Mineral Exploration Soil Research

Get it right first time, every time with the right equipment

There are important principles to remember in soil research: sample per layer, never mix your soil layers and be sure to avoid the contamination of deeper layers by dropping soil down from higher layers.

"A simple and extremely efficient tool for extracting soil samples is an auger and it may seem incredible but it’s nonetheless true that the manufacture of the “Edelman” type of hand auger is still finished by hand. Two highly trained craftsmen stand at the forge and bash away at the metal to give it the perfect shape. No machine has yet been able to replicate the skill of the craftsman.

Alternatively if you need a mechanical sampling device our percussion window sampling kit is a powerful, non destructive, low disturbance site investigation tool. It uses laser cut, high entry efficiency samplers in our unique, robust, no maintenance, left hand thread RD32 connection. It is ideal for sampling and research in sites with restricted access, where there is the potential for contaminated samples or for exploration of base metals and mineral deposits, like gold and other precious metals.

For more information on different rental equipment, click here

Whether you’re a geologist, archaeologist, geo-hydrologist, work in agricultural, environmental monitoring, education or horticulture - soil sampling will be part of your research and your equipment of choice will depend on several different parameters. What's important for us is we have a selection of solutions - whatever you may need.

Vincent van Walt, Technical Sales

vincent@vanwalt.com

01428 664 850

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Your choice of sampling tool is determined by a number of parameters:

1. Disturbed or undisturbed: If a (semi) disturbed soil profile is acceptable then the “Edelman” type of hand auger is a good choice. It is easy to use, surprisingly effective, quick, light and cheap. If an undisturbed sample is essential then the gouge or window type of sampler is preferred. In harder soil insertion is usually carried out with a percussive mechanical hammer, either with a mechanical breaker such as the Atlas Copco Cobra TT or with a (micro) drilling rig such as the MRZB track mounted hydraulic rig.

2. Above or below the water table: As soon as depths are achieved to levels below the water table, the hole created by the sampler will collapse. In these circumstances, the hole will need to be cased. This is usually done with either an ABS or steel casing. Samples are then taken from within the casing which is lowered into the soil. Where sand is present this will be removed with a bailer.

3. Capture of the sample in a liner: Where samples need to be transported from site for further laboratory investigations and need to be retained in their original form and profile, liner samplers are used. Liners are usually made of polythene, acrylic or transparent PVC but can also be (stainless) steel. Special mention needs to be made for sampling of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). By their nature, these compounds volatilise quickly and specific equipment has been developed to conform to new working guidelines which will most likely result in ISO and EN standards.

4. Specialist sampling requirements: This could include samples for the above mentioned VOC’s, pesticide residues or samples for bulk density analyses. Special kits with or without liners have been developed specifically for these applications.