Automated system for collecting multiple, sequential samples from soil water percolation samplers under continuous vacuum

Lentz, R.D. (2006) Automated system for collecting multiple, sequential samples from soil water percolation samplers under continuous vacuum. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 37:1195-1203.

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Abstract

Manually collecting a series of sequential, discrete water samples from
soil water percolation samplers, or similar devices that withdraw water from unsaturated
porous media under continuous vacuum, is a logistical challenge, though the
resulting collection can provide valuable information on the dynamics present in
both laboratory and field studies. This article describes a sequential tension autosampler
(STAS) that executes such sampling automatically. The STAS operates on 12
volts direct current (VDC) and can be adapted for laboratory and field applications.
A data logger was programmed to operate a series of solenoid valves, which direct
soil water collected under tension to seven individual collection bottles. The number
of sequential samples, sample period, start time, and between-sample interval are
specified by the user. The operator only need to attend the system periodically to
transfer water samples to storage vials and program the next sampling sequence.
In a laboratory study, the apparatus successfully collected samples overnight or
over several days.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	1178
Subjects:	Percolation > Percolation sampler Research methodology Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Users 6 not found.
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:49
Last Modified:	01 Nov 2016 15:52
Item ID:	29
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/29