Go-Flow Bottle: Understanding Water Sampling Instruments, Operations, and Pros and Cons

Watersampling is the process of collecting a quantity of water from a water source for the purpose of analyzing water quality. It is carried out to ensure that water consumed or used by humans, animals, or plants is safe and healthy. Additionally, watersampling is conducted to monitor the environmental water quality, such as in rivers, lakes, or oceans, and to evaluate the impact of human or natural activities on water quality. Proper sampling techniques and sample processing are crucial in watersampling to ensure accurate and reliable analysis results.

Go-Flow Bottle is a type of bottle utilized in the process of water sampling. This instrument is designed to enable the collection of water samples from various depths and locations with better control over the quality of the samples taken. The use of this bottle is prevalent in field surveys or measurements, particularly in environmental research or water resource management industries.
The water sampling instrument Go-Flow Bottle generally incorporates several specific features:

  1. Controlled sample collection mechanism: The bottle is equipped with a particular mechanism that allows users to collect water samples from desired depths. This can be done by closing the bottle at a specific point during descent or ascent via a connected line.
  2. Adjustable lid: Go-Flow Bottle lids are often designed to open and close in certain situations, enabling users to control the flow and quantity of water entering the bottle during sample collection.
  3. Contamination-resistant material: Typically, the materials used in these bottles are non-reactive with water or other components present in the aquatic environment. This helps maintain the integrity of the collected samples.
  4. Sterilization and cleaning capabilities: Given the importance of preventing sample contamination, many Go-Flow bottles are designed for easy cleaning and sterilization after use.
  5. Varied capacities and designs: These bottles are available in various sizes and designs, catering to the user’s needs and the intended purpose of water sample collection.

The Go-Flow Bottle water sampling instrument is highly useful in obtaining representative and accurate water samples from diverse depths and areas while ensuring that the collected samples remain uncontaminated during the collection and storage process.

How Go-Flow Bottle Work

GO-Flo water sampling bottles are designed for collecting water samples for various analyses, such as trace metals, nutrients, and pigmentsThey feature a close-open-close operation, which allows for efficient and contamination-free sampling
Here’s how the GO-Flo water sampling bottle works:

  1. Hydrostatic pressure activation: The GO-Flo sampling bottle opens automatically when it reaches a depth of approximately 10 meters (33 feet) due to the hydrostatic pressure
  2. Sampling: The bottle collects water samples as it descends and ascends, avoiding contamination at the surface and internal spring contamination
  3. Closing: The bottle can be closed by a standard GO Devil messenger (model 1000-MG), which can be used individually, serially, or sequentially by remote command with a model 1018 or 1015 Rosette® multi-bottle array
  4. Inert gas injection: Inert gas can be injected into the bottle to force the retrieved sample out of the sampling valve, directly through the filter system
  5. Compatibility: The GO-Flo sampling bottle can be fitted to the SBE-32 water sampling rosette for autonomous or real-time closure, or it can be clamped to a cable and closed via messenger when retrieved

The GO-Flo water sampling bottles are made of non-metallic, high-impact ABS plastic and can be ordered in various sizes, such as 5L and 12L. Additionally, they can be equipped with Teflon coatings for trace-metal analysis

Go-Flow Bottle Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths of the Go-Flow Bottle include:

  1. Good Sample Control: The Go-Flow Bottle allows users to control the sampling of water from various depths, ensuring more representative samples.
  2. Structured Design: It is designed to maintain the integrity of water samples by using materials that are resistant to contamination.
  3. Flexibility and Environmental Suitability: Available in various sizes and designs, enabling adaptation for sampling needs in diverse environments.
  4. Ease of Cleaning and Sterilization: Many Go-Flow Bottles are designed for easy cleaning and sterilization after use, ensuring subsequent samples are not contaminated.
  5. Availability of Various Models: There is a range of models and brands available to choose from, catering to specific user needs.

Weakness of the Go-Flow Bottle include:

  1. Limited Capacity: The capacity of the Go-Flow Bottle might not be sufficient for sampling large volumes of water or situations where a substantial sample size is required.
  2. Complexity of Use: Some models may require technical understanding and precise settings to ensure proper sampling, which might necessitate specific training or expertise.
  3. Depth or Location Limitations: There are restrictions related to the depth or specific areas accessible by the bottle, depending on the specific design or model.
  4. Mechanical Failure Potential: Like other mechanical devices, there’s a possibility of mechanical failures in the Go-Flow Bottle that could affect sampling efficiency.
  5. Cost and Maintenance Expenses: Some advanced models of the Go-Flow Bottle might incur higher costs, both in initial purchase and maintenance expenses or component replacements.

Writer : Hilmi Fawwaz Putra

Leave a Reply