Patent ID: 6021664
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: E21B,G01N

Abstract:
An automated method of unattended, continuous, real-time monitoring the quality of ground water at a sampling site, said method comprising the steps of:(a) measuring the water level at the sampling site;(b) calculating a minimum purge volume for the sampling site, based on the measured water level;(c) purging at least the minimum purge volume from the sampling site;(d) monitoring at least one of (i) a preselected water quality property of the water being purged from the sampling site, and (ii) a water quality constituent of the water being purged from the sampling site;(e) comparing the monitored water quality property and water quality constituent with a selected purge criterion; and(f) recording the monitored water quality property and water quality constituent when the monitored water quality property and water quality constituent compare favorably with the selected purge criterion,wherein steps (d) and (e) are performed in accordance with a predetermined schedule and with a frequency sufficient to enable detection of a trend in measurement values of the at least one of the water quality property and the water quality constituent.