Lysimeters - Soil Measurement Systems

Description

Lysimeters can be installed in above ground boxes or at great depths. All welded 316 stainless steel and porous stainless steel construction eliminates glue or plastics which can break down over time. Will not adhere to organics and most inorganics.

Suction lysimeters collect pore water from unsaturated soil. A constant vacuum source draws pore water into the lysimeter through a porous, stainless steel membrane. Pore water samples are brought to the surface by applying vacuum or pressure. Suction Lysimeters are most suitable in moist soil (tension less than 500 mbar) and can also be installed below the water table.

Models

Finding the right model for your project depends on how deep you are installing

SW-070-540 / Dual Chamber / deeper than 10’ (3m) BGS

Dual Chamber Lysimeter
SW-070-540

Specifications:

Outside Diameter: 2”

Total length: 25.5”

Chamber: 540ml

The dual chamber lysimeter is recommended for sampling unsaturated or saturated materials at depths greater than10 feet (3 m).

During sampling, vacuum is applied to the vacuum/pressure line, while keeping the fluid return line closed. For moist soil the optimum vacuum is about 300 mbar. Vacuum can be supplied with the battery powered vacuum pump from Soil Measurement Systems (Model SW-073).

The partial vacuum in the lysimeter draws pore water into the lower chamber of the lysimeter through its porous stainless steel walls. From there it is drawn into the upper chamber where it is stored.

The fluid is brought to the surface by applying positive pressure to the vacuum/pressure line and opening the fluid return line, forcing the fluid up to the surface and into a collection bottle. A stainless steel check valve prevents back flow of the fluid from the upper chamber into the lower chamber and the soil around the lysimeter.

Sampling duration depends on the amount of sample required, the soil type, and the soil moisture content. Sampling times can vary from less than 1 hour in wet soil, to more than 1 day in drier soil.

SW-071-260 / Single Chamber / down to 10’ (3m) BGS

Single Chamber Lysimeter
SW-071

Specifications:

Outside Diameter: 2”

Total length: 18”

Chamber: 260ml

The single chamber lysimeter is recommended for sampling down to 10 ft (3 m).

During sample collection, a constant vacuum is applied to the lysimeter through the vacuum/pressure line, while keeping the fluid return line closed. For moist soil the optimal vacuum is about 300 mbar.

Vacuum can be supplied with the battery powered vacuum pump from Soil Measurement Systems (Model SW-073). The partial vacuum in the lysimeter draws pore water into the lysimeter through the porous stainless steel walls of the upper part of the lysimeter.

The fluid is brought to the surface by applying positive pressure to the vacuum/pressure line and opening the fluid return line. The applied pressure forces the fluid up to the surface and into a collection bottle.

Sampling duration depends on the amount of sample required, the soil type, and the soil moisture content. Sampling times can vary from less than 1 hour in wet soil, to more than 1 day in drier soil.

SW-074-4 / Small Single Chamber / above ground sampling

Above Ground Lysimeters
SW-074 and SW-078

Specifications:

Outside Diameter: .875”

Total length: 11.5”

The small single chamber lysimeter is recommended for sampling down to approximately 5 feet (1.5 m). It has a bubbling pressure of 700 mbar.

One of the two 1/8" OD stainless steel outlets can be connected with tubing to a vacuum source, with a collection bottle in between. Vacuum can be supplied with the battery powered vacuum pump from Soil Measurement Systems (Model SW-073).

For moist soil the optimal vacuum is about 300 mbar, but higher levels of vacuum may be used. The partial vacuum draws the fluid through the porous stainless steel walls of the lysimeter and up into a collection bottle.

The second outlet is opened at the end of sampling to empty the fluid lines. Sampling duration depends on the amount of sample required, the soil type, and the soil moisture content. Sampling times can vary from less than 1 hour in wet soil, to more than 1 day in drier soil.

Tubing, unions and clamps available from SMS.

SW-074-8 / Horizontal Single Chamber / above ground sampling