Direct-Push Sampling Methods

Soil Sampling
ESN-South provides several different soil sampling options:

  • Continuous coring - each section is brought to the surface by split spoon or macro-barrel coring devices. Spoons can be lined with acetate liners, brass sleeves, or brass rings for geotechnical samples.
  • Discreet interval sampling - a piston sampler remains closed until the desired interval is reached. The sampler is opened, and advanced 1-3 feet.
  • Cased-hole coring - helps when adverse conditions such as flowing sands are encountered. Also used to prevent cross-contamination between aquifers.
Groundwater Sampling
ESN-South offers various methods for groundwater sample collection:
  • Direct Push sampling: A drop off point is advanced to below groundwater. The pipe is retracted slightly, and a sampling tube with a screen is lowered into the water. A peristaltic pump or syringe is then used to retrieve the water sample.
  • Stainless Steel drive screen: A pre-probe is advances to the desired depth, and then removed from the hole. Stainless steel drive screen is then advanced to the same depth. Samples can then be collected by ½" bailer, or by tubing with a peristaltic pump or syringe.
  • Temporary Piezometers: Drive pipe with a drop off point is advanced to the desired depth. 1" slotted PVC is installed in the pipe, then the pipe is removed. Can be finished at the surface with a pad and vault.
  • HydropunchTM: Device is advanced to desired depth, then retracted slightly to open a screen sample port.
Soil Vapor Sampling
ESN-South specializes in soil vapor collection:
  • Direct-Push sampling: The sample rod is advanced to the required depth, then retracted slightly, leaving behind the drop-off point. ¼" nylaflow tubing with a post-run adapter is lowered down the sample rod and threaded into the drive-point head, forming a gas tight pathway to the subsurface. The tubing is purged of 3-5 times the dead volume (10cc per foot). Samples are collected by gas tight syringe or Summa canister.
  • Vapor Well Installation: Same as a groundwater well, with fittings for vapor sampling.