Soil Sampling

There are two primary soil sampling methods using Direct Push Technology (DPT):

 

Discrete Depth Soil     Sampling Continuous Core Soil     Sampling

 
Discrete Depth Soil Sampling
Offers the benefits of collecting a soil sample from a discrete or isolated subsurface interval, without the need of extracting excess waste above the target depth. This method dramatically reduces time and cost associated with disposing of waste from soil cuttings. In addition, when specific intervals greater than fifteen feet are required, discrete depth soil sampling will speed up the sampling process.

Continuous Core Soil Sampling
Offers the benefits of a continuous log of soil lithology from surface to final depth. This method also dramatically reduces soil cuttings from traditional drilling applications. As with most direct push applications, it provides time and cost efficiencies over traditional drilling as well. Discrete Depth Soil Sampling and Continuous Core Soil Sampling are accomplished using three (3) types of tooling and samplers:

 

Large Bore Sampler Macro Core Sampler Dual Wall Sampling System

 

 

Large Bore Sampler

The Large Bore Sampler is used for discrete depth soil sampling. The sampler is comprised of a hollow cylindrical tube of hardened steel that measures two feet in length with an outside diameter (OD) of 1.5 inches. A removable cutting shoe and drive head are attached to either other of the sample tube. Each sampler houses replaceable inner sleeves to store the sample. Sample sleeves are available in different materials: clear Acetate or Teflon sleeves (1.125-inch diameter x 2-foot length), or brass or stainless steel sleeves (four sections of 1.125-inch diameter x 6-inch length). The final component of the system is a retractable drive point and piston, which remains stationery while driving, but is then released to collect the sample.

Large Bore Sampler Standard Operating Procedure

 

Macro Core Sampler

The Macro Core Sampler is used primarily for continuous core and discrete depth soil sampling. The sampler is comprised of a cylindrical hardened steel tube that measures 4 feet in length with an outside diameter (OD) of 2 inches. A removable cutting shoe and drive head are placed on either other of the sample tube. Each sampler houses replaceable inner sleeves to store the sample. Sample sleeves are available in different materials: clear acetate or Teflon sleeves (1.75-inch diameter x 4-foot length), or brass or stainless steel sleeves (eight sections of 1.75-inch diameter x 6-foot length). The final component of the system is a retractable drive point and piston, which remains stationary while driving, but is then released to collect the sample.

Macro Core Sampler Standard Operating Procedure

 

Dual Wall Sampling System

Vironex uses the Dual Wall Sampling System for discrete depth or continuous core soil samples when in collapsing hole conditions or when cross contamination between aquifers is a concern. The Dual Wall Sampler is comprised of two main components: an exterior steel casing and an inner window sheath or split spoon sampler. The casing and sampler are offered in two sizes:

Standard: The outer casing has a 2-inch outer diameter (OD) and a 1.5-inch inner diameter (ID). The split spoon is 2 feet in length with a 1.375-inch outside diameter (OD) and a 1-inch inner diameter (ID). Each split spoon sampler houses four 1-inch x 6-inch brass or stainless steel liners, or one 1-inch x 2-foot clear acetate liner. The standard dual wall sampling system is used with a Geoprobe 6600, 66DT, 5400, 5410, 54LT, and Vironex's limited access units.

Large: The outer casing has a 3.25-inch outer diameter (OD) and a 2-inch inner diameter (ID). The window sheath sampler is 2 feet in length with a 2-inch outside diameter (OD) and 1.75-inch inner diameter (ID). Each window sheath sampler houses four 1.75-inch x 6-inch brass or stainless steel liners, or one 1.75-inch x 2-foot clear acetate liner. The large dual wall sampling system is used with a Geoprobe 6600 and 66DT units.

Dual Wall Sampler Standard Operating Procedure