Samplers

Sediment Sampling - Samplers

Sediment and sludge sampling requires a completely different set of tools to soil sampling. Sediment, by its nature is usually sloppy and waterlogged and sample retention more difficult than a cohesive soil.

Van Walt has many different devices for sampling sediments. It’s just a matter of choosing the correct tool for the conditions.

Multi-Sampler

The Multisampler comprises a transparent acrylic tube with a piston arrangement. It captures samples within the tube and they can be visually inspected. The Multisampler can only be used for the top metre of sediment. The cutting head can easily be exchanged with one which contains a check valve to prevent the sample from falling out. The Multisampler can be easily disassembled and apart from the acrylic tube (which can be capped for transport), all remaining parts are stainless steel for easy decontamination.

Van Veen Grab

Van Veen Grab

Semi disturbed sampling of river and lake beds, large sumps. The Van Veen Grabs take a surface sample only. They are suspended by wire so can easily be deployed. Sizes range from 0.5 to 12 litres capacity

Ekman Sampler

Ekman Sampler

This stainless steel sampler is intended for use in soft sediment that is free from debris and plant growth. Samples can be taken from top layers and spring loaded jaws prevent loss of material as long as there are no small stones or stalks to prevent closure. A sample can be viewed through an opening in the top before the sample is retrieved. The 3.5 litre sampler comes complete with synthetic line to reach a depth of 30 m.

Beeker Sampler

This is the most sophisticated sediment sampler. Completely undisturbed samples are captured in an acrylic sampling tube. An inflatable bladder resides within the cutting shoe to ensure perfect sample retention. The Beeker sampler can be inserted in a closed position to the required sampling horizon then opened. The Beeker sampler is perfect for a visual assessment of the often critical water/sediment interface. Sub-samples can easily be obtained by a laboratory partitioning system.

Free Fall Corer

Free Fall Corer

The free fall corer is a weighted acrylic tube which is dropped into the sea or lake and inertia drives the 1 metre long sampling tube into the (sea) bed. Ideal when working from a ship for rapid assessment of the top metre of seabed.

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