Patent ID: 7059174
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: E21B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of measuring hydraulic conductivity in soil, said method comprising: providing a probe having an electrical potential gradient device for generating an electrical potential gradient and a pressure sensing device for measuring changes in pressure; inserting the probe into the soil; measuring a first pressure condition within the soil using the pressure sensing device of the probe; inducing an electro-osmotic flow in the soil and causing a fluid pressure gradient by applying an electrical potential gradient to the soil using the electrical potential gradient device of the probe for an elapsed period of time; measuring a second pressure condition within the soil using the pressure sensing device of the probe; removing the application of the electrical potential gradient to the soil using the electrical potential gradient device of the probe after the elapsed period of time has expired; measuring a duration for condition of the soil to return from the second pressure condition to a pressure approaching the first pressure condition; and calculating hydraulic conductivity based upon a prescribed relationship of hydraulic conductivity and the measured duration.