All it takes forenvironmental research

Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment, december 2005

GeijktNieuws

N e w s l e t t e r 22

Theme:

Measuring andMonitoringIncluded in this number:

• SonicSampDrill B.V.

• e-SENSE in United Kingdom

• Groundwater monitoring

• Submerged soils / sediment

• Water sediment sampling

• e+ WATER L

• e+ SOIL MCT

• Divernews

If one wants to do vertical or 3Dgroundwater profiling, more wells areneeded in the same location atdifferent depths. Making one largeborehole and installing a complex wellwhich consists of a number of filtersections is an option. Incorrectapplication of filter sand and bentoniteor settling of filter sand and bentonitewhen the casing is pulled may causewrong layers that are sampled, causeplugging of the screens, causeunwanted vertical flows in theborehole or even cause spreading ofthe pollutants. Using a multilevel wellwill take care of these problems.

Based on an already existing tube withseven sections (Multi Channel tube)Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment hasdeveloped consumables and an applicationtechnique that allows speedy and simpleinstallation of a Multi Channel Well inalmost all situations. It is especially effectivewith an 88 x 65 mm (Sonic drilling) casingbut can also be used in boreholes up to100 mm. The central tube of the MultiChannel Well will get water from thelowest prefab filter. Up to six ports can beopened from the side of the tube with aspecial tool at higher levels. ExtrudedBentoBlocks, sand-bentonite catchers andeasy slip-on prefab filters now make itpossible for less experienced drill crews toassemble and install a Multi Level Well in avery short time. (1 hour for assembling acomplete seven channel well and an

additional 20 minutes to lower this well in a casing). The result will be aMultilevel well with no doubt about the bentonite being in the correctplace.

BentoniteWhile lowering the pre-mounted Multi channel tube into the casing (orsmall diameter borehole) short sections of half round bentonite collars(“BentoBlocks”) are stacked around the tube and located between thesand-bentonite catchers. Due to these catchers the well can be backfilledimmediately once the casing is pulled up. Well development can be donewhether before or after complete swelling so within the first hour afterwetting or after at least three days of swelling of the BentoBlocks. Apartfrom the seven channel tubing there also is a three channel variety availablewith all the consumables to assemble a three level well in a short time.Currently the MCW7 with the shown consumables is used in a researchdone by the Dutch State Institute for Environmental Research (RIVM) on thespreading of nitrates in groundwater.

SonicSampDrill equipmentMonitoring well installation cannot be done without knowing the (hydrauliccharacteristics) of the soil profile. The Sonic drill rig is equipped with a 2, 3or 4 m long so called AquaLock piston sampler. This revolutionary andextremely sturdy piston sampler operates with a water blocked and waterpowered piston. The piston can be blocked in the cutting head bypressurising the sampler body. Then the sampler is vibrated to samplingdepth and, by lowering a special tool, a valve is released that will allow thepiston to move freely allowing the AquaLock sampler to be vibrated downthe required number of meters to get a core sample. By inertia the pistonstays at a stable level while the piston sampler body cuts a nearly perfectcore of a large variety of soil types. Then the valve is closed again and thesampler is retrieved and tilted horizontally. With a high-pressure waterpump, the piston is activated to slowly push out the sample forinterpretation, sub sampling and so on.

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Multilevel well material

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Short timeIn this way the levels are determined fore.g. a Direct Well or the seven levels of aMulti Channel Well. Currently casings 63,88 and 100 mm outside diameter all withlost points are available to install single andmulti wells or other equipment like seismicexplosives. Depth specific saturated coursesand with shingles samples have beentaken with the Aqualock at - 55 metersbelow soil surface within a very short time.

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As from the 1st of January in 2006:The company SonicSampDrill B.V. willbe a fact.

SonicSampDrill B.V. is a daughter of Eijkelkamp EarthSampling Group B.V and is located in the building acrossthe street from Eijkelkamp and is ran by Fons Eijkelkampand his son Huug Eijkelkamp. SonicSampDrill B.V. willmarket world wide all the technology gathered aroundSonic sampling and drilling in Eijkelkamp. Together Fonsand Huug Eijkelkamp will further develop the technologyand the markets using the facilities of Eijkelkamp AgrisearchEquipment as much as possible.

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MultisamplerThe multisampler is multifunctional. Samples can be taken from very pollutedwater (e.g. from the liquid in a sewer). When the ball valve is replaced with anopen sample ring, undisturbed column samples can be taken from thesubmerged soils, sand collectors, settling beds, crystallising baths, etc. Thesample tube is transparent, meaning the sampling and sample can beimmediately visually examined from the outside. The integrated piston preventsthe compression of the sample to a large degree and prevents the sample fromfalling out the tube in many cases. The materials used permit use in waterychemicals. In fluids, both column and point sampling are possible. By taking100 ml sample per point, a mixed sample of 1000 ml can already be obtainedwith the device without difficulty using funnels and pots. In submerged soils,the multisampler provides excellent 1-metre long profile descriptions when itcan penetrate 1 metre. A sample taken can be transported in the sample tubeor placed in a sample pot or bucket.

Piston samplerThe piston sampler sets are ideal for taking samples from less cohesive soillayers below the (ground)water level to a depth of 5 metres. The samplestaken are not very disturbed and sufficiently suitable for accurate profiledescription. For the 01.09.SA set, a piston sampler is used with a samplegutter to empty out the sampler. The sampler and various accessories aretransported in the field in a carrier bag. The 01.09.SB set with a divisible pistonsampler can be used to take samples of various lengths using the piston tubeswith lengths of 50, 100 and 150 cm.

For years, the Beeker sampler has beenthe best solution for profiling undisturbedsamples of submerged soils. The samplesare placed in a transparent tube. Theoriginal stratification of the soil isretained in the sample, meaning a clearprofile description can be made.Eijkelkamp now has a new version of theBeeker sampler called the 'SedimentSampler, type Beeker'.

Comprehensive set 04.23.SBThere may be various reasons for notprocessing the sample in the field: • The need to avoid air contact as much as

possible• Greater risk of cross-contamination in the

field• More accurate processing is possible at the

home base• Profile description can then be made at the

home base in consultation with soil expertor specialist

• Leaching test can be carried out directly onthe sample in its long tube

• Leaching tests on individual sample tubes(per 10 cm) are possible

• Processing without oxygen contact (i.e. in anitrogen environment) is possible

• For reasons of environmental hygiene• To prevent smearing of the sample from top

to bottom (i.e. in the opposite direction toany smearing while taking the sample).

• In order to examine the transition layerwater —> sludge (with microfauna and flora)better and completely undisturbed, or tocarry out redox measurements in this layer,for example.

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Submerged soils / sediment

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The environmental quality of soil isdetermined by measuring theconcentrations of contaminants in thesoil and groundwater,

Monitoring well pipesThe monitoring wells pipes of Eijkelkamp areavailable in various materials and diametersand are supplied in PE packaging. All pipessatisfy the following:• Dust and grease free• Leak proof connections• Large open surface• Standardised slot width

Quality monitoring well new size 60 +70The quality monitoring well includes a minigasket of flattened spongy material thatswells up immediately when it is exposed towater. This mini-gasket prevents the inflowof sand until the bentonite swells up.Because the bentonite is now certainlyapplied in the right layer and evenlydistributed around it, the bentonite gasketcan provide a revolutionary qualityimprovement to fieldwork. With many soiltypes, the new filter with filter sand aroundthe perforated pipe will provide more waterper minute, meaning a round of samplingcan be done more quickly. The lifespan ofthe monitoring well pipe is also greatlyincreased. Time-saving relating to the classicmonitoring well is principally achieved withthe ready-to-use filter and the fact that nomore pallets of filter sand are needed, nograins of sand find their way into the

cartridge and you no longer need to take more sand and monitoring wellparts than are strictly necessary with you.

Direct-WellThe Direct-Well is a monitoring well comprising a 1-metre long filter tubewith an external diameter of 32 mm. On the filter there is a stainless steeladapter with above it a hose connection for 10 x 12 mm tubing. Whenplacing the Direct-Well, bentonite gaskets are threaded over the full lengthof the tubing. These ensure that the closed end of the monitoring well pipein the ground is sealed as prescribed.

Mini filterFour disposable filters for infiltration of groundwater are available. One ofthese is the mini filter 12.30.01. This has an effective filtration area of 20 cm2

and is suitable for the filtration of a limited quantity of groundwater withouttoo many small particles. All filters have a pore size of 0.45 microns, amaximum operating pressure of 4310 hPa and a maximum short-timepressure of 6865 hPa.

Groundwater monitoring

PRODUCT NEWSThe sampling of sediments at greaterdepths is done using cable-operatedsamplers.

Van Veen grabsThese stainless steel Van Veen grabs areused to take mixed samples from thebottom of lakes and rivers. Various designsare available. The smaller designs are hand-operated. The claws open on the surfaceand are secured with a hook. The Van Veengrab is lowered at an even speed (not too

fast) and in an open state. There are holes in the claw halves to allow air toescape when lowering the sampler. The hook releases the claws as soon asthe claws hit the bottom. The claws close automatically they are raised usingthe chord.

New!The design of the Van Veen grabs was recently changed slightly. The clawsnow fall over each other instead of next to each other and the outflow holeshave been enlarged and placed higher in the grab so that the air flows outmore quickly.

Water sediment sampling

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powerful and it therefore needed special presentation and instructions to makeits features obvious and easy to understand.

Co-operationCo-operation between these companies is not new. Van Walt has been the UKand Ireland agent for the past 25 years. More recently they have been presentingvery successful training courses for Soil and Groundwater Monitoring togethersince 2003. Over the years a good level of understanding and a close workingrelationship has been established and it was felt that the product would benefitfrom the synergy generated by this close association.

AspectsThe work involved two main aspects, marketing and product presentation and aclear and effective product manual. The marketing side was carried out by VanWalt in association with Direct Design Associates (DDA), a professional UK webdesign company who has been responsible for the Van Walt web site since2001. As part of this marketing strategy a flash film was produced to describethe product in a clear 3D animated film. The flash movie performs the task ofshowing how to use the equipment in a very clear way. Flash also showed itselfto be a very practical tool to present a significant impression of the e-SENSEspecial features such as the early warning system.

ManualThe manual was the responsibility of Eijkelkamp's Communications andMarketing Manager Laura van der Lecq who visited the UK a number of times toliaise with Van Walt and DDA to produce a comprehensive manual. Manycomponents of the manual and the marketing film are common.

Have a lookThe co-operation was very successful and the shared resources and material haveresulted in a harmonious, pleasant and easy to understand presentation of bothmarketing material and manual and you can view both online atwww.eijkelkamp.com or http://www.vanwalt.com/e-SENSE.htm

Eijkelkamp co-operates with their UK agentVan Walt Ltd in a project to develop themarket for the e-SENSE range of products.

e-SENSE is a telemetry system for e+ sensorswhich measure environmental data such aswater level and temperature, rainfall, soilmoisture, soil conductivity and soiltemperature. The combination of e-SENSEtelemetry and e+ sensors form a powerfulearly warning system which is able to generateevent specific alarms. e-SENSE telemetry canalso be used for remote reading andprogramming of the DIVER range of waterlevel loggers.

FlexibleWhereas e-SENSE is more or less a plug andplay system, it is also very flexible and

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e-SENSE in United Kingdom

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e+ SOIL MCT

The e+ SOIL MCT measures the moisture content, electrical conductivityand temperature of the soil. The measured data is saved internally andcan be connected to the e-SENSE telemetry system, so that currentvalues can be compared with the freely adjustable alarm levels andaction can be taken remotely in response to them.

The measurement principle of the sensor is based on the 'Frequency DomainMethod (FD)'. The sensor contains a special chip to determine the volumetric watercontent and the electrical conductivity from the data. The integrated softwareautomatically adjusts the conductivity for the measured temperature. In addition, thesoil-specific calibration is simple owing to a 2-point calibration that the user can sethimself/herself.

Applications:• Agricultural, horticultural and botanical research to, for example, monitor and

control irrigation parameters • Fields where the current changes in moisture content are important• Before and during prolonged storage of foodstuffs • Irrigation• Agro-meteorological research/monitoring• Soil analysis• Environmental research/monitoring• Civil Engineering• Erosion• Research into the transport of foodstuffs in soil/water

Extended e+ SOIL MCT

In the meantime, Eijkelkamp has also incorporated standard extended e+ SOIL MCT

sensors in its range. Their extensions make measuring a profile easy. In addition, onecan now also change the batteries without disturbing the soil.

PRODUCT NEWSPRODUCT NEWS

e+ WATER LThe e+ WATER L was developed byEijkelkamp to answer the marketdemand for a simple easy-to-useinstrument for the accurate andsustainable measurement andregistration of surface water levels.Besides the requirements for reliabilityunder field conditions, accuracy andthe possibility of signalling an alertwere two important criteria.

The e+ WATER L is a water level sensor that issuitable for use with surface water. The e+WATER L makes a water level measurement witha resolution of 1 mm and an accuracy of ± 0.5cm and it does not need to be calibrated.

The sensor is resistant to climate effects, hasInternet data storage, can be read out remotelyand can be connected to the e-SENSE system.The measurement range is standard 150 cm.

Applications:• Open water (surface water)• Irrigation• Agro-meteorological research/monitoring• Environmental research/monitoring• Erosion

Length:The e+ WATER L is available in various lengths,namely half a metre, 1 metre, 1 metre 50 and 2metres.

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Rotek A/S is Eijkelkamp's distributor in Denmark and issituated in Sønder Felding in the western part of Jutlandand has recently sold two e-SENSE systems incombination with Diver to Mr. Torben Wandall fromAarhus County.

With more than 20 years in the business and a skilled,professional staff Rotek is capable of solving all jobs in the fieldof equipment for environmental investigation, of soilmechanics, well drilling, water treatment and all othercontractor jobs. Furthermore, in recent years Rotek has

specialised in the delivery of tailor-made equipment to complywith individual technological specifications and budgetlimitations associated with any project.

DiversAarhus County (Mr. Torben Wandall) has been using Divers, byVan Essen Instruments, for several years now and bought twoe-SENSE systems in the beginning of 2004. Aarhus has a veryold well in which the Geological Survey of Denmark andGreenland - GEUS and Aarhus County - has been measuringthe groundwater since 1950! But the well was placed insomeone's front yard and for this reason among others themeasuring needed to be replaced to another location in theneighbourhood.

e-SENSETo be sure that the new well was placed in the same aquifer as

Divers and e-SENSE inDenmark

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C O L O P H O N© 2005 - Geijkt News is published byEijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment.

Nijverheidsstraat 30, 6987 EMGiesbeek, The NetherlandsT +31 313 88 02 00F +31 313 88 02 99E info@eijkelkamp.com

Editorial address:Eijkelkamp AgrisearchEquipment.P.O. Box 4, 6987 ZG Giesbeek, The Netherlands

Editor:Laura van der Lecq

Printer: Drukkerij Hooiberg, Epe

Diver

the very old one, Aarhus installed Divers and the e-SENSEsystems in both wells. In this way they were able to comparethe two fluctuations over a certain period of time. The e-SENSEsystems were installed in February 2004 and representativesfrom both Eijkelkamp and Rotek were present.

HousingWhen installing e-SENSE in the old well, a problem arose. Itturned out not to be possible to install e-SENSE above theground, and the signal turned out to be too poor for theunderground housing to work properly… Therefore, by

suggestion from Aarhus County, Rotek had extended theantenna with a cable, which comes up from the ground and ishung in a bush. A creative solution and that works perfectly!

SuccessfulShortly after the installation Mr. Torben Wandall, the managerfrom Aarhus County, responsible for this project, was offered anew job within the county which left him with no time tohandle the e-SENSE systems. Therefore he hired an externalconsultant in the beginning of 2005: Lars Jensen, from Geo-Log. Mr. Jensen now controls the systems. He reports the databack to Torben Wandall every couple of weeks through e-mail This works very good now. Eijkelkamp, Rotek and AarhusCounty look back an a successful project and a greatcooperation.