Continuous Sampler Improves Auger Sampling Efficiency, Quality

The State of Oklahoma, along with clients, requires continuous auger sampling while augering down to install 2-inch monitoring wells. Oklahoma Environmental Services (OES) traditionally used a standard style split spoon until Lee Shaw, sales representative, mentioned the new 4.25 hollow stem auger (HSA) continuous sampler with liners.

Tyler Herman, operations manager, calls the new continuous sampler a “game changer" due to:

• Enhanced Cleanliness: “The sample is contained within the liner keeping job site, and hydrogeologists station, cleaner. It’s also easy to clean.”

• Contained Contaminants: “We’re not losing volatiles out of the sampler because it’s in a liner versus in a standard split spoon. The liner is fully enclosed, so we just drill a hole in it where we need to take a reading.”

• Reduced Weight: “The actual tube is considerably lighter than a standard split spoon, so it’s less wear and tear on the guys.”

The State was recently out on a job, seeing the auger sampling process for the first time.

“They were impressed with our ability to collect soil in a way that lost fewer volatiles to the air when testing,” Herman said.

Overall, the new 4.25 HSA continuous sampler system has improved their ability to pack a solid soil core.

“If we’re in flowing sands or lighter soils, the sample would fall out of a standard split spoon. We’re able to achieve a more consistent soil core packing using this system and it doesn’t flow out,” Herman said. “It’s much more precise and has improved the quality of our reading and description of the lithology for the state and clients.”

Herman also appreciates the engineered safety in the new 4.25 HSA continuous sampler.

“Quinton [Bogner, tooling design engineer] did a good job engineering the rod adapter to lock in place so we can use the drive head to thread the rods versus having our fingers in there,” Herman said.

The attention Geoprobe^® paid to solving their auger sampling struggles ultimately resulted in a quality product which enhances their drilling processes.

“A lot of what OES does is in very hard subsurface. So we would communicate if we’re having wear and tear, and Geoprobe^® was quick to provide a solution. The end product is very high quality,” Herman said. “OES prides ourselves on doing the best and being the best, and the Geoprobe^® product and quality of Geoprobe^® has helped us become better drillers.”

NEW 4.25 HSA CONTINUOUS SAMPLER FOR AUGER SAMPLING

• Can be used with solid or split barrel samplers to adapt to auger sampling conditions

• Lightweight build puts less strain on drillers

• Keeps materials contained, leading to a cleaner worksite and more precise auger sampling

• Optional PVC liners are compatible with both solid and split barrel assemblies