Topicalities 35Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment, october 2009

Soil The penetrologger commands respect!

Percussion drilling equipment with

RD32 connection

Equipment for soil mechanical measurements

Eijkelkamp new NSP board member

Product news

Number of training courses Eijkelkamp

Training & Consultancy increasing!

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KIWA and ETU quality marks online

Eijkelkamp joins iSOIL

Diver news: e-SENSE monitoring well modem

Trade fair news

Photo: www.photoeverywhere.co.uk

“We use the penetrologger to determine the accessibility of a construction pit. You want to prevent cranes from falling over at any cost. And it can happen if a site is not sufficiently accessible. The penetrologger is a unique instrument that yields extremely reliable data.”

“It is simply a fantastic device with a probing rod on it that tells you precisely what you want to know when you press it into the ground. Our experience is that you can bargain quite a lot on the basis of the data you get from the penetrologger. You have actual data to demonstrate that the load-bearing capacity of the site is inadequate. Lately more and more contractors have called us themselves to ask whether we can come along to “prick’ their sites with the penetrologger. They too can see how useful it is, and they take the initiative and approach us.”

“Incidentally, the GPS function on the penetrologger is wonderful. We have installed Google Earth on our computer and you only have to enter the degrees of longitude and latitude and you fly, as it were, to that point on the globe. It is very useful because the photograph often

shows precisely what used to be on the site of the construction pits you have just measured. If, for example, there was a building on the site you know that there were foundations there and that the construction has been excavated in loosened ground and you can adjust your recommendations accordingly.”

“We have now purchased the soil moisture sensor that is used with the penetrologger as well. Since we can now determine the moisture content accurately we can also advise a contractor to drain the land, if necessary, to improve the resistance. Afterwards we can check whether the drainage has actually had the required effect.”

“Ultimately it is always better to invest in a safe, sound construction pit. If something goes wrong during the building process, you are much worse off. That can cost the contractor a fortune. By using the penetrologger in the preparatory phase you prevent problems later. The data obtained means that you are sure of your ground if, for example, you are inspected by the Health and Safety Inspectorate or when making recommendations to contractors. The penetrologger commands respect!”

The penetrologger commands respect!

Vroom Funderingstechnieken B.V. provides every type of foundation and, if required, the connecting concrete work, up to and including the ground floor level. However, before work on the foundations can be started, the building site has to be sufficiently accessible for both man and machine. The penetration resistance is an important indicator in this respect.

For many years Vroom has been using the Eijkelkamp penetrologger, to its full satisfaction, to determine the accessibility of building sites and make predications concerning the future development of this accessibility. Vroom also makes recommendations on the measures required to improve the stability and load bearing capacity of the sites in question. We talked about using the penetrologger with two Vroom staff members, Jerry Mast (manager) and Berry Oortwijn (instructor).

Vroom Funderingstechnieken speaking

Percussion gouge equipment is often used for drilling in hard soils. A percussion gouge is equipped with a hardened cutting shoe and is driven into the ground with a percussion hammer. It is able to penetrate through layers of rubble and stone and can, therefore, also be used on rubbish dumps and in urban areas. Percussion gouges are used to drill boreholes for a range of applications including surveys of soil contamination, particle size distribution, general soil classification and soil profile descriptions.

Driving the percussion gouge into the ground step by step facilitates the insertion and withdrawal of the gouges and minimises contamination. Samples taken using a percussion gouge are cut with the least possible disturbance and, because this is a rapid, simple way of taking samples, a dense sampling pattern can be achieved in a relatively short period of time. Percussion gouges can be used both above and below the groundwater table. Percussion drilling can also be used as pre-drill when doing hand-operated bailer borings in stony soil layers.

Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment’s percussion gouges are very strong due to the materials selected, production method (special welding techniques and hardening) and singular design.

Thanks to the latter, the force of the impact of the hammer is efficiently passed on to the percussion gouge, resulting in a higher drilling speed. Furthermore, the percussion gouges are easy to empty and clean.

RD32 connectionThe features that make Eijkelkamp’s equipment so unique are the RD32 connections used between the various extension rods. RD32 connections (RD stands for the Dutch “Ronde Draad’ or round thread in English) were opted for because they function extremely well in harder, dryer soils too. The extension rods are connected to one another by means of coupling sleeves. This means that the solid extension rods are the same diameter along the whole length, which is a real advantage as it makes them very strong.

Eijkelkamp’s percussion gouge equipment unique because of RD32 connection

The right percussion gouges for any particular job are selected according to the soil type, drilling depth and the required quantity of sample. Various types of percussion gouge sets with RD32 connections are available from Eijkelkamp:

04.19.SC Percussion gouge set for heterogeneous soils with petrol-driven percussion hammer, Cobra TTThe standard set is equipped for bore holes of up to 5 metres in depth.

04.19.SD Percussion gouge set for heterogeneous soils with light electrical percussion hammer (HM 1400)04.19.SE Percussion gouge set for heterogeneous soils with heavy electrical percussion hammer (HM 1800)In these sets, an electrical percussion hammer, with a force of impact of 33.7 and 36.4 Joule respectively, drives in the percussion gouges. The advantages of an electrical percussion hammer are that there are no petrol fumes or exhaust gases directly above the sample.

Equipment for soil mechanical measurements

04.10 Soil corer, on-site, for soils with volatile componentsA new device recently added to Eijkelkamp’s range is a compact, multifunctional corer for taking soil samples (possibly containing volatiles). The 16-ml (about 25 g) soil samples are cut from above the ground surface. They can then be packed so that they are protected from sorption (without synthetic materials), leakage and diffusion, and are then refrigerated or frozen. Analysis subsequently takes place within 48 hours or two weeks.

The methanol conservation method can also be used. An ejector presses the sample directly into methanol. The soil corer can be hammered into stony soil samples without problems. The stainless steel sample tubes do not wear and can (after cleaning) travel endlessly back and forth between laboratory and field.

P r o d u c t N e w s

In close cooperation with the Institute for plant nutrition and soil science at the Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel, Germany, Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment has developed a number of instruments that can be used for soil mechanical measurements.

Because soil compaction has recently become such a hot item again, Eijkelkamp decided to develop a series of instruments for measuring various parameters that are of direct importance for soil tillage. Existing equipment developed by the university in the past was used as a basis for the development of new instruments. The equipment was designed purely for use in a laboratory. The series of products developed is unique because, besides soil compaction and shearing, soil suction can also be measured at the same time. Soil suction (measured with a tensiometer) affects the compaction and shearing of the soil and must therefore also be taken into account.

All technical and durability tests were carried out at the university in Kiel and measured values were compared with standard equipment in the laboratory. Ways of processing the data and interpreting the values were also determined in consultation with the university. The methods to be followed meet all the requirements laid down by Professor Horn, a well-established expert in this field.

08.65 Air permeameter with four air flow meters for laboratory measurementsMethod with decreasing pressure head difference. Laboratory device suitable for soil samples.• Sample diameter 100 mm• Sample height 30 mm

08.66 Shear strength meter (for surface tests)Suitable for soil samples• Sample diameter 100 mm• Sample height 30 mm

Eijkelkamp new Netherlands Soil Partnership board memberAs of June 2009, Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment has become a member of the board of the Netherlands Soil Partnership (NSP). Jos van Zuilen, Managing Director of Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment, will represent Eijkelkamp in the NSP board. Incidentally, Eijkelkamp has been affiliated with the NSP, as a participant, since it was founded in 2007.

The Netherlands Soil Partnership (NSP) is a network organisation of companies, knowledge institutes and the Dutch government that focuses on public-private cooperation for international enterprises in the field of function-specific soil management and area development. The participants want to share the experience they have built up during recent decades in the fields of development and tackling these issues. The propagation of the Dutch approach towards setting up a good environmental policy and the marketing of Dutch knowledge are key elements here.

More information: www.nsp-soil.nl

A product that also fits in perfectly with this series, but was not developed in consultation with the Christian-Albrechts-University, is the sand box for pF determination:

08.01 Sand box for pF determination (pF 0 - 2.0)The undisturbed soil samples are taken in sample rings. • Sample diameter 50 or 56 mm (100 cc)

More information about the Christian-Albrechts-University (CAU) in Kiel, Germany, is available at www.uni-kiel.de.

Developed in close cooperation with the Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel, Germany

08.67 Compression device For simultaneous soil compression tests and measurement of soil suction (with a tensiometer) in soil samples.• Sample diameter 100 mm• Sample height 30 mm

08.68 Shear strength meter (complex) For the simultaneous measurement of the shear strength (resistance to shearing strain) of soil under compression and the soil suction (with a tensiometer) in soil samples.• Sample diameter 100 mm• Sample height 30 mm• Software for configuration, calibration and readouts of the instrument

is included

09.03 Hauben water permeameterFor saturated water permeability measurements. Methods with decreasing pressure head difference. Laboratory device suitable for soil samples.• Diameter of sample rings 50, 56 or 100 mm

08.01

As you are probably already aware, we regularly send interesting e-mails to groups of business contacts to inform them of new developments, to announce trade fairs or to bring new products to their attention.

However, as of 1 October 2009, a new telecommunications law will go into force in the Netherlands stipulating that we may no longer send you digital information without your prior permission.

We therefore kindly request that you give us your permission to send you our e-mails by going to our homepage www.eijkelkamp.com and clicking on “YES, I would like to receive information digitally” and sending us your details. Thanking you in anticipation for your cooperation!

You can, of course, have your name removed from the list whenever you want.

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The Latin-American Soil Convention, Congreso Latinoamericano de la Ciencia del Suelo, will be taking place again this year. It will be held on 16 to 20 November 2009 and this time the venue is San José in Costa Rica. Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment will once more be present at this trade fair, as it was two years ago in Mexico. Lapaca, the Eijkelkamp distributor for Costa Rica, has been helping us with the preparations for the convention. For more information about the convention (in the Spanish language) see: www.clacs2009.com.

A workshop/seminar on “Environmental soil and groundwater research” will be organised in San José in the two days prior to the convention. This event will focus on the theory behind the sound sampling of soil

and groundwater. Standards, the interpretation of measuring data and risk analyses are a few of the topics that will be handled. In addition, a large number of instruments will be demonstrated practically. For the complete programme of the event, see: www.eijkelkamp.com/portals/2/eijkelkamp/programme%20workshop.pdf

Number of training courses offered by Eijkelkamp Training & Consultancy increasing all the time!

As a result of new cooperation with reputable instructors and organisations we have added no less than six new courses to our training programme this year:

• Basic hydrology training• Infiltration and permeability measurements• Land surveying and levelling• Basic Geographic Information System (GIS) training• Soil as a growth medium for trees• QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety and Environment) coordinator

We will, of course, continue to provide the old familiar courses such as “Soil classification” and “Sampling for environmental soil research” in addition to the above.

All of our training courses and workshops can be given on your premises. If you would like a copy of the training programme (this is only available in the Dutch language) by post or e-mail, please call Eijkelkamp Training & Consultancy on telephone number +31 (0)313 880 262 or e-mail etc@eijkelkamp.com.

Trade fair news: Latin-American Soil Convention, Costa Rica

Training, courses and workshops are normally given in the Dutch language. If you do not speak Dutch but are still interested in the possibilities, please call us!

99.08 Aluminium soil sample boxes

KIWA and ETU quality marks on eijkelkamp.comLately it has been possible to view the KIWA certificates and ETU quality marks relating to our products in the field of environmental groundwater research on our website. An explanation of precisely what these quality marks entail is also given and one can download assessment guidelines and laboratory analyses. For the time being, the information is only available in the English and Dutch languages. The page can be found at www.eijkelkamp.com in the section “About Eijkelkamp” “Awards & Certificates”.

Eijkelkamp joins FP7 Collaborative Project iSOIL

The simplest method for determining soil moisture uses a soil core sampler for taking uniform samples that are subsequently dried in a laboratory at 105 ˚C for 24 hours. The moisture content can be calculated from the weight loss. This is known as the “gravimetric’ determination and it is used as a calibration method for all the more advanced equipment, such as the Time Domain Reflectance method.

Good-quality soil sample boxes form an important part of this reference method. They must be resistant to heating (105 ˚C and dishwasher), have a constant empty weight and be sealable. For sixty years, Eijkelkamp has been supplying the ideal boxes for this determination; they are made of aluminium and can be punched with numbers, if required.

P r o d u c t N e w s

The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) bundles all research-related EU initiatives together under a common roof playing a crucial role in reaching the goals of growth, competitiveness and employment. iSOIL stands for interactions between soil related sciences - Linking geophysics, soil science and digital soil mapping.

As formulated in the Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection prepared by the European Commission soil degradation is a serious problem in Europe. The degradation is driven or exacerbated by human activity and has a direct impact on water and air quality, biodiversity, climate and human life-quality.

The focus of the iSOIL project is on improving fast and reliable mapping of soil properties, soil functions and soil degradation threats. This requires the improvement as well as integration of geophysical and spectroscopic measurement techniques in combination with advanced soil sampling approaches, pedometrical and pedophysical approaches.

An important aspect of the project is the sustainable dissemination of the technologies and concepts developed. For this reason guidelines will be written and published. Furthermore, the results will be implemented in national and European soil databases. The present state of technologies and future perspectives will also be transferred to authorities, providers of technologies (SME’s such as Eijkelkamp B.V.) and end users through workshops at regional level, international conferences and publications throughout the duration of the project. www.isoil.info

Aluminium soil sample boxes are available in 3 sizes:

Ø 51,4 x 22 mm, 45 cc; Ø 58,4 x 45 mm, 120 cc; Ø 78,4 x 42 mm, 200 cc.

© 2009 - Geijkt Nieuws is published by Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment.Nijverheidsstraat 30, 6987 EM Giesbeek, The Netherlands

Editor: Carine JansenDesign: Giesbers Concept en CreatiePrinter: LK Mediasupport

T +31 313 88 02 00 F +31 313 88 02 99 E info@eijkelkamp.comI www.eijkelkamp.com

Editorial address: Eijkelkamp Agrisearch EquipmentP.O. Box 4, 6987 ZG Giesbeek,The Netherlands

C o l o p h o n

Diver news: Groundwater data directly from the monitoring well to your PCNow possible thanks to new e-SENSE monitoring well modem!

Remote readouts and adjustment with e-SENSEThe e-SENSE® telemetry system enables you to do much more with the data collected by Divers than just taking measurements. It enables two-way communication between the measuring equipment in the field and the central computer system, which can, for example, subsequently be used for intranet or web applications. The measurement or alarm signal is sent from the sensor to a database on your own PC (e-SENSE direct), but the settings of the sensors in the field can also easily be adjusted from a work station without the operator having to go to the field site.

There are two types of modems available for e-SENSE applications:

There are various ways to read Schlumberger Water Services’ Diver® groundwater dataloggers. The newest method entails the use of the e-SENSE monitoring well modem that has only been on the market for a little while. Of course, we will go through the points of the other Diver readout options once again for you too:

Reading results with Diver-NETZDiver-NETZ is a groundwater monitoring system that enables the wireless collection and recording of data in the field at a distance of up to 150 m on a handheld computer or PDA, after which they can be processed at the office.

Reading results and making adjustments with e+ CONTROLThe e+ CONTROL is a handy, robust field instrument for the setting and reading of e+ sensors and Divers. It is a splash-proof device that can communicate by cable with the e+ sensors or wirelessly by means of IrDA.

Reading results with the aid of a DDC cable and Diver-Mate IIIThe Diver can be connected to the top of the bore hole using a Diver Data Cable. This makes it possible to read the data in the Diver’s memory without having to extract the Diver from the hole. The DiverMate is a simple storage device that can be connected directly onto DDC cables. This saves costs and laptops no longer have to be taken into the field. The Diver-Mate III can be connected to the PC using a USB cable, and the data can subsequently be read in Diver-Office.

Reading results manually with the aid of a readout unitIf the Diver is installed in a monitoring well using a standard cable made from stainless steel or vectran, the Diver will have to be removed from the bore hole in order to read the data on it. The Diver is then connected to the computer with a special readout unit.

e-SENSE monitoring well modem (NEW)• Fits in a monitoring well• Available with 2 ports• Low energy requirements• Data redundancy (sends overlapping data)• Remote service (world wide solution)• Can be installed above and below ground level• Invisible, underground finish• Low investments for entire package• Extensible aerial for greater reach• Internal compensation possible

e-SENSE field modem• Available with 8 ports• Highly suitable for use with

e+ sensors• Can be installed above and below

ground level using the housing• Low energy requirements• Vandal-proof

Ask for our revised brochure on Diver and e-SENSE entitled “Monitoring and communication solutions for groundwater”, which is now available in no less than ten

languages*! *Dutch, German, English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Turkish, Serbian, Romanian and Russian