Pressure/Vacuum Soil Water Sampler

The use of pressure/ vacuum soil samplers is an effective and reliable method for monitoring the vadose zone, an area of unsaturated soil above the groundwater table. By monitoring the vadose zone, potential hazards from leaking landfills, underground storage tanks, pesticide applications and various environmental hazards can be identified before reaching groundwater. The pressure/vacuum sampler consists of a PVC body with a porous ceramic cup bonded to one end and two access tubes. To collect the sample, a pressure/vacuum pump is used to create a vacuum in the sampler. After the soil water is collected, the hand pump is then used to pressurize the sampler using one access tube, forcing the sample out of the second access tube. Nylon compression fittings are threaded into the top cap and are used to attach lengths of polyethylene tubing for surface access.

Installation requires a bore hole diameter of 3 to 6 inches, depending on soil conditions. Additional accessories required are polyethylene tubing, hand pump, neoprene tubing and pinch clamps to seal access tubes. Silica flour may be used to surround the ceramic cup, providing good hydraulic contact with the soil (recommended usage is approximately 10.0 lb. per bore hole). A stainless steel coupling is also offered to connect PVC casing to the sampler when PVC casing is used to route the access tubes and protect them from shifts in the formation. Each sampler measures 1.9" in diameter and is 24" long.