Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Catalog by Decagon Devices

Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Catalog

When it comes to soil we are on top of it.

Dear Customers, Our customers are at the heart of our efforts every day. Some time ago we began to wonder how to decrease delivery lead times. We turned our attention to the possibilities of lean manufacturing. Lean Manufacturing eliminates unnecessary steps out of processes to make them streamlined and efficient, thus reducing lead times. Implementing lean manufacturing principles has reduced the lead time of a WP4-T from 30-45 days to less than 2 weeks. We see this as a good start but realize that continuous improvement is necessary to better serve you. We pledge our commitment to this continuous improvement.

Terms and Conditions: n WARRANTY: One year, parts and labor. n SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: 30 days from delivery. n TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Unlimited technical support. n RETURNS AND REPAIRS: Please contact us for instructions before shipping to Decagon. n DELIVERY TIME: 30-45 days ARO.

Sincerely,

Tamsin Campbell President

n SHIPPING POLICY: All shipments are FOB USA. Domestic orders FOB destination. n INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: CIP or EXW, not FOB Factory. Prices listed do not include freight and insurance. Freight and insurance costs are added to the invoice. n TERMS: Net 30 days to domestic universities and major institutions. Others prepay via credit card, bank draft, letter of credit, or wire transfer on approval of credit.

Table of Contents philosophy Our company was founded by scientists.

total Soil Suction WP4 and WP4-T.......................................... 4

We pride ourselves on fairly-priced research-quality instruments.

AquSorp...................................................... 6

High prices are frequently erroneously thought of as an indicator of superior quality. Some think a low system

matric Soil Suction

price means products are weak or fragile. Our low price is a reflection of our innovation. We wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t raise our prices to match our competitors to convince

Water Potential Sensor............................... 7 Tensiometers.............................................. 8

you we have a better solution. Try our instruments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you will be happily surprised.

Hydraulic Conductivity Infiltrometer................................................. 9

guarantee 30 day satisfaction guarantee. 1 year warranty. Unlimited technical support.

Moisture Content Moisture Content Sensors.........................10 Data Collection..........................................12 Accessories...............................................13

history Decagon was founded in 1983 with a thermocouple psychrometer for measuring water potential (soil suction). In the 23 following years we have developed new technologies for measuring soil suction, soil

Thermal Properties KD2 Pro.......................................................14 KD2.............................................................15

moisture, soil permeability and heat transfer.

2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman, Washington 99163 800-755-2751 Fax 509-332-5158 www.decagon.com

Total Soil Suction

WP4 Dewpoint PotentiaMeter Welcome to the WP4 Dewpoint PotentiaMeter

The WP4 and WP4-T give soil suction readings directly in pF or MPa within five minutes. It directly measures soil suction from 0 to –300 MPa with resolution of 0.1 MPa. The instrument is easy to use and maintain, and calibration is simple. Using the Chilled Mirror Dewpoint Technique*, the WP4 measures a sample’s soil suction by determining the

Why Temperature Control?

sample temperature and dewpoint temperature of the

Though temperature control is usually unnecessary for most soil suction measurement applications, there are some instances where it is desirable. For this reason, Decagon offers the WP4-T. There are several advantages in having a temperature-controlled model:

air above the sample in a closed chamber. *Complies to ASTM Standard D6836, Method D

Specifications: n Operating Environment 5 to 43° C (41 to 110° F) n Temperature control (WP4-T only) 15° to 40° C ± 0.2° C n Soil Suction Units Displayed MPa; pF n Range 0 to -300 MPa n Accuracy ± 0.1 MPa from 0 to -10 MPa, ±1% from -10 to -300 MPa n Sensors 1. Infrared temperature sensor 2. Cooled-mirror dewpoint sensor n Universal Power 110V to 220V AC, 50/60 Hz

n To minimize extreme ambient temperature fluctuations. If the laboratory and WP4 temperatures fluctuate by as much as ± 5°C daily, soil suction readings can vary as much as ± 0.5 MPa on a dry soil sample. n Temperature control allows the user to resolve small differences in soil suction between soil samples independent of temperature effects.

n Read time ≈5 minutes n Interface Cable Standard RS232 serial cable (included) n Sample dish capacity 7ml recommended (15ml full)

The WP4 currently comes in two models: n WP4: Standard model, for basic soil suction measurement. n WP4-T: WP4 with user-selectable internal temperature control (temperature accuracy is NIST-traceable).

Moisture Release Curves aquasorp

Soil Moisture Release Curve Generator Available now Faster Moisture Release Curves

Dry soil moisture release curves are notoriously difficult to generate but with the new AquaSorp IG, creating a soil suction versus water content curve is as easy as inputting a few parameters and waiting for the results; AquaSorp does all the work. While running, data are displayed on the computer (included) showing each individual point as collected by the instrument. Moisture characteristics are taken in the wetting and drying direction so hysteresis can be clearly seen in the 100 to 200 data points taken per cycle. Don’t worry about waiting for results either, AquaSorp runs most moisture release curves in 24 to 48 hours, and can even run multiple times through the same sample if you tell it to do so. AquaSorp works in the dry range of soil suction (-10 to –300MPa). Whether you are studying water flow characteristics in dry soil or characterizing soil expansion, AquaSorp will provide the information you need with a fraction of the time and effort.

Specifications:

Benefits:

n Range –10 to –300MPa

n Insert sample, press start and walk away

n Accuracy ±1 MPa ±1%

n Rapid moisture release curve generation

n Temperature Operating Range 15 to 40ºC

n Fast expansive soil characterization

n Size 44 w x 38 d x 28 h cm n Weight 19 kg

Matric Soil Suction

Dielectric water potential sensor The new MPS-1 Dielectric Water Potential Sensor is the perfect fit for all your in situ monitoring needs. Integrating a high performance ceramic with the new dielectric circuitry, the MPS-1 can measure a wide range of soil suctions while never needing any user maintenance. No wasting precious time doing individual calibration. In the field, the MPS-1 can be quickly installed down-hole by inserting the sensor and packing wet soil around it. Measuring and recording data is also simple as it can be easily plugged into an Em50 port or any other compatible datalogger. A factory calibration allows the sensor to read out in soil suction, regardless of the soil type it is in, while the high frequency dielectric circuit minimizes soil electrical conductivity sensitivity.

MPS-1 Specifications (R2.07) n Range: 0 to -500 kPa n Accuracy: ±5 kPa from 0 to -40 kPa ±30% of reading from -40 to -500 kPa n Resolution: 1 kPa from 0 to -100 kPa

4 kPa from -100 to -500 kPa

n Operating temperature: -40 C to +50 C n Sensor dimensions: 75 mm x 32 mm x 15 mm n Cable length: 3.5 mm plug: 5 m standard, extension cables available

Datalogger Compatibility (not exclusive) n Decagon: Em50, EM50R n Campbell Scientific: CR10X, 21X, 23X, CR1000, CR3000, etc. n Other: Any data acquisition system capable of switched 2 to 5 V excitation and single ended voltage measurement at 12 bit or better resolution. Benefits n Pre-calibrated continuous measurement of soil suction in all soil types. n No complicated programming. n No maintenance required after installation.

Matric Soil Suction

extremely fast-response tensiometers Tensiometers–Measure very small changes in soil suction. A tensiometer measures soil suction in the range of 0 to -85 kPa. Designed by UMS, these tensiometers use highly accurate pressure transducers with a resolution of 0.1 kPa and response times that can be less than 1 second. All UMS tensiometers interface with CSI dataloggers or the Infield 7 hand-held readout – which displays the soil suction

There are 4 models to choose from n TS1 Tensiometer: Newly released in 2006, this tensiometer is designed for long term installation. Not only does it log soil suction and temperature but it self refills. Using an internal pump, the tensiometer self-refills by drawing water out of the surrounding soil during wet periods and empties itself if the internal temperature approaches freezing.

digitally in hPa and allows you to easily store the results for analysis back at the lab.

Typical Specifications

(dependent on individual tensiometers specifications): Typical Range: 0 to -85 kPa (pF 2.9)

n T8 Tensiometer: Newly developed UMS Tensiometer - for all monitoring projects. One standard version equipped with external filling, fill level indicator, temperature sensor and amplifier.

Resolution: ± 0.1 kPa Accuracy: ± 0.5 kPa For additional specifications and information on tensiometers see our website at www.decagon.com/tensiometers

n T5 Tensiometer: The Miniature Tensiometer T5 offers minimal soil disturbance and fast response. n T4 Tensiometer: Low maintenance - developed for outdoor monitoring projects.

T5 – Smallest commercial available tensiometer–actual size.

Hydraulic Conductivity

Mini Disk Infiltrometer Model S

Decagonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mini-disk Infiltrometers provide quick and convenient measurement of soil hydraulic conductivity. The infiltrometer is constructed of an polycarbonate tube with a porous sintered stainless steel disk. An adjustable steel tube is installed above the sample chamber to regulate the suction. The infiltrometers are ideal for soil hydrology studies, classroom instruction, and many other applications that rely on accurate measurement of hydraulic conductivity. The suction can be adjusted to accomodate measurement of any soil type.

How it works: The top and bottom chambers are both filled with water. The top chamber controls the infiltrometerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suction. The lower chamber contains the water that will infiltrate into the soil and is marked like a graduated cylinder. On the bottom the infiltrometer has a porous sintered stainless steel disk. You place the full infiltrometer on the soil and record the water level, (typically every 30 seconds for a silt loam soil). To calculate hydraulic conductivity, input the water levels, soil type according to the Van Genutchen parameters, and the suction you chose into the provided spreadsheet.

Specifications: n Length 32.7 cm n Diameter and thickness of porous stainless steel disc 4.5 cm diameter; 3 mm thick n Suction Range 0.5 to 7 cm of suction n Volume of water required to operate 135ml

Moisture Content

Moisture Content sensors

Decagon’s moisture content sensors have been used to measure soil moisture worldwide. Decagon’s Soil moisture content sensors measure the dielectric

Benefits:

constant of the soil in order to find its volumetric water content.

n Soil moisture readings at different depths over a wide geographic area at a fraction of the cost of other systems.

There are other sensors that measure water content this way, but Decagon’s soil moisture content sensor is the only one of its kind to have a low sensitivity to salinity and textural effects in the soil. Furthermore, it has a very low power requirement, which makes long-term monitoring more cost-effective. And its extremely fast response time makes it possible to accurately monitor water use daily or even hourly.

Applications: n Slope stability studies n Landfill and hazardous waste site monitoring n Vadose zone monitoring studies n Foundation soil moisture monitoring

Common Specifications: Specifications vary slightly on each soil moisture content sensor model; however, they all share the following common specifications: n Cable Length: 5m n Operating Environment: -40 to 60°C, 0-100% RH n Measurement Time: 10ms n Resolution: 0.002m3/m3 typical with Em50 and Em5b loggers, other loggers may vary. For more detailed information on each soil moisture content sensor, see chart on page 11, or visit us on the web at www.decagon.com/echo

n More accurate soil moisture reading in all soil types. n Easy installation into undisturbed soil profile.

Moisture Content Which sensor is right for you?

In soil, dielectric permittivity is directly related to the water content. The soil moisture content sensor measures the dielectric permittivity of the surrounding medium to give the user soil water content.

Water Content Measurement Range

EC-5

ECHO-TE

EC-TM

5cm sensor length and minimized salinity and textural effects.

3-prong design, measures soil moisture, electrical conductivity, and temperature.

Measures soil moisture and temperature simultaneously.

0–100%

Low Cost

Accuracy in high EC

Accuracy in variety of textures

Use in pots and Greenhouses

Sample size

Measures VWC

Measures EC

Yes

Measures

Yes

Temperature

Use with 4-20mA control system

Moisture Content

Data collection devices

Em50 and Em50R Logger Our best and most weather resistant logger for sites where you want to collect data via spread spectrum radio or by direct download to your laptop. n Channels 5 n Communication RS 232 and/or spread spectrum radio (model Em50R only). n Storage >36000 scans. Each scan includes logger name, date, time and five measurements. n Power 5 AA alkaline batteries. n Battery Service Life 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 years logging only, 6+ months with radio telemetry.

Em5b Logger The Em5b has five channels that allows scientists and engineers on a tight budget to monitor soil moisture and other environmental parameters inexpensively. n Channels 5 n Communication RS 232. n Storage 3400 scans. n Power 4 AAA alkaline batteries. n Battery Service Life 3+ years logging only.

ProCheck The hand-held ProCheck gives you instantaneous readings from any of Decagonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soil moisture or environmental sensors. When you are using the ProCheck to read soil moisture sensors, you can pick from a list of supplied factory calibrations (both soil and soilless media) or input your own calibration. Data can be stored and downloaded in EXCEL format using the included software. A rugged case is also available if you plan on using the ProCheck in multiple locations. n Channels 1 n Communication RS 232 n Storage 5000 readings. Each reading includes sensor type, date, time, raw value, calibrated value, and calibration coefficients. n Power 4 AA alkaline batteries.

ECH2O Check The ECH2O Check gives insantaneous readings of the EC-5 soil moisture sensor. Readings are displayed in units of volume percent (m3/m3), inches per foot (in/ft), or millivolts.

DataStation The DataStation is a radio base station that allows you to remotely collect and store data from multiple Em50R data loggers. The DataStation is always on, receiving and saving data from Em50R loggers operating in transmit mode. Data can then be downloaded directly from the DataStation to your laptop at your convenience. DataStation data can be exported to spreadsheet programs or graphed and analyzed using ECH2O DataTrac software.

accessories

Moisture Content

Soil Temperature Sensor Monitor soil temperature long term while measuring water content. Compatible with the Em50 or Em5b. n Cable length 3 m n Temperature Range -40° C to 60° C n Accuracy ± 1° C at -40° C, ± 0.25° C when T> 0° C

Drain Gauge Measure deep drainage and percolation. The drain gauge is a passive capillary lysimeter. It measures water flux as it percolates down through the soil. Water samples can be pulled from the drain gauge for analysis. The combination of solution flux and solute concentration yield the total solute flux through the soil. For more information, see www.decagon. com/draingauge

DataTrac

Charting Software DataTrac is visualization software for data collected with Decagon’s EEm50, Em50R, and Em5b data collection devices and DataStation radio base stations. Decagon designed DataTrac from the ground up to be easy to use and flexible. DataTrac automatically graphs data from any Decagon soil moisture or environmental sensor. All data are shown concurrently to allow you to compare readings across space and time. A variety of calibration options and settings make personalization easy. You can easily view your soil moisture data as volumetric water content, inches per foot, or plant available water. All other Decagon sensors are also represented on the chart. The report area under the chart shows a statistical view of your data in the chart. The individual Decagon sensor calibration enables easy adjustments for variable soil conditions. View charts and data in either English or Metric units or export them for use in other programs.

Thermal Portable Thermal

KD2 Pro handheld thermal properties meter. The KD2 Pro uses 3 thermal properties sensors to measure thermal diffusivity, specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity. The KD2 Pro allows the user to view the reading directly or download the raw values for further analysis using a spreadsheet program as required by IEEE and ASTM standards.

Earth Science Applications: n Soil heat flux in energy balance studies n Thermal properties in relation to moisture and density n Soil heat flow under fires n Geothermal designs n Heat dissipation from buried power lines n Specific Heat and Thermal Diffusivity of building materials

KD2 Pro offers many advantages for measuring thermal properties: Benefits:

Specifications:

n Measure samples over an extended temperature range from -50 to 150°C.

n Measurement Time 90 seconds

n Multiple choices for data storage and retrieval. n Larger data storage capabilities for more readings between downloads. n Smart sensors store their own calibration.

n Accuracy 5% Specific Heat 5% Thermal Conductivity/ Resistivity 10% Thermal Diffusivity. n Calibration Each KD2 Pro comes factory calibrated and includes performance verification standards. n Operating environment of sensors -50° to 150°C. n Range of measurement K: 0.02 to 2 W/(m·K) D: 0.1 to 1.0 mm2/s R: 0.5 to 50 m-K/W C: 0.5 to 4 MJ/(m3·K) n Compliance to standards IEEE Standard 442-1981 and ASTM Standard D 5334-00

Properties Properties Sensor KD2 handheld thermal properties meter. The KD2 is a handheld meter that uses a single-needle sensor to measure the thermal conductivity or thermal resistivity of any medium. It uses a simple yet precise heating and monitoring system to measure the slope and intercept of the sample specific temperature rise vs. time curve. Thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity are derived from these data. The KD2 only weighs 4 ounces and is very durable, making it ideal for carrying from site to site.

KD2 offers many advantages for measuring thermal properties: Features:

Specifications:

n Simple, easy to use two-button interface

n Measurement Time 90 seconds

n Durable design

n Accuracy 5% Thermal Conductivity/ Resistivity,

n Single-needle probe technology reduces user error n Easy to read display n Simple menu structure Benefits: n Low power consumption n No calibration necessary n Lightweight and portable, comes in its own carrying case

n Power 3.0V Lithium CR2 battery n Shipping Weight 613g n Operating Environment -10掳C to 60掳C. n Range of Measurement K: 0.02 to 2 W/(m路K) R: 0.5 to 50 m路K/W

n Fast 90 second read time 15

Fastest n Most Accurate n Guaranteed

Application Notes moisture content Information 1.

Frequently asked questions about the ECH2O Probes

2. Response of the ECH2O Soil Moisture Probe to Variation in Water Content, Soil Type, and Solution Electrical Conductivity 3. Measuring water content in Organic Soils using ECH2O probes 4. Changing the Calibration of the ECH2O Check hand-held reader. 5. Response of ECH2O Soil Moisture Sensor to Temperature Variation 6. ECH2O Dielectric Probes vs Time Domain Reflectometers (TDR) 7. Calibrating ECH2O Soil Moisture Probes 8. Calibrating ECH2O Soil Moisture Proves with a 5V excitation 9. Test Summary of the effect of low temperatures on ECH2O probe cables 10. Calibration and Characterization of an Improved Low-Cost Water Content Sensor 11. Modeling Available Soil Moisture 12. Precision and Accuracy of three alternative instruments for measuring soil water content in two forest soils of the Pacific Northwest (N.M. Czarnomski, G.W. Moore, T.G. Pypker, J. Licata, & B. Bond; Reprinted from Canadian Journal of Forest Research 35:1867-1876 (2005))

soil suction Information 1.

Generating a Soil Moisture Characteristic with the WP4

Field Portability Instructions for the WP4

Classification of Expansive Soils Using the WP4 Dewpoint Potentiameter

Effects of Sample Disturbance on Soil Water Potential Measurements

Measuring Specific Surface of Soil with the WP4

Measuring UMS Tensiometers with non-UMS Control and Data Acquisition Systems

Isotherm Analysis New and Old Ways to Look at Soil and MPS-1 FAQ

thermal properties Information 1. Reducing Contact Resistance Errors in KD2 Thermal Properties Measurements 2. Thermal Resistivity of Porous Materials (Soils) Change with Changes in Density, Water Content, Temperature, and Composition 3. Using the KD2 to Measure Thermal Conductivity of Fluids 4.

Simultaneous Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Resistivity, and Thermal Diffusivity Measurement of Selected Foods and Soils

5. Use of the Line Heat Source Method to Measure Thermal Conductivity of Insulation and Other Porous Materials (G.S. Campbell, E.M. Huffaker, B.T. Wacker, & K.C. Wacker; Reprinted from Thermal Conductivity 27/Thermal Expansion 15) For free copies by mail, e-mail your request to litrequest@decagon.com, or visit http://decagon.com/instruments/agdownload.html.

Decagon Devices, Inc. 2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman, Washington 99163 800-755-2751 Fax 509-332-5158 www.decagon.com