Constant Head Permeameters

Several years ago CSSi started using permeameters and quickly discovered how useful and cost-effective they are for site assessments.

The field saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) of soil is easily determined when using the permeameter. The stable rate of fall of water through the permeameter (in millimeters) when multiplied by the corresponding soil factor for the size of augered hole produces the Kfs value.

To make the translation of the data easier we calculated soil factors based on research by Mooers and Waller (1) that apply to CSSi permeameters and make the calculation of Kfs much easier.

(1) Mooers, J.D., and D.H. Waller, 1993 ON-Site Wastewater Disposal in Nova Scotia, Final Report, On-Site Wastewater Research Program Phase 2 1990-1993.  Technical University of Nova Scotia

Advantages of CSSi Permeameters:

• Much faster test:  In sandy loams and loams a permeameter test typically takes between 15 - 20 minutes.  A properly conducted perc test in the same soil would take between 8 and 12 hours with presoaking and two draw downs.
  
• Very small amount of water needed . Usually 5 to 10 L per test is required.
  
• Controlled parameters: The size of the hole is controlled by the auger, the head of water driving the flow through the soil is constant, and the amount of water that permeates from the hole is precisely measured in milliliters. The more variables that can be controlled, the more repeatable the test should be.
  
• Variable depths: Holes can be augered and tests conducted between 30 cm - 70 cm with relative ease.
  
• Client's perspective. The permeameter is seen as a scientific instrument that can be easily explained and takes very little time.
  
• More hydraulic conductivity determinations per site.  Evaluators can easily conduct at least 6 - 7 tests per site within a couple of hours.
  
• No cheating necessary: Since the permeameter test is so quick and has the controlled permeameter noted above, no cheating is necessary and results are more consistent.
  
• Easy calculation of Kfs: The soil factors prepared by CSSi based on research make the calculation of Kfs easy.

 

Testing tips:

• The permeameter is used to determine Kfs, the field saturated hydraulic conductivity.
• Dig your test pits first to determine the design depth and depth for the permeameter tests.
• It is cost-effective to conduct 2 or 3 constant head permeameter tests at one time.
• We recommend a minimum of 6 - 7 permeameter tests within or just downslope of the proposed soil infiltration area.
• With the huge time savings you should find that the permeameters completely pay for themselves in the first one to three jobs.
• Ensure permeameters are securely supported when not in use-they can break if allowed to fall.
• Use a stony auger to control hole size when augering permemeter holes in gravelly soils.
• Check holes for smearing caused by the auger in finer textured soils

Price:

4" Permeameter $499 + shipping + tax

If a second permeamter is ordered at the same time, it is $399

Operating Instructions and Permeameter Log Sheets

Once you have purchased a permeameter, CSSi will email you a link that will allow you to print out the Permeameter Sheets and the Permeameter Summary Form.

(In the past we included a CD with operation instructions and the appropriate log sheets)

Augers:

 CSSi sells two types of 3" augers that are made in Holland.

• Regular auger : The tines are joined at the bottom. It lifts soil out of the hole well, but it doesn't work as well in gravelly soil.

Regular soil auger: $149 + shipping + tax

• Stoney soil auger : We have found this auger to generally be more useful. The two tines protrude outward and tend to pull gravel into the hole. However, sometimes you need to use your hand to cleanout the bottom of the hole.

Stoney soil auger: $159 + shipping + tax

 

 

Note: CSSi is looking for a larger diameter auger (4") which would make it easier to use your hand to cleanout the bottom of the hole. If you have found such an auger we would be pleased to hear about it.

Sand Gravel Screens

• When logging test pits the coarse fraction should be separated from the sand/silt/clay fraction. This enables one to do a fairly quick and accurate assessment of the coarse fraction.
• Screening greatly facilitates hand texturing since small stones that interfere with casting and ribboning are not there.

 

Coarse fraction screen:$39 + $ 5 packaging & handling + shipping + tax

Soil Texture Sample Kit -SALE- are you unsure of the difference between a    Sandy Loam and a Sandy Clay Loam? CSSi has just brought in a Soil Texture sample kit containing 11 different soil types from the soil texture triangle. There are 13 types in the soil triangle. One never occurs in British Columbia and Alberta - sandy clay.  The other is pure silt which is also very rare in nature.

         

1. Sand
2. Loamy Sand
3. Sandy Loam
4. Loam                               
5. Silt Loam
6. Sandy Clay Loam
7. Clay Loam
8. Silty Clay Loam
9. Clay
10. Silty Clay
11. Muck (Organic Soil)  

       

 

Soil sample kit:  $179 + $5 packaging and handling + shipping + tax

 

Sale price: $129 + shipping + tax  and for $15 more you can get the 2 mm sand gravel sieve.