Turf-Tec Heavy Duty Single Ring Infiltrometer, Heavy Duty, 12 x 20in
The new Turf-Tec Heavy Duty 12 Inch Diameter is a single ring infiltrometer with a 12 Inch (30 CM) diameter and 20 Inch (50 CM) overall height.
This single ring infiltrometer is made of very heavy duty and durable galvanized steel and has a 1/4” thick steel reinforced top edge for driving into the soil.
The Turf-Tec Heavy Duty 12 Inch Diameter Infiltration Ring is for infiltration testing areas that don’t need a double ring infiltration test. You can set this ring on the area to be tested, place the optional 1/2” thick steel driving plate (IN17-W) on top and drive the ring into the soil. Continually fill ring with water and then time how long it takes for the water to go into the soil, which helps determine the intake rate.
The single ring method is used for measuring soil infiltration rates, but the double ring method reduces errors associated with lateral water flow and gives more accurate results.
Turf-Tec Heavy Duty 12 Inch Diameter Infiltration Ring has a brass port 7 inches above the base for attachment of optional IN12A-W Mariotte Tube. This allows you to maintain constant head pressure of water in the ring during testing without having to have someone fill the ring while testing is being done. The Mariotte Tube are also good for prolonged or overnight testing.
10,000 ml Mariotte Tube with site glass also available (IN12A) Purchase separately
Turf-Tec Heavy Duty 12 Inch Diameter Infiltration Ring comes with inside welded steel brace for easy removal from soil.
This method is for field measurement of infiltration rates where a double ring Infiltrometer is not required to meet local or state infiltration test standards.
The simple design and strong construction and port already installed makes adding the optional Mariotte tube a breeze.
Overview of Single Ring Infiltrometer, Heavy Duty, 12 x 20in
A double ring infiltrometer is a sophisticated device designed to measure the infiltration rate of water into soil or other porous media. It consists of two concentric rings: an ring and an outer ring. These rings are driven into the soil to a specific depth, with the ring being used to measure the infiltration rate while the outer ring helps control the water flow and minimize lateral movement. This method is widely used in various fields, including agriculture, hydrology, and environmental science, due to its accuracy in determining infiltration. By using a double ring infiltrometer, researchers can obtain precise data on how quickly water enters the soil, which is crucial for understanding soil health and managing water resources effectively.
Design and Construction of Double Ring Infiltrometer
A double ring infiltrometer is a complex device used to measure water infiltration into soil. It consists of two concentric rings: an inner ring and an outer ring. Both rings are made of durable materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. The inner ring is usually smaller with a diameter of 15 to 30 CM and is where the primary infiltration measurement is taken. The outer ring is larger with a diameter of 30 to 60 CM and controls the water flow into the inner ring to give accurate readings by reducing lateral water flow.
These rings are 20 to 30 CM tall and are driven into the soil 10 to 20 CM deep. The inner ring often has a Mariotte siphon, a device that maintains constant head pressure of water during the infiltration test. The siphon connects the inner ring to a water reservoir and has a valve to control water flow. The outer ring has a valve to control water flow to ensure the test site is saturated and the infiltration rate is measured accurately.
Operating Principle of the Single Ring Infiltrometer
The operating principle of a double ring infiltrometer is based on the concept of infiltration, the process of water entering the soil. During an infiltration test a constant head of water is maintained in the inner ring with a Mariotte siphon. This gives a steady water level so the infiltration rate can be measured precisely as the water seeps into the soil.
The outer ring controls the water flow into the inner ring and prevents lateral water movement into the surrounding soil. The outer ring is typically filled with water 10 to 20 CM deep and this water level is maintained above the soil surface. By measuring the decrease in water level in the inner ring over time the infiltration rate can be measured and data on soil conditions and hydraulic conductivity can be obtained.
Measuring Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity
Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is a critical parameter in soil analysis, representing the ease with which water can flow through the soil. The double ring infiltrometer is an effective tool for measuring Ks. By maintaing constant head pressure of water to the inner ring and measuring the infiltration rate, researchers can calculate Ks using the following equation:
[ Ks = \frac{Q}{A} \times \frac{L}{h} ]
where ( Q ) is the infiltration rate, ( A ) is the cross-sectional area of the inner ring, ( h ) is the hydraulic head, and ( L ) is the length of the inner ring.
To ensure accurate measurements, it is essential to site the infiltrometer properly, considering factors such as conditions, slope, and vegetation. The inner ring should be driven into the soil to a depth of at least 30 cm to minimize the effects of surface roughness and macropores. Proper installation and measurement procedures are crucial for obtaining reliable data on saturated hydraulic conductivity, which can inform decisions on irrigation management, drainage design, and soil conservation practices.
Double Ring Infiltrometer Specifications
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Infiltration ring is 12 Inch Diameter (30 CM)
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Overall height 20 inches (50 CM)
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Weight 35 lbs (15.6 kg)
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Rust resistant galvanized steel is 11 Gauge (1/8 inch thick .125 inch thick)
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Inside welded steel brace for easy removal from test area
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1/4 inch steel reinforcing band on top edge
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Ring comes with brass port 7 inches above base for IN12-W Mariotte Tubes
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Optional entire ring comes fully assembled and ready to use out of the box
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Made in USA
Applications
Ring infiltrometers are used in many fields to measure water infiltration into soil. Some of the applications are:
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Soil Analysis: Infiltration rates are key parameters in soil analysis to determine soil health and suitability for different uses.
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Hydrology: Understanding water movement in soil is important for hydrological studies and ring infiltrometers give precise data for these studies.
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Agriculture: Measuring infiltration is critical for irrigation management and optimizing crop growth.
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Environmental Monitoring: Measuring infiltration helps in assessing pollutant movement in soil for environmental protection and remediation.
Ring infiltrometers provide data on conditions for informed decision making in these many fields.
Advantages
Double ring infiltrometers have advantages over other methods of measuring infiltration:
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High Accuracy: These can measure infiltration to ±5-10%
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Low Cost: Compared to other expensive methods ring infiltrometers are relatively cheap.
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Easy to Use: They are simple to set up and use, no training required.
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Portable: Double ring infiltrometers are portable, easy to move and use at different locations.
These benefits make ring infiltrometers a popular choice for many professionals in soil analysis, hydrology, agriculture and environmental monitoring.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
To get accurate and reliable results regular maintenance of ring infiltrometers is necessary. Here are some maintenance and troubleshooting tasks:
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Cleaning: Clean the rings and valves regularly to prevent clogging and ensure accurate measurements.
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Calibration: Calibrate the Mariotte siphon periodically to maintain accuracy.
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Leak Detection: Check the rings and valves for leaks, these can affect the accuracy of the measurements.
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Troubleshooting: If the device is not working properly check for blockages or leaks in the valves, rings and Mariotte siphon.
By following these maintenance practices, users can ensure their double ring infiltrometers provide reliable and precise data for their infiltration tests.
Conclusion
The double ring infiltrometer is a reliable and widely used method for measuring infiltration and saturated hydraulic conductivity in various fields. By following proper installation and measurement procedures, researchers and practitioners can obtain accurate and reliable data on soil infiltration rates and hydraulic conductivity. This information is invaluable for making informed decisions on irrigation management, drainage design, and soil conservation practices, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and efficient use of water resources. The double ring infiltrometer’s ability to provide precise data on soil makes it an essential tool for professionals in agriculture, hydrology, and environmental science.