Patent ID: 6826972
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: E02D,E21B,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for sampling fluid percolating through below-grade strata, from a location at or above grade, comprising:an insertion tube defined by a tube wall which has an outside diametral dimension and which further has a first instrument receiving end which is positioned below-grade and advanced to a given location in a below-grade strata, and a second, surface end which is positioned at or above grade, and wherein the insertion tube defines a cavity which extends between the first and second ends of the insertion tube; a lysimeter casing having a first drive portion which is threadably affixed to the first instrument receiving end of the insertion tube, and an opposite distal end, and wherein the lysimeter casing has an inner facing wall which defines a reservoir, and a cavity, and wherein the lysimeter casing has an outside diametral dimension which is not greater than the outside diametral dimension of the insertion tube; a spacer assembly having first and second spaced disks, and which are individually received in the cavity which is defined by the lysimeter casing, and wherein the respective spaced disks are joined to each other, and further have apertures formed therein; a plurality of tubes received in the cavity which is defined by the insertion tube, and which extend though the apertures defined by the spacer assembly and into the cavity which is defined by the lysimeter casing, and wherein the respective tubes couple the reservoir in fluid flowing relation to a location which is positioned above grade; a nose portion immoveably mounted on the distal end of the lysimeter casing, and wherein the nose portion has a proximal end which defines a step having a first diametral dimension, and an opposite, distal end which has a second diametral dimension which is less than the first diametral dimension, and wherein at least one fluid passageway is defined by the nose portion and which couples the nose portion in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir, and wherein a region of the nose portion intermediate the proximal and distal ends thereof has an outside diametral dimension which is less than the outside diametral dimension of the insertion tube; a membrane received about the region of the nose portion which is intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the nose portion, and which permits the passage of fluid therethrough, and wherein the outside diametral dimension of the membrane is less than the outside diametral dimension of the insertion tube; and an earth engaging tip matingly coupled to the distal end of the nose portion, and wherein the maximum outside diametral dimension of the earth engaging tip is substantially equal to the outside diametral dimension of the membrane, and wherein the membrane is captured between the earth engaging tip and the step of the nose portion, and wherein fluid percolating through the below-grade strata passes through the membrane and into the fluid passageway defined by the nose, and wherein the fluid may be withdrawn from the reservoir by the plurality of tubes from the location which is above grade.