The processing of the water sample is automated in that after the user-initiated start the instrument continues the complete analyses without further interaction. Rinsing, repeated sampling, and flushing are performed automatically. Main process parameters like the number of rinsing cycles and repetitions of measurements are adjustable.

The temperature-controlled pre-bath is used to adjust the temperature of the water sample. Thus, the pre-bath prevents the transfer of heat into the main bath. It is not necessary to wait for a pre-adjustment of the temperature of the water samples. This guarantees rapid sample evaluation of water samples.

A comprehensive set of housekeeping data is continuously recorded to ensure that the measurement is always fully documented and thereby proofed, not guessed. Moreover, plausibility checks are performed continuously. The temperature of the main bath is determined with a precision of one milliKelvin and recorded together with the conductivity of the water sample. Temperature drifts of the main bath are continuously evaluated and the conductivity measurement pauses as soon as the drift gets too high for valid measurements.

The measurements and process controlling use technology which does not require manual range settings or manual standardization. The built-in processor controls all processes. The performance of these processes is documented for service purposes. Touch-screen, USB and Ethernet connectivity allow the communication with the Precision Salinometer.

The OPTIMARE Precision Salinometer is based on the development of Klaus Ohm, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. A combined work group consisting of OPTIMARE and Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (work group Dr. G. Budéus) developed the prototype.

The development was funded  through  EFRE of the EU and the Land Bremen according to grant 56012/2-Z by the BIS Bremerhaven Gesellschaft für Investionsförderung mbH.