Double Ring Infiltrometer

Double Ring Infiltrometer

The Double Ring Infiltrometer is used for in-place field measurement of rate of infiltration of water (or other liquid) of saturated hydraulic conductivity into coarse textured soils. According to the annual book, the ASTM D3385-018 standard provides established methodologies for this testing. It is particularly applicable to fine-grained soils. Infiltrations is used for studies of liquid waste disposal, leaching, irrigation requirements, canal or reservoir leakage etc. ASTM standards are crucial for accurately testing these infiltration.

12in and 24in (305mm and 610mm) diameter rings are 20in (508mm) high. Both are driven into the soil in a concentric arrangement using the special driving cap provided. The inner and outer rings are filled with water and the level is maintained by constant-head Mariotte cylinders. Water between the two rings promotes one-dimensional vertical flow beneath the inner ring, making double ring infiltrometers effective in minimizing errors related to lateral water flow.

The Double-Ring Infiltrometer includes two stainless steel rings with reinforced top band and beveled bottom edge, 1/2in (13mm) thick hard alloy aluminum driving cap with centering pins that also serves as a cover, 3,000ml and 10,000ml constant-head calibrated plastic Mariotte cylinders with support stand and rubber splash guards.

Add the Field Set for Infiltrometer, which includes all the necessary tools to set up and run the test.

Set includes small sledge hammer, rubber mallet, water bucket, carpenter’s level, dial thermometer, pH paper, 2x4in (54x102mm) wooden driving block and shovel, all essential construction tools.

Standard Test Method: ASTM D 3385. To learn more about concrete testing methods, including ASTM C143: The Essential Guide to Concrete Slump Testing, visit our resources.

The evaluation of rates using the double-ring infiltrometer is critical for applications such as waste disposal, drainage and understanding the soil’s hydraulic properties.

Introduction and Design

The Double Ring Infiltrometer is a device used to measure the rate of liquids, typically water, into soils, making it ideal for both field testing and laboratory use. The infiltrometer consists of two galvanized rings: an inner ring and an outer ring. These rings are driven into the soil in a concentric arrangement using a driving plate equipped with centering pins to ensure precise placement.The inner and outer rings work together to measure the soil’s infiltration capacity. The inner ring measures the rate, while the outer ring promotes one-dimensional vertical flow beneath the inner ring, so you get accurate results. This is particularly effective for fine-grained soils which offer minimal resistance when the rings penetrate the soil.

The Infiltrometer provides data for various environmental and geotechnical studies including liquid waste disposal, leaching, drainage efficiencies, irrigation requirements and reservoir leakage. The test is conducted as per ASTM D3385 standard method for measuring the infiltration of soils in the field using an infiltrometer.

The equipment includes: Mariotte tube, sealed adjusting tube, main flow valve, bleed valve and support stands. Mariotte tube maintains a constant head of water, sealed adjusting tube allows precise control of water head inside the infiltrometer ring, bleed valve helps to drain excess water so that the test conditions remain consistent.

By measuring the infiltration rate of water or other liquids through soils, the Infiltrometer is used for soil analysis, turfgrass science and other applications. It is a useful tool to evaluate soil structure, hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rates and is commonly used for field measurement and testing.

What is Double Ring Infiltrometer?

The Infiltrometer is a device used to measure the rate of water infiltration into soil or other porous media. To assemble the infiltrometer you need to assemble its parts carefully. It has two concentric rings, inner ring is smaller than the outer ring, known as double rings. This setup helps to isolate the vertical flow of water and gives accurate infiltration. The infiltrometer is used in hydrology and soil science to study soil infiltration rates, thus it is a must have for researchers and professionals in these fields. The parts of the infiltrometer, including the top and bottom sections, are crucial for its proper construction and functionality.

Components and Features

The Infiltrometer has two galvanized rings: inside ring and outer ring, which are driven into the soil in a concentric arrangement. The rings are made of durable material to withstand field conditions. Inner ring being smaller in diameter focuses the measurement area, outer ring helps to maintain one-dimensional vertical or lateral flow beneath the inside ring. Note that accurate measurements depend on proper setup and consistent conditions. Both rings are filled with water and water level is maintained by two Mariotte tubes which provide a constant head of water throughout the infiltration and falling head test.

Also included is a adjusting tube seal and adjusting air tube to control the water head inside the infiltrometer ring. A valve is located next to the adjusting air tube seal to drain excess water. Rubber splash guards to prevent water loss through the sealed tube and use supplied replacement Mariotte tubes to maintain the constant head. Driving cap with pins to ensure the rings are in place during setup. All these components work together to give accurate measurement of infiltration rate, which is the velocity of liquid passing to the soil from the ring. The length of the test significantly impacts the results, as longer tests can provide more reliable data on soil infiltration rates. For professionals also involved in concrete testing, consider the Humboldt Concrete Air Entrainment Meter, 8L for accurate air content measurements.

Applications and Uses

Infiltrometer is used to determine the infiltration rate of water into soil, a key parameter for irrigation and drainage systems. Many factors including soil structure, layering, surface conditions and saturation levels affect rates. By providing accurate data it helps to optimize water availability to plants, increase crop yields and reduce soil erosion. The temperature of the liquid being applied also affects rates. Beyond agriculture, the infiltrometer is used in geotechnical and environmental studies such as waste disposal, leaching, drainage and reservoir leakage. The importance of water spreading in these applications cannot be overstated. Its ability to measure soil infiltration capacity makes it a versatile tool for both field and laboratory use to understand water and contaminant movement through soil. Thus, this infiltrometer is a simple and effective tool for many applications. The American Society for Testing Materials, located in West Conshohocken, provides established testing procedures and standards for soil infiltration testing.