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. It is particularly suited for fine-grained soils. Infiltration rates are used for studies of liquid waste disposal, leaching, drainage, irrigation requirements, canal or reservoir leakage etc.
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.
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 Infiltrometer Set 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.
Standard Test Method:
ASTM D 3385
What is Double Ring Infiltrometer?
Double Ring Infiltrometer is a device used to measure the rate of water infiltration into soil or other porous media. It has two concentric rings, inner ring is smaller than the outer ring. This setup helps to isolate the vertical flow of water and gives accurate infiltration rate. 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.
Components and Features
Double Ring Infiltrometer consists of two galvanized rings: inner ring and outer ring, which are driven into the soil in a concentric arrangement. Inner ring being smaller in diameter focuses the measurement area, outer ring helps to maintain one-dimensional vertical or lateral flow beneath the inner ring. Both rings are filled with water and water level is maintained by Mariotte reservoir cylinders. These cylinders maintain a constant head of water throughout the infiltration test 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 bleed valve is located next to the adjusting air tube seal to drain excess water. Rubber splash guards to prevent water loss through the sealed adjusting tube and use supplied replacement Mariotte tubes to maintain the constant head. Driving cap with centering 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 inner ring.
Applications and Uses
The Infiltrometer is useful to determine the infiltration rate of water into soil, a key parameter for irrigation and drainage systems. By providing accurate data it helps to optimize water availability to plants, increase crop yields and reduce soil erosion. Beyond agriculture, the infiltrometer is used in geotechnical and environmental studies such as liquid waste disposal, leaching, drainage and reservoir leakage. 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.