Window samplers and Windowless samplers for Geotechnical Soil sampling

Soil research, standard drilling tests and dynamic research using window sampling or windowless sampling. Chemical and geotechnical analysis, for investigation of contaminated soil, for geotechnical investigation and for the installation of gas and groundwater wells. Various window and windowless samplers, cutting shoes and accessories are available in different diameters (50 to 131 mm) and lengths. The total depth that can be reached depends on the soil type and the presence of obstacles. The samplers are 1 or 2 meters long.

What is Window sampling?

Window sampling or windowless sampling is a technique whereby steel tubes (with cut out windows) are driven into the soil to investigate the substrata in order to gain a profile of the ground conditions and to facilitate soil sampling for chemical and geotechnical analysis. Window sampling can be used for the investigation of contaminated land, for geotechnical investigations and for the installation of ground gas and ground water monitoring wells.

How to use Window samplers?

The percussive window or windowless sampling method involves driving cylindrical steel tubes into the ground using a hydraulic hammer. Sampling is achieved by a percussive action. When using a rubber tracked rig the drive mechanism consists of a chain-driven drop weight that repeatedly strikes an anvil, driving the rods and sample tubes into the ground. When using the hand-held rig the samples are driven using a pneumatic hammer. Both systems can drive sample tubes into all soil types, but they are not designed for sampling or coring in hard rocks.

The sample tubes are usually 1m long and include a broad slot, or window, cut down one side. The soil is pushed into the sample tube as it is driven into the ground. Drill rods are used to drive the sample tubes to greater depths. The weight and the drop height are adjustable, enabling standard penetration testing and dynamic probing to be carried out as well as soil sampling.

Windowless sampling

Windowless sampling can in addition be carried out using a conventional sample tube combined with an inner plastic liner to enable easy removal of the core from the sampler. This system is used to rapidly penetrate to the depth at which the sample is to be taken or provide a continuous core section. The sample is retained within the plastic liner which can then be split on site for examination or taken to a laboratory for analysis. This method of sampling reduces the potential for cross-contamination of the soil during the drilling process.

Various diameters and lengths are available

The window and windowless sample tubes are selected in a sequence of reducing diameters. Various diameters are available (50 to 131mm) and the sample tubes are selected according to the ground conditions encountered. The total depth which can be achieved will depend upon the soil type and the presence of obstructions.

ROCBO is particularly specialized in pneumatic rock drills and pick hammers and the corresponding drills, drill bits and chisels. For as long as 20 years we have been importer of several top brands in this industry. We offer our customers sound advice regarding our products and how to use them. We also offer our customers excellent service.
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