Syringe Testing

         Utilizing a basin, a separating cup, green food coloring, and water; the water tightness of the syringe was tested.  Submersion refers to an imitation of the angle and speed of the syringe as it (attached to the SeaPerch submersible device) makes it way to the sample site. Opening the syringe required pulling the plunger out under water. It was determined that this was not more difficult than pulling open an unsubmerged syringe. Emersion refers to the full syringe traveling from the sample site back to the surface of the water.


        First, the presence of outside water entering the syringe was tested. The water in the basin was colored dark green. The syringe, filled with clear water at the sample site was checked for the presence of green water. The only contamination was seen following the emersion of the test tube. The contamination did not enter the body of the syringe, even when inverted. Therefore, this problem can easily be eliminated by squirting 3-5 drops of fluid out of the test tube before utililzing the sample. The test was repeated with green water inside the test tube and clear water in the basin. The experiment showed no fluid leaked from the syringe to the surrounding water.



Syringe Testing Results

	Submersion			Opening the Syringe			Emersion
	Trial 1	Trial 2	Trial 3	Trial 1	Trial 2	Trial 3	Trial 1	Trial 2	Trial 3
Presence of Outside Water Inside the Syringe	None	None	None	None	None	None	Several Drops in Nozzle	None	Several Drops in Nozzle
Presence of Sample Water Outside of the Syringe	None	None	None	None	None	None	None	None	None