The Model 615 Drive-Point Piezometer is designed as an affordable method to monitor shallow groundwater and soil vapor in suitable conditions.
The Drive-Points attach to inexpensive 3/4” (20 mm) NPT steel drive pipe which is widely available through local plumbing and hardware stores.
Solinst Drive-Point Piezometers are most often installed as permanent well points. They can also be used for short term monitoring applications.
High quality samples can be obtained if polyethylene or Teflon® lined tubing is attached to the stainless steel drive point. Groundwater sampling and hydraulic head measurements can be taken within the tubing using small diameter equipment, as described overleaf.
Solinst Drive-Point Piezometers can be driven into the ground with any direct push or drilling technology, including the Manual Slide Hammer shown at right. To avoid clogging or smearing of the screen during installation, a shielded version is also available.
Applications
Groundwater sampling, including VOCs
Water level monitoring
Base flow monitoring in stream beds
Contaminant plume delineations
Soil gas sampling
UST monitoring
Low cost and minimal disturbance site assessment
Sparge points
High Quality Samples
The Model 615 Piezometer has a stainless steel, 50 mesh cylindrical filter-screen, within a 3/4” (20 mm) stainless steel drive-point body, screen support and a barbed fitting for attachment of sample tubing. Optional heavy-duty extension couplings are also available to create a strengthened and more rugged piezometer.
The inner barbed fitting allows connection of 5/8” OD x 1/2” ID (16 mm x 12 mm) LDPE or Teflon sample tubing. This prevents sample water from contacting the steel extension rods, and maintains high sample integrity, even when inexpensive carbon steel extensions are used.
Ideal for soil vapor sampling. Where an air-tight connection is most desirable, the compression fitting option allows users to attach 1/4” (6 mm) sample tubing directly to the top of the screened portion of the drive-point.
The 615 S shielded drive-point has a single use, 1-1/2” (38 mm) dia. shield to avoid smearing and plugging of the screen during installation. The strengthened connector at the top of the drive-point acts as an annular seal, which avoids contamination from higher levels in the hole.
The 615 N, designed without a tubing barb, is to be used for water level measurements. This saves money and provides better access for Water Level Meters.
Sampling Within Narrow Diameters
Direct push sampling has quickly become a popular way to obtain groundwater samples. However, sampling within drivepoints requires a narrow diameter sampler. Solinst offers several options for this specific sampling application.
Peristaltic Pump, Model 410
The Peristaltic Pump uses the suction lift principle. Suitable for 1/4” (6 mm) ID or larger diameters. The Peristaltic Pump provides a regulated and steady flow. It works effectively up to 33 ft. (10 m) at sea level.
Inertial Pump, Model 404
The Inertial Pump is a check valve and tubing, which is raised and lowered to lift a sample. The SS10 foot valve suits wells as narrow as 1/2” (12 mm) ID and works to depths of 74 ft. (25 m).
Miniature Point Source Bailer, Model 429
The 1/2” (12 mm) dia. stainless steel bailer works very well in the 615N. The bottom emptying device permits a regulated, steady flow.
Hydraulic Head
Water levels can be measured in any of the drive-points described, using a Solinst Model 102, or the Narrow Tape Solinst Model 101 or 101M Water Level Meter for the most accurate hydraulic head measurements.
Manual Slide Hammer
For the most inexpensive wellpoint installations, the Manual Slide Hammer can be used to install the Solinst Drive- Point Piezometers. The 25lb (11Kg) slide hammer and all other equipment can easily be transported in a car or truck to most sites. A heavy duty drive head is used, on which the slide hammer impacts, and a tubing by-pass ensures that the tubing does not get damaged during installation.
Couplings
Heavy duty couplings are available for the Model 615 Drive-Point Piezometers. The reinforced shoulder gives added support to the pipe threads, to withstand driving stresses and to give more accurate alignment. The maximum OD is 1.5” (38 mm).
Depth Limitations
Drive-point piezometers are not suitable for all sites. The depth limitations vary, especially with soil conditions and the drive method used.
Model 601 Standpipe Piezometer
The Model 601 Standpipe Piezometer, is the least expensive of the piezometer line, and is designed to be placed within an open hole. The pointed PVC tip is suitable for pushing into very loose sands at the base of a borehole, or for backfilling in place within test pits.
The piezometer uses a porous plastic filter set inside a perforated PVC body. It connects to the surface with 3/4” ID PVC riser pipe connected with slip couplings. The piezometer tips come in a variety of lengths.
