrange shipping:

• Provide a full list of the serial numbers for the CTDs.
• Provide number of boxes/pieces, weight, and dimensions.
• Indicate if shipping via FedEx is acceptable. If so, we will provide you with Sea-Bird's FedEx account number.
• If shipping by air carrier is preferable, indicate closest airport of departure so we can arrange return shipping for you.

2. Provide information on your deployment urgency:

• Indicate your cruise schedule.
• Indicate if this is a hard date or if a delay is possible.

3. Provide information on large shipments (20 or more CTDs):

• Indicate if Sea-Bird can split return shipments; if yes, indicate the quantities.

4. Provide Sea-Bird authorization for replacement of the current Druck pressure sensor with your selection of one or more of the following alternatives:

• Screen-tested Druck pressure sensor -- These sensors have passed a screening test at Sea-Bird for the cracked glass-to-metal seal and edge pinhole flaws. Approximately 130 of these sensors are available immediately, and an additional 130 will be available 31 August 2009.
• Paine pressure sensor -- These sensors are expected to drift about + 5 decibars in the first 1 to 2 years, and then be relatively stable. These sensors are available immediately, but only a limited stock is available.
• Kistler pressure sensor -- These new sensors have been developed in a 5-year effort with Sea-Bird, and are now ready to use. Approximately 100 of these sensors will be available 31 August 2009, and an additional 100 per month thereafter.
• New-production Druck pressure sensor -- The production process will be modified to eliminate the cracked glass-to-metal seal and edge pinhole flaws. These sensors will be available approximately 30 September 2009.

Last modified: 26-Apr-2010

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