Geoprobe Sampling
Geoprobe definition: A special drilling machine used to create soil borings as well as creating temporary groundwater monitoring wells.
When it comes to sampling the quality of soil, the most common method is still excavation. IN some cases though it makes sense to use the newer geoprobe technology as this allows for soil sampling with minimal disturbance of the surrounding environment. Geoprobe Direct Push Technology means that soil probes can now be conducted in nearly any place, making geoprobe sampling both cost effective and an efficient way to collect soil samples.
Modern geological probe units are attached to trucks, 4 wheel drive vehicles and ATV’s. These setups allow environmental contractors to easily access most any area for soil testing without any significant disturbance of the surrounding environment. It can be very effective when there is a question of an oil discharge, but excavating is not possible or cost effective.
The commonly used method for geoprobe soil sampling is through core soil samplers. These are simple units that have a hollow barrel which is pounded into the soil and then removed. The soil that remains in the barrel of the rod is then analyzed both visually and through laboratory analysis.
Some situations, such as samples from below the water table, require the use of a closed system. These are similar to the core soil samplers, but are piston sealed and can collect samples from much greater depths. It should be noted that when the sample needs to be collected from a depth greater than 15 feet it can be very time consuming to use this type of system.
In these cases a core piston rod soil sampling system is utilized. This type of sampler remains closed until it reaches the proper depth. At this point the operator opens the system and a sample is collected.
Utilizing advanced technologies like geoprobe sampling allows environmental contractors better ways to protect the environment. While geoprobe sampling may not always be suitable, it can be useful when the surrounding environment needs to remain undisturbed. This can be extremely beneficial in leaving habitats undisturbed.