Window Sampling Explained

September 24, 2014

Window sampling is a technique whereby steel tubes (with cut out windows) are driven into the soil with a mechanical (petrol, electric or hydraulic) hammer and extracted manually or hydraulically.

The samplers will show a virtually undisturbed horizon for logging and (sub) sampling. Depending on geology they can achieve sampling depths of up to 10 metres although more realistically, if used day in day out, are very suitable for repetitive use to 6-8 metres. A different type of attachment can also be used to retrieve the samples in a liner.

A typical window sampling set to achieve depths of 6 metres will weigh in the region of 200 kg with the heaviest item being the hammer at 25 kg. As such it is a very mobile system which can be used in remote and difficult to access sampling points.

Our window sampling sets have been sold across the world to researchers, geologists, geographers and archaeologists to name but a few.

More recently they have been used by mineral exploration companies who have found them of particular benefit in sampling to the saprolite horizon.

Advantages:

–  Very mobile and relatively light weight

–  Produce virtually undisturbed samples for accurate horizon evaluation

–  Low maintenance and high reliability

–  Relatively low cost.

Disadvantages:

–  Needs to be operated by two people

–  Not suitable for drilling in rocky conditions.

The Van Walt team has more than 30 years’ experience in sampling, monitoring and drilling in the research, mineral exploration, contracting, educational and environmental sectors. We are always pleased to help find the right equipment for a project and we support every purchase with onsite training and dedicated after sales service, wherever the location.

Training on our drilling equipment has taken place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Dubai, India, Spain, Ireland and extensively throughout the UK

To see our Window Sampling System in action view the video here.