Provides Biofouling Protection
To provide optimal protection, copper-based materials with antifouling properties are often coupled with mechanical systems that physically wipe or guard the sensing element between sampling intervals.
- 2 inches wide and 16 feet long (5 cm x 4.8 m)
- Adhesive backed
- Apply to conductivity-temperature probe, pH probes, and other probes
- Tape lasts approximately 4-6 weeks in water before beginning to show wear
Copper tape for water quality sondes and sensors provides biofouling protection and extends deployments.
Many water quality probes have either plastic or metal housings. While copper-alloy housings offer some measure of biofouling protection, plastic and metal (non-copper) housings do not. You can apply excellent anti-fouling protection to these probes by wrapping the housings in copper tape in a two-step treatment.
YSI copper AF tape has excellent anti-fouling properties and uses a very strong water resistant adhesive. However, if you apply copper tape directly to the probe, you could end up with a sticky mess later when the spent copper has to be removed. To prevent this from happening, first apply clear packing tape to the water quality sensors. The clear tape acts as a barrier and makes removal of the old copper tape much easier after deployment.
Cut a 3-inch piece of packing tape and press it onto the sensor so it is as tight and bubble free as possible. Press out any air bubbles or wrinkles by rubbing the surface with the body of a permanent marker.
Next cover the sensors with the copper tape. Press on the tape so it is as tight and bubble-free as possible. Press out any air bubbles or wrinkles by rubbing the surface with the body of a permanent marker. For the conductivity/temperature sensor, use a sharp Xacto knife to remove the tape from the round vent holes on the side of the probe.
You can expect the copper tape treatment to last 2-6 months before needing to remove and reapply the tape. It is a good idea to write the date applied on the taped sensor with the Sharpie marker.
Note: Do NOT apply copper tape to any EXO probes that will be submerged in Quinine Sulfate standard during an fDOM calibration. Quinine Sulfate will react negatively with the copper and degrade the standard. We recommend wrapping the sensors with copper tape after you have performed the Quinine Sulfate calibration.
