Patent ID: 6679105
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for eroding sediments from a sediment core sample, comprising:a flow channel for conveying a flowing stream of water, the channel having a bottom surface, an entrance and an exit; erosion means, attached to an opening in the bottom surface of the flow channel, for exposing a sediment core sample to the flowing stream of water, whereby sediments are eroded and introduced into the flow stream; and means for forcing a unidirectional flow of water through the channel, comprising: a first open storage tank; a second open storage tank; a third open storage tank; a pump configured to pump water from the first second tank into the first tank; upstream piping means for conveying water from the first tank to the entrance of the flow channel; and downstream piping means for conveying water from the exit of the flow channel to the third tank; wherein the first tank is configured so that water overflowing from the first tank spills into the second tank; wherein the third tank is configured so that water overflowing from the third tank spills into the second tank; and wherein the first tank is configured so that water that spills into the second tank is at a higher height than the water that spills from the third tank into the second tank; whereby the pressure created by the difference in water heights between the first and third tanks drives the unidirectional flow of water through the flow channel.