ISCO 6712 Full-Size Portable Proportional Water Sampler

Overview

The ISCO 6712 Full-Size Portable Proportional Water Sampler is an industrial-grade, field-deployable automatic sampling system engineered for high-reliability, long-duration environmental monitoring in demanding wastewater, stormwater, and surface water applications. Built upon the proven architecture of the ISCO 6700 Series—widely recognized as the de facto industry standard for robustness and functional completeness—the 6712 integrates SDI-12 digital sensor compatibility, enabling seamless integration with modern flow meters, level sensors, and water quality probes. Its core sampling methodology relies on precision-controlled peristaltic pumping combined with programmable proportional logic, where sample volume or frequency is dynamically adjusted in direct relation to real-time flow rate signals (e.g., pulse output from magnetic or ultrasonic flowmeters). This ensures statistically representative composite sampling compliant with regulatory frameworks including U.S. EPA Method 1664, ASTM D5905, and ISO 5667-10. The unit operates autonomously for extended periods using either a 12 V DC battery or AC adapter, with onboard non-volatile memory retaining all program configurations and timestamps during power loss.

Key Features

• SDI-12 interface support for direct communication with digital flow and level sensors, eliminating analog signal drift and calibration dependency
• Rugged vacuum-formed ABS enclosure rated to NEMA 4X and IP67 standards—fully dust-tight and resistant to temporary immersion (1 m for 30 min)
• Ergonomic, glove-compatible handle and tapered 50.8 cm internal diameter profile optimized for manhole deployment and retrieval
• Thermally insulated base accommodating up to 13.5 kg of ice for refrigerated preservation; optional “Extra-Large Base” supports up to 21 L total sample capacity
• High-durability peristaltic pump with ≥1 million actuation cycles lifespan, ±5 mL or ±5% volumetric repeatability (whichever is greater), and automatic lift-height compensation via non-contact liquid detection
• Programmable sampling logic supporting time-based (isochronous), event-triggered, and flow-proportional modes—with up to 999 composite samples per sequence

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ISCO 6712 accommodates a broad range of container formats—including 24 × 1 L polypropylene bottles, 350 mL glass vials, disposable ProPak bags, 2 L and 3.8 L HDPE carboys, and a single 21 L reservoir—ensuring adaptability across regulatory sampling protocols (e.g., NPDES permit requirements, POTW pretreatment monitoring, CSO/SSO compliance). All wetted materials comply with U.S. FDA 21 CFR §177.1520 (polyolefins) and §177.1630 (ethylene vinyl acetate), minimizing leaching risk. The controller’s real-time clock maintains accuracy within ±1 minute per month, satisfying traceability mandates under GLP and ISO/IEC 17025. Data integrity is reinforced by non-volatile ROM storage, timestamped audit logs, and configurable alarm outputs (e.g., low battery, pump failure, lid open) compatible with SCADA systems via RS-232 or optional GSM/CDMA modems.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware provides five independent, password-protected sampling programs with full parameterization: sample volume (10–9990 mL, 1 mL increments), pre-sample tubing rinse cycles (0–9), retry attempts on aspiration failure (1–5), and pause/resume scheduling across up to nine weekly or event-defined windows. Flow-proportional mode accepts isolated dry-contact or 5–15 V DC pulse inputs with adjustable pulse-to-volume mapping (1–9999 pulses per sample). All configuration changes, sampling events, and diagnostic results are logged with ISO 8601 timestamps. Remote access—via modem or serial link—enables secure reprogramming, data extraction, and firmware updates without site visitation. Data export supports CSV format for direct ingestion into LIMS platforms or statistical analysis tools.

Applications

• Wastewater treatment plant influent/effluent compliance monitoring per EPA 40 CFR Part 136
• Combined sewer overflow (CSO) and sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) event characterization
• Stormwater runoff quality assessment aligned with NPDES MS4 Phase II requirements
• Industrial pretreatment program verification under local POTW ordinances
• Long-term ambient surface water quality trend analysis in rivers, lakes, and estuaries
• Calibration validation of continuous online analyzers (e.g., COD, TOC, NH₃-N) via discrete grab sampling

FAQ

What flow meter outputs are compatible with the ISCO 6712 for proportional sampling?
The controller accepts isolated dry-contact closure signals or 5–15 V DC pulse outputs with pulse widths ≥25 ms, supporting common electromagnetic, ultrasonic, and turbine flow meters.
Can the 6712 operate unattended for more than 72 hours?
Yes—typical field deployments exceed 14 days using a fully charged 12 V 22 Ah deep-cycle battery and ice-filled base, assuming moderate ambient temperatures and standard sampling frequency.
Is the firmware validated for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
While the device itself is not individually 21 CFR Part 11 certified, its audit-trail logging, electronic signature support via external authentication gateways, and data immutability features enable integration into Part 11–compliant laboratory workflows when deployed within a validated system environment.
Does the unit support remote diagnostics and firmware updates?
Yes—via optional integrated GSM/CDMA modem or external RS-232 connection, enabling remote command execution, error log retrieval, and over-the-air firmware upgrades.
How is sample integrity maintained during transport and storage?
The insulated base minimizes thermal gain; combined with ice mass up to 13.5 kg (or 21 L refrigerated volume with XL base), it sustains sample temperature ≤4 °C for ≥72 hours under ISO 5667-3 specified conditions.