The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in conjunction with Battelle Ocean Sciences will design, construct, test, and evaluate a new integrated, in-situ, sea water sampler and data collecting system. Design criteria calls for the ability to collect at least 36 discrete water samples, of up to 10 liters each, from ocean depths down to 6,000 meters in significantly less time than now required. Water sample integrity will be maintained without chemical contamination from component parts during all phases of operation from collection through transfer to storage containers or to shipboard analytical instruments. Provision will also be made for the integration of certain commercially available instruments. Sample containers will positively seal to prevent contamination from outside or loss of gases from the sample prior to transfer. A deck unit will control the sample collection mechanism of the underwater unit. A handling system will be supplied that will allow the deployment and recovery of the underwater unit, including attachments. Secure stowage of the underwater unit on deck between deployments will be integral to the handling system. The handling and stowage system shall be designed as an integral part of the sampling system and shall be transportable for use on a variety of oceanographic vessels. The extensive hydrographic survey plans and scientific goals of upcoming projects necessitate development of a new sampler with improved capabilities. Improvements over present samplers will be realized in terms of the efficiency and reliability of sample and data collection.
