Continuous Soil Sampling System Saves Time

Headquartered in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, On-Site Environmental Services has been a member of the Geoprobe^® family for three decades. They provide service to Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan with a fleet of four Geoprobe^® rigs, including two 7822DTs which serve as their primary workhorses.

“Our expertise lies in environmental services, including soil boring, water sampling, well installations, and well abandonment,” Anthony Kapugi, owner/operator, said. “Over the past few years, we have expanded our scope to include some standard penetration testing (SPT) work, while still maintaining a primary focus on environmental-related services.”

While attending the 2024 Geoprobe^® Open House, he witnessed the demonstration of the 4.25 Hollow Stem Auger (HSA) Continuous Sampler for continuous soil sampling.

“This device exhibited potential to expedite drilling operations and facilitate the collection of substantial soil sample volume for logging and sampling purposes,” Kapugi said.

Randy Shepler president of Shepler Well Drilling in Michigan thought the same thing when he saw the Open House demonstration of the soil core sampling method.

“I figured it would be quicker if it worked,” Shepler said. “I wish I’d tried it years ago — it works great.”

Soil Core Sampling Method

For Kapugi, they start a job with the continuous soil sampling barrel set to the middle position and make adjustments as necessary. In most instances, no changes are required for continuous soil sampling.

“The sampling system is user-friendly and easy to clean, even if the available liner is not used,” Kapugi said. “In my opinion, the sampling system has not only provided time savings but has increased sample volume, making logging and sampling more efficient.”

Recently Shepler did a job using the 4.25 HSA Continuous Sampler to 100 feet, which not only satisfied the client but was also easier on the equipment.

“We would usually drive an MC sampler out the end using the SPT hammer. Using the 4.25 HSA Continuous Sampler is easier on equipment, and we don’t have to run a center bit when going down,” Shepler said. “We can get more stuff done. More and more people are wanting continuous soil nsampling now, and this allows us to get the sample faster and keep going.”

Adding the 4.25 HSA Continuous Sampler continuous soil sampling system allows companies to provide yet another option to satisfy client needs.

“While we continue to provide MC5 and DT22 continuous soil sampling to consultants who prefer them for 2-inch well installation, we will offer them the opportunity to sample and log using the 4.25 HSA sampler,” Kapugi said.

Both Kapugi and Shepler acknowledge the engineering behind making the 4.25 HSA Continuous Sampler faster, easier, and safer.

“I really like the bearing on top so the rods aren’t spinning and getting so tight you can’t get them apart,” Shepler said. “Any tooling that can save time is money well spent.”

Durability also plays a significant role in their preference for Geoprobe^® tooling.

“Geoprobe^® tooling is a game changer because it lasts so long. The milling and heat-treating processes are top-notch,” Kapugi said. “And guess what? The little details about the tooling, like where to put the handle or what shape it should be, are all thanks to the engineers who actually use the equipment while they’re still in R&D. Everyone else just copies, but Geoprobe^® is the innovator!”